As soon as everyone finally returned to their mansion in the Duchy of Vorah, Strax led Apocalypse to the stable at the back of the house, just to brush her coat and give her some sugar cubes and carrots—something he hadn't had much time to do.
His faithful mare, Apocalypse, who had always been an imposing and loyal companion, seemed even more powerful and majestic than before.
Her stature was even more regal, and there was a different energy emanating from her, as if she had undergone some kind of transformation.
"Huh?" Strax blinked, surprised. He squinted at the mare. "You... leveled up?"
Apocalypse whinnied emphatically, as if to confirm his question, and stomped her hoof firmly on the ground, her posture exuding pride. The others in the group also noticed the change, with Samira raising an eyebrow in surprise.
"I knew she was special, but this... is new, a horse... cultivating?" Yennifer commented, tilting her head as she studied the mare.
Strax, scratching his head, tried to understand what was happening. "Hey, hey, calm down, okay?" He raised his hands in a gesture of peace while Apocalypse stared at him intently. "I didn't abandon anyone; I just... don't notice these things much. You know how it is." He looked at her somewhat guilty, almost as if he were speaking to an old friend who felt slighted.
Apocalypse shook her head and whinnied again, this time with a note of reproach, stomping her hoof on the ground once more.
"Don't look at me like that!" Strax said, trying to defend himself. "Seriously! I have a lot going on... I almost died, you know? Cut me some slack, will you?"
Samira chuckled softly at the interaction, crossing her arms. "Looks like even your mount is holding you accountable, Strax. Do you think you need to pay more attention to your surroundings?"
"Oh great, another one for the complaint list," he grumbled, giving the mare a light pat on the neck. "You're amazing, Apocalypse. I promise I'll give you more attention from now on, okay?"
Apocalypse snorted, but her gaze seemed to soften a little, as if accepting Strax's promise. She then shook her head, her black mane flowing in the wind, and positioned herself beside him, ready to move forward.
"Now we're all in the same boat... or rather, on the same road," Strax remarked, laughing at his own joke as he prepared to continue.
Cristine, watching the interaction, shook her head with a small smile. "I never imagined I'd see someone arguing with a mare as if she were a person."
Yennifer shrugged. "Well, considering everything we've seen, this isn't even the strangest thing."
Strax chuckled lightly at the observation while finishing brushing Apocalypse, handing her the sugar cubes and carrots he had brought. "Yeah, we've definitely experienced stranger things," he murmured, stroking the mare's neck before stepping back. "Rest well, girl. We'll need you soon."
"But the spy is dead."
Diana grabbed the pouch and quickly began to flip through the papers, checking if everything was there. Her eyes sparkled with satisfaction when she realized that the information was complete. "This is a great victory. The spy was becoming a serious threat... but you managed to resolve it all." She looked at him with a mixture of relief and pride. "You know what this means, right?"
Strax smiled slightly, crossing his arms. "Yeah, yeah. More work for me, I guess."
Diana laughed, but there was a seriousness in her expression. "No... okay, maybe. But for now, let's celebrate this victory. You did well, 'son.' And now, with that spy out of the way, we can focus on ensuring Vorah's security is reinforced."
Diana closed the pouch, and as she looked at Strax, her tone became softer. "You really outdid yourself this time, Strax. I always knew you had enormous potential." She stepped closer to him, leaning slightly forward as if sharing a secret. "It's good to see you becoming the man I knew you could be." She whispered in his ear.
"Oh... so now you want to give me some moral support in..." Strax murmured, chuckling inwardly.
"You know this is a great responsibility, right? Becoming the man you always wanted me to be." He replied, trying to keep a light tone, but curiosity pushed him to joke about the situation. "Do you want me to start calling you 'inspiring stepmother' now?"
Diana laughed, but there was a teasing glint in her eyes. "If that means you keep striving, I'd even accept that title." She leaned in a bit closer, making the atmosphere around them charged with electricity. "But, Strax, this is more than just a formality. I really see something special in you."
"Oh, yes, of course," he responded, raising an eyebrow as he teased her. "And what do you really see? A prosperous future for the Duchy? You know I have no interest in that, right?"
She moved even closer, almost as if she wanted to capture his attention in a more direct way. "I see a man who can change the fate of this Duchy. And, perhaps... a man who could learn to seize some of the opportunities life has to offer." Her gaze was deep, almost challenging.
Strax didn't flinch. "Learn to seize opportunities? I am the master of opportunities, Diana. But who knows, maybe I need a tutor? Someone to guide me." He leaned back against the table, the mischievous grin never leaving his face.
Diana crossed her arms, but the expression on her face was one of amusement and surprise. "And who do you have in mind as your ideal tutor?" She asked, leaning a bit to the side, as if curious about his answer.
"Well, you seem to be the best candidate." He said, holding her gaze. "You're smart, experienced, and apparently an excellent mentor. Who better than you to teach me how to navigate the pitfalls of life and relationships?"
Diana laughed again, but there was an underlying seriousness. "You're clever, Strax. That can be dangerous." Her tone was almost a warning, but the light in her eyes showed she was enjoying it.
"Dangerous is my middle name." He replied, winking at her. "But cut the crap; I don't have time for your childish games, dear Stepmother," Strax said, completely breaking the atmosphere that Diana had wanted to create.
"For a beautiful woman like you, you're terrible at seducing men. That's why you married without love. You're really bad, you know? Want me to teach you how to seduce someone?" He smiled as he moved closer to her, "Or are you scared?"