While Rika was in the bathroom to freshen herself up, Zell leaned back on the black sofa and basked in the comforting sensation, his mind no longer dominated by the aphrodisiac of the fairy dust of Elizé.
He closed his eyes, thinking of his plans for the next few days, training his metalmancy and making enough of the masks for all the girls in Cynthia's guild.
When he showed them the prototype, some of them began to ask for extra things like initials or a small message from Zell himself to each one,
The colour of the gemstone in the forehead differed for each squad, so the heavy knights would have an aquamarine, the assault knights an emerald and the light knights who were mages or clerics to have a topaz gem.
'I'll make Cynthia's a ruby; she's special, and I know she liked the red nuts and berries back in her previous life...'
He knew it was stupid, she might not even remember, but for him, it was a fond memory.
Clack! The door opened as a pretty maid with back hair and Asian feature entered the room; her eyes looked towards Zell for a moment, then trailed off, bowing deeply.
"Dear guest, the mistress has announced that dinner is about to be served, and I shall guide you to the dining room; Miss Rika and Lady Tessa have already been sent a guide, and I hope you will follow me."
Zell looked at the girl, who seemed to be around 28 at most, her curly black hair swaying as she moved with elegant actions, in return Zell began nodding his head, slowly pulling himself off the sofa as the warmth and pleasant feeling began to fade like a dream after waking.
'Let's go; I wonder how fancy the dining room will be.'
"No problem."
"Thank you, Lord Delacroix."
The maids would refer to females by their first names; however, with men, they were always taught to show a sense of distance; to avoid any harm coming to the females who led the family.
Most maids were unaware that the females who lived here were powerful. It was an ongoing test of their character, from the new maids of a year's training to the old professionals with more than 20 years.
He followed the maid, studying the mansion's dark but wonderous decor; walking slowly with elegant and measured steps, the maid guided him well, the corridor towards the dining room linked to several other rooms and passages like a maze; it was a long corridor then a right turn until he saw two massive black doors.
"We are here, Lord Delacroix; please, after you." The maid uttered as she opened the door for him, revealing a warmly lit room.
He stepped inside with long strides, no longer keeping the maid's pace.
'Wow, it's amazing!' He thought, amazed by how tasteful yet luxurious it was.
He looked around the dining room, a study in tasteful elegance. The Gothic architecture continued inside, with high ceilings and stained glass windows that filtered the light into the space.
A large black table dominated the room with four seats on either side and one at the head seat, where the mansion's owner would preside. Zell walked closer to find the table was made of polished black wood and was surrounded by high-backed chairs upholstered in rich, dark fabric.
The place settings were impeccable, with shining silverware, crystal goblets, and porcelain plates. The napkins were folded into intricate shapes, adding a touch of artistry to the table.
'Why does it not feel like the fairy kitchen in that small world, and rather, this is what a demon's kitchen and mansion would be like? Is this Evelyn's way to always be reminded of Baal? Maybe I'll ask one day when we're closer.' Zell thought, giving a polite nod and bow to Evelyn, who sat in the head's chair before, giving the same to Elizé, who smiled at him gently; her cheeks slightly flushed.
Zell was guided to a seat across from Elizé; she was one place diagonally to his left, with Rika sitting quietly as she fidgeted to his left, her cute golden eyes looking to him for help.
'Master, it's too fancy! I am happy with your fried meat and tasty boiled carrots!' Rika didn't want to make her master lose character and respect, so she didn't even think to speak out; even forgetting their special rings that could communicate through the mind, just clutching her own hands with slight tears in her eyes, scared at all the different forks and other cutlery.
Zell gave a wry smile before sitting down with the help of the male attendant; he began to look around the room and enjoyed its atmosphere.
The room was decorated with paintings of landscapes and seascapes, lending a sense of tranquillity to the space. Ornate candle sconces adorned the walls casting a warm and inviting glow over the room. While the floor was made of polished wood, adding to the overall sense of refinement.
A large cabinet filled with fine china and crystal was in one corner of the room. The mansion's owner greatly appreciated fine dining and entertaining guests; a special light lit the cabinet from within, lighting the delicate items with a soft light.
Overall, the dining room was a refined, elegant place where guests could gather to enjoy fine food and conversation.
Zell found the attention to detail and the quality of the furnishings and decor amazing; he believed it was clear that Evelyn had impeccable taste and an appreciation for the finer things in life.
'Well, she is really old...' When he thought this, a strange pressure from Elizé and Evelyn began to push on his shoulders, almost cracking his bones.
They couldn't hear his thoughts, but many people looked at Evelyn with that look; fairies had a keen sense for people's thoughts, and this caused them to pout, not wanting this young man to think of them as old; but peachy, cute young women.
The pressure vanished as they both gave a huff and smiled from seeing his deflated look, forced to use all his power to prop his upper body using the table.
'Silly boy; this maiden is forever 18!'
'Oh my, I have to punish you, dear~ I am still 21 and have the identification to prove it!'
The two women began to think with evil smiles.
Zell relaxed, ignoring the women's strange pressure, only to wonder where the family's males were, from the father of Tessa to even her grandfather. He met old man Baal, so he knew they didn't kill and eat their other partners or was there some dark lore to fairies that he didn't know? Maybe they sucked their life force just like a succubus? He couldn't ruin the dinner and would ask Baal the next time they met.
'Men are better to ask these things; otherwise, I might be skinned alive by these women!'
Clang! Thud!
The main door was slammed open, and a moment later, a goddess walked in with her beautiful silver hair; tied in a high ponytail, two long bangs curled like little drills, and soft pink lipstick on her plump lips, which parted and formed a huge smile the moment she saw Zell.
Tessa darted forward, her steps elegant as she used her combat technique to float and flutter towards the table, causing her pretty dress to flounder and dance along with her body, a dark red dress which made her seem more sinister but sexy.
"Zell! I missed you so much~ come let me kiss you, hehe!"
She hopped forward, her soft pink lips pressing against his with a soft sensation, squishing against him as her delicate hands grabbed either side of his face,
Zell touched her cheek and gently pushed her away, "Lady Tessa, I am surprised to see you here; why do you suddenly desire to see me?" He spoke with a slight theatrical voice, using the maid's address of her before his lips formed a sly smile.
"What? Did you not miss me as much as I did you?!" She replied with her usual enthusiasm, her tone playful and teasing.
Zell took a closer look; her body was flawless; her skin was smooth and pale, with pink lips that were plumper than usual.
Her long silver hair fell over her shoulders, framing her face, and her eyes were bright and vivid. He could no longer focus as her pretty face grew larger as she puckered her lips and moved in for another kiss, her soft breasts squished against his chest, her sweet perfume filling his nostrils, making his heart beat faster and harder.
Her hands moved to his face as her lips pressed against his, her tongue sliding between and touching his lips, tasting her sweetness on him.
Zell pulled her close, kissing her back as he felt her soft breasts press against his arms, holding on as she moaned softly in pleasure, letting the sweet scent of her perfume filled his nose.
As he kissed her, his hands squeezed her thighs, pulling her closer and rubbing the soft skin under her skirt, feeling how firm her hips were; she was wearing a tight leather outfit that clung to her curves and brought out the shape of her feminine form. Tessa's fingers ran through his hair, twirling it, enjoying the sensation of his lips and tongue moving against hers.
"Ahem! Stop, Stop! I say you damn horny kids!" Evelyn shouted with her cute, bell-like voice, causing the pair to part slightly embarrassed as Elizé pulled Tessa over, sitting her to Zell's opposite right, although she wanted to be sat beside him and began to point at this.
Bang!
Once again, the door opened, followed by the entrance of someone with little grace. It seemed several maids tried to stop her as a rough but attractive voice sounded, causing Zell to feel excited.
"D-damn~ those perverted bastards. Please, bring your mother and daughter to the gathering~ f-fuck knows your plots! God damn, men!"
A slightly drunken Alizée entered the room; her body was wearing a sexy black dress; with a low-cut chest, and her feet wore a pair of high heels which didn't seem to suit her normal acting as small red marks showed at her heels.
"Ahn? Why is that horse cock brat here? Mother, did he finally knock up our Tessa? Hahaha! I am going to be a damn grandmother already! Damn, what a shitty day!"
Elizé looked at her messy daughter even while drunk; with her unkempt hair, she looked wonderful, with light blonde hair and dark golden eyes that could look vicious at times, then gentle and soft during others.
Her eyes looked concerned as Alizée stumbled forward; before falling onto Zell's lap, her arms wrapping around his neck; although she didn't like the kid, he was an attractive man, and she liked sex just like all the women in this family.
"Hey~ you like women; how about I give you my daughter, and you care for mommy occasionally? Hahaha~"
Alizée breathed into Zell's face, the thick scent of alcohol and cigarettes causing him to awaken from the delightful sensation of her voluptuous but trained body, remembering their sword duel the other day and her beating him with ease, but instead, he helped her onto her seat; wiped the messy lipstick off her face with a paper towel, and poured her a glass off water and forcing her to drink it.
What shocked her mother and grandmother, even Tessa, was that Alizée acted coy and let him pamper her, which made them feel their hearts throb, the cute and defenceless Alizée was so rare; they wanted her to stay this way a little longer.
'I'm worried about her, always dealing with the top levels of the Franzian government and the annoying nobles...' Elizé thought, looking at her mother and wishing she would do something about this situation.
A sudden belch came from Alizée's mouth as she leaned onto the table; causing the crystalline glass to rattle before she hammered it several times; her frustration at the day's events and then all those old men and their "sons" trying to put themselves forward as the Belmont family was widely known since the early days of the calendar history.
Alizée flopped back and leaned against Zell's arms, wrapping an arm around his shoulder as she looked up at him with her soft golden eyes; Zell swore this woman could pass as Tessa's older sister, the fair skin without blemish or marks, only the blade scar across her chest; but it was alluring and added mystery to her.
'Damn, this woman is heavy! Why is she pressing those huge tits against me; I've already had Tessa's grandmother trying to seduce me!'
'Not helping, you.' Evelyn thought with a smirk, Tessa blushed deeper redder than before, and Elizé laughed with a smug look, giving a wink to Zell.
"Oi, can't you keep your damned hands off me?! You're a married man now!" Alizée shouted at Zell, who just smirked at her.
"Yeah, I know, but you have such a perfect body; you should show her off more often." He whispered into her ear before leaning back.
Alizée slapped him lightly on his cheek before laughing loudly with a childish giggle.
"You bastard~," She said playfully.
Evelyn looked at her daughter with concern as she drank her wine, knowing that Alizée was flirting with Zell, but she wasn't sure if Zell was interested in her.
'Help! Baal~ this little runt is going to ram his huge member into all of our little girls, then make their bellies swell!' Although she was thinking such things, her lips had a wolfish grin as she sipped her wine.
The sharp taste of dark berries mixed with cranberry, tobacco and dark chocolate; just like Zell, Evelyn enjoyed various wines. Tessa already told her this, the wine given to Zell was not suited to the meat and was a little test for him later.
"Alizée~ stop being annoying and sober up, or mommy will spank you over her lap in front of this handsome young man!" Evelyn's sweet but evil voice came as a refreshing breeze blew across the table, clearing the guests' minds and heads. Zell felt especially good, the fatigue of having sex with Rika now completely gone, as he watched Alizée not completely recover; but was no longer touching his lower body under the table.
Tessa glanced at her grandmother and saw the glare she gave her and her mother; she knew this had happened many times before.
"Hmph, fine, but don't blame me when you wake up tomorrow morning and can't move!"
Alizée gulped down some water and forced herself to sit straight. "Please, mother... I am sorry; it's just those damn old men demanding we attend the global meeting next week..."
'Global meeting?' Zell thought this was something he had never heard of before; powerhouses like Evelyn never showed up in his past life; was there some reason? Or a conspiracy, maybe a traitor?
Maybe if Yanfra weren't locked away or sleeping in Zell's bed, she would tell him the truth.
'No, stupid, the demons were united and didn't have a little demon boy who interested some of the females and caused a few of the male princes to go rogue and try to kill him instead of swarming each of the powerhouses and killing them on the night of the meeting.'
"Hmmmm~ then how about we have our cute new son-in-law visit with you? Let's announce his engagement to our cute Tessa and get rid of those damn flies before I squish them all into goo?" Evelyn spoke with a scarily bleak voice, with no emotion until mentioning squishing the flies.
Elizé nodded several times with a gentle smile, nudging Tessa, who sat there in shock; sure, she liked Zell; each day, he became more important to him, but marriage? Engagement?
She was embarrassed and turned bright red, hiding her face as she thought of the images of her in a huge white dress, the handsome Zell in a black suit with a few pieces of his game armour, like the gauntlet on his left arm.
"N-no.... so embarrassing how can we... Anya and a double wedding? Ah~ matching dresses!" The slightly drunk Tessa began to lose herself in imagination as Alizée and Evelyn were talking business, Rika and Zell just leaning back and waiting for the food while taking in the important facts of their conversation.
Superpowers exist; mages and fighters existed before the game or worlds began to merge. This news caused Zell's mind to almost explode before he started to feel why couldn't they have done more.
But he stopped as this was selfish, and he needed to count on himself to do things, not put his hope and life into the hands of some stranger.
'But it sounds like I need to become stronger than these guys...' His thoughts went to the unknown world as he watched Alizée looking uncomfortable, looking back at him several times before nodding to her mother, Evelyn. It seemed that she would go with the plan of the big fairy grandmother.
"It's time to celebrate! A big party to welcome your fiancé into our home!" Elizé stood, raising her arms as if this was all planned; suddenly, the back doors to the kitchen slammed open as the mansion maids moved around the table;
They brought the tantalizing scents of the food they were preparing in the kitchen beyond the black doors. The aromas of roasted meat, fresh vegetables, and sweet desserts filled the air, making Zell's mouth water in anticipation.
He watched the maids set down plates of delicately prepared food before him. The first course was a salad of mixed greens and fresh tomatoes dressed in a light vinaigrette. Next came a rich soup with seasonal vegetables, served with freshly baked bread.
The main course was a roasted duck, the skin crispy and the meat tender and succulent. It was served with mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables, all perfectly seasoned and cooked.
A rich, full-bodied red wine accompanied the dish in delicate crystal goblets.
Finally, they brought out a decadent chocolate cake, rich and moist with layers of ganache and fresh berries for dessert. The cake was paired with a sweet dessert wine, served in small glasses.
What amazed Zell were the strange plates that the courses were placed on; a strange glass lid covered the cake while it was chilled along with the berries and other items for dessert, while the wines for each course were placed in an ice bucket beside each set of tables.
As the maids finished setting the table, Zell took in the sumptuous surroundings, savouring the luxurious atmosphere of the room. The high ceilings, ornate candle sconces, and polished wood floors all added to the sense of refinement and sophistication.
Overall, the scene was elegant and indulgent, with every detail was carefully chosen to create a sense of luxury and opulence.
"How about we enjoy the feast first? Then talk business?" Evelyn bellowed, her hand swishing her wine as she pointed to a maid who approached her with silent steps; bending forward to listen to the words of her master, a moment later, she walked to the wine trolley, choosing a red wine that seemed to suit a fish dish but poured it for Zell who was eating a meat course.
'Let's see if you can pass my mother-in-law test~ cute little Delacroix.' Evelyn thought with amusement as she brought her wine to the table, taking a sip and pointing the glass towards Zell.
Zell took the glass, taking in the scent of the wine; his face was strange. The scent and body of this wine were nice, and its grade was higher than most of those his father had saved years of money to buy, yet it was wrong.
'This wine... It's more suited for fish; such a crisp and lively taste and scent doesn't suit my roasted duck; maybe there was some mistake in choosing?'
Evelyn watched as Zell signalled to the maid before taking a sip; he then suggested switching his glass with Rika, who was about to choose her wine to suit the fish and sauteed carrots with a drooling mouth.
'Full points on the wine, even making a solution so the maid wouldn't be scolded and the wine wasn't wasted. Good boy, keep taking my little tests!'