Chapter 52 – First Action
*** Alzi ***
The food was cold. I still find it editable, but Mom isn't going to like it. She's still asleep after the rough mating my skill put us through. I don't think the food can get much worse, but waiting won't help any.
It only takes a few more minutes for her to get up. She takes one good look at me before turning away in shame. I guess she remembers what happened during the skill.
"It's fine, mom. I caused it to happen. I accidentally used a new skill. You did have a choice but to fuck me. It hurt a bit, but I'll get over it. I'm more worried about you, are you ok?" I ask, hoping she doesn't feel guilty over my mistake. Or does this mean I raped her? I think this is best blamed on the Goddesses.
"Are you sure? I'm the one who did it. I felt well it felt umm it ..."
"Did you enjoy it?"
"Sigh, yes." She curls up, trying to hide from her shame.
"Good, there wasn't much joy for me, but like I said, it was my fault to begin with. Come on, eat, it tastes like shit, but it's good for you and the kids. You still need to walk all the way back. Don't do that hungry."
"I'm still sorry. If I picked a more..."
"It would have still hurt. Just eat. I want to knit something with you for the kids. You're going to have my first official kids. I need to start on a high note."
"Ok, it would be nice to give them something from you when they are born. You won't be able to get out of the brothel for it." Finally sitting up and accepting the standard lunch.
We sit in silence for a bit as she tries to stomach the cold food. I sit down beside her on the bed to rest my head on her shoulder. It was a little awkward due to the height difference, but I didn't want her to think I was sad or scared of her. I feel her relax a bit. It is nice to know she's worried about me.
She finishes most of the food, but she's used to much better food. I don't blame her. If I was still used to her food, I wouldn't dare even touch it. Her food is the best in our town. Her new wives are definitely happy with dinner.
"What do you want to make them?"
"Socks are the only thing I could make. I don't have time for a blanket, and hats don't work for us."
"You could do a mini handkerchief. Something that will last a bit long."
"So, a mini blanket? Is knitting a handkerchief a thing?"
"You can always make it a thing. Come on, use the green and make a few."
"Just tell me how many."
"Make five."
"What! There's no way we're having five."
"We aren't, but I can't tell you the number. So you've got more work to do."
I already asked the guard for directions. It's a bit of a walk, but it's doable. It's better now than when I started to truly show. It'll be too late then; I'll struggle enough getting here and back.
Stepping outside, I have to admit the red light district can put on a show. It isn't dark yet, but the lights and shows have started coming out. Each trying to catch your eye and sell a desire. I keep my head down and leave quickly.
The city is beautiful but strange compared to our town. The buildings are bigger, and random decorations give the streets a very different feel. I don't recognize anyone in the crowds. Several different squares hold more people than our entire town has. It's a lot to take in and get used to.
I twist and turn down the streets, following the instructions the guard gave me. One last turn, and I spot the grand building. I have to get closer to be sure, but it looks like the other temples I've passed. Nearing, I start to see the paintings of a pregnant woman over the front. I get to the oversized door and struggle to push it open, getting just enough to slip inside, finding myself in a large room.
I'm not sure what to do. I spot a few women praying in the pews. Is that enough to find out the information? I pick a spot and bow my head. Should I start by saying thanks to Alzi and the new kids? It wouldn't hurt to be a little humble.
"Miss, do you need help?" A voice asks, catching me off guard.
"Yes, I'm from a small town; I know I'm pregnant, but I wanted to know more. I was in the city and decided to stop by. I'm not sure what I need to do?"
"I'm happy to help. Let me do a small spell," the priestess says.
"Thank you," I let out before my vision goes white.
"Finally, someone related to my champion. I'm sorry for earlier in the day. My angel made a silly mistake that I corrected already."
"What? Who are you? What's going on?" I'm confused, but something is stopping me from panicking forcefully.
"Sorry, not used to this. I'm the Goddess of fertility. You are the mother of my champion. A number of women have come here with their kids, but finally, someone who is related. To answer your question that you came for, you have two, a boy and a girl."
"Thank you. What do you mean by champion?"
"Someone who embodies my affinity and will be naturally more powerful. Your daughter is doing her job well, but she deserves a more fitting place. I don't have the power to forcefully free her. More than a few Goddesses stand in my way. I need her to get to my temple. Things will keep the slaving bitch from getting her here for a bit. Her current owner has already sold her to another. Sorry, but your marriage will be put off a bit," the voice rattles off. I struggle to follow the line. Does she greet everyone like this?
"...You'll wake up with a caretaker affinity. Nothing crazy, but I need you to work hard at home. You'll need to convince your wife Akhae to show up at the Sea Goddesses temple for her affinity. You must never say this plan out loud. There is a temple in this city. Bring her to see my champion and then go sightseeing. Take her into the temple and sit down. The priestess there will take care of the rest. You must not tell Alzi she is being sold. Things are delayed for her, but the bumpy road will work out well for her."
"My daughter has been sold. But we had an agreement. That isn't possible. I..."
"Goddess of Justice is a useless bitch. You can try to get compensated when your daughter changes hands, but you won't get her free. That Kitsune has a good enough plan. Follow it. Worst case that pathetic Queendom will find kids stop showing up, and I'll force my will on the world a little. Good luck."
The white light suddenly gets replaced with the temple. All the information she spewed out forces itself into my brain. I try to scream, but I'm frozen in place. The box that has avoided me all these years shows up. A caretaker class and affinity show in the middle of my vision. Alzi, my daughter, your mother is done watching you struggle.
"Looks like you have two kids, lucky you. A boy and a girl. Would you like to say a prayer to the Goddess for the fortune?"
"Yes," I respond, finally free to move now that my surprises are gone. The Goddess has given me much more than a few kids.
"It seems you know what you want to say. I'll let you be."
I quickly say my thanks. I'll need to work hard to convince Akhae to come here. It would be a lot easier if I had both Akhae and Ilka come by to show them the city.