Examining the data laid out before me, I am taken aback in utter astonishment.
“Well, well, aren’t you impressed by the statistics and skills of these garments?” my mother inquires with a mischievous chuckle. On the contrary, Stella wears a perplexed expression, unaware of the cause behind my sudden shift in demeanor.
“These were the only pieces you managed to acquire, correct?” I inquire eagerly, my eyes shimmering with excitement. Amidst my hazy recollections, I recall how, despite being a Protoss, I never paid much heed to beast items and equipment. I simply relied on my inherent strength and an otherworldly body that surpassed even zlatherium steel in durability.
How ignorant I had been, failing to acknowledge the potency of beast items and gears! Though in my previous life, my exceptional natural attributes rendered beast gears unnecessary, the trinkets fashioned from these creatures could have shielded me from the accursed poison that claimed my life. All I ever relied upon was my blood sword, a blade intricately tied to the fabric of the universe, forged alongside my existence. Yet, the gods seized it after my demise.
To be slain by such an insignificant thing… How absurd.
That poison appeared far from ordinary—it must have been concocted by a deity associated with toxins. When I find that god… I shall crush them like an insignificant insect.
“Jake~”
My mother’s voice abruptly jolts me out of my stupor.
“We should make our way to the hall soon. The banquet is on the verge of commencing,” Mom says, her excitement palpable for some undisclosed reason.
“You don’t intend to wear this dress to the banquet, do you?” I question, casting an eye on Mom’s unassuming attire.
“Oh, of course not. I had already prepared an outfit for this occasion,” Mom reveals with a soft giggle, proceeding towards her wardrobe.
To think she had made all the preparations beforehand… Truly, women are a breed apart.
“And what about you, Stella?” I inquire, studying her with a curious gaze.
“Well… I assumed that my current dress suffices as a suitable maid’s attire,” Stella responds, offering a gentle smile.
Hearing her words, I approach her and lightly place my hand on her shoulders.
“I have told you before, Stella. Though you perceive yourself as my maid, deep within my heart, I regard you as one of my women. I do not wish for you to constantly belittle yourself. By the way, before we departed from Earth, I overheard you discussing the prospect of having children with Aurora. If you desire to have a child with me, I am open to it,” I utter in a hushed voice, gently tapping her shoulders.
“R-REALLY, MASTER…?”
“Yes…”
“Ah…”
“I… I am truly elated that you grant me the privilege of bearing your child, master. However, after careful consideration of the present circumstances and the possible challenges that lie ahead in the future, I believe it is best not to conceive at this time. I don’t wish to burden you, knowing I am not as formidable as the others. Moreover, I desire to safeguard everyone from potential harm,” Stella states with utmost seriousness etched across her countenance.
“Stella…” I mutter, struggling to fathom her words.
“I understand your perspective. Your reasoning is completely valid. Since you are constantly by my side, this may not be the opportune moment to embark on a pregnancy. As for protecting others, you need not fret.
Vampires are not typically encumbered by their pregnancies. The only individuals we need to safeguard are Anne and Anna, as their combat abilities are limited. However, their combined formation is formidable, yet a cunning adversary could exploit their weaknesses.
Nevertheless, we have Blair, who stands as the strongest among my women. I fear that even I would falter if pitted against her presently,” I explain to Stella, who nods in confusion, a faint wisp of smoke seemingly emanating from her head, on the verge of overload.
Sigh As expected of a beastkin, she struggles to process all my words.
“You didn’t fully grasp my meaning, did you?” I inquire with a weary smile.
“Hehe, Stella couldn’t quite comprehend everything the master said,” Stella sheepishly responds, scratching the back of her head.
“Ah… Let’s not overwhelm Stella too much. She may not be the quickest in intellect, but she is not lacking either. Her tutor has noted improvements,” Jill interjects, joining us with a red embroidered dress in hand.
“This is my attire for the banquet…”
“It looks lovely… Simple in appearance, yet it exudes intricate craftsmanship,” I remark, gazing upon the dress with curiosity.
ƥαṇdαs ηθνε|·ƈθm
“When did Stella acquire a tutor?” I ask, a hint of surprise coloring my expression.
“Oh, about that… I enlisted a tutor to impart Stella with fundamental knowledge and etiquette,” Jill replies.
…
“Why didn’t you inform me?”
“Ah… I apologize if you were displeased,” Mom responds, her gaze lowered.
“Haha, don’t misunderstand. I am actually pleased that you arranged a tutor for her. It explains how she fluently speaks the vampire language like the natives. Besides, she has been making progress and growing more astute. I simply need to acquire an ability crystal for her and offer a few lessons,” I chuckle, dissipating the melancholy that lingers in the air.
“Then, I suppose I deserve a reward or something, fufufu,” Jill smirks playfully.
“Ah… a reward, huh…”
That reminds me.
It is high time I instruct all my women in the utilization of Ki. Since I am imparting this knowledge for their protection, I am not violating my oath with Alphonso. Though I have only mastered the initial stage of Ki condensation, my proficiency is astounding, thanks to my vast reservoir of life force. Surprisingly, according to my mentor’s teachings, the effectiveness of Ki manipulation need not rely solely on the size of one’s pool. It bewilders me to possess such an immense life force.
“Mom, regarding this dress… Where did you procure it? It appears priceless,” I query, my gaze filled with curiosity as I inspect Mom, who now dons the attire.
Remarkably, she surpasses my expectations, her voluptuous figure lending allure to the fabric. Mom is truly unparalleled… Well, now that Zamira is among my women, I must concede that she possesses the most enticing physique, although Mom radiates robustness in other areas (namely her posterior and hips).
“Eww, don’t stare at me like that, you pervert,” Mom jests, catching onto my intense gaze.
“About your inquiry… This dress was bestowed upon me by my mother,” Mom responds, her expression tinged with a touch of sadness.
“Ah… Are you reminiscing about your late mother?” I inquire, moving closer to Mom in an attempt to console her.
However, Mom recoils, her body tensing in shock.
“Who said Mother is dead?!” Mom exclaims, her voice betraying surprise.
Hearing her words, a bewildered expression creeps across my face.
Did I say something amiss? Ah, I understand.
“I will likely fashion blood candies as a form of remembrance for her,” I suggest, trying to uplift Mom’s spirits.
“Waaaaaaaaa! Remembrance?! Blood candies! Who died?!” Mom exclaims, her voice filled with shock.
“Huh… Your mother, of course,” I reply, still oblivious to the misunderstanding.
Glancing to the side, I notice Stella, resembling a perplexed and adorable little cat, her head emitting wisps of white smoke.
“D-Dead?! Who killed her?! Where did you hear such a thing?” Mom asks, her voice rising in volume, clearly surprised.
Huh…
“Misty told me that Grandma passed away a long time ago,” I respond, finally catching on to the confusion.
Mom lets out a sigh, her expression softening as she relaxes a little.
“Misty must have misunderstood. Perhaps she heard something incorrect. She knew very little about my mother since she was very young at the time. My mother was a loving and devoted parent. However, everything changed when my father sought to marry another wife. My mother divorced him and would visit us frequently, especially young Sid, until we all reached adulthood. Gradually, her visits became less frequent due to my father’s persistent pleas for her return. But after Sid’s death, she stopped appearing and blamed everyone for his demise. And in a way, she was right… We could have saved him,” Mom explains, tears welling up in her eyes.
I quickly move to console her, offering comforting words as her emotions overflow.
Suddenly, a series of heavy knocks reverberate from the door.
“Your Highness, the banquet is about to commence,” Carter’s voice echoes through the room.
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