(Note: A picture of Mavis in Discord)
After breaking the kiss from Michelle, who pouted slightly, clearly wanting to continue, Vanye cleared her throat, causing the table to quiet a little as she hesitantly glanced at me. "Dea– Alex–" I interrupted her, flashing a teasing smile. "Ho, not calling me dear? Embarrassed in front of Vanimo?"
Hitting the nail on the head, Vanye faintly blushed while Vanimo, who was holding Talis down, flashed a reassuring smile and a thumbs-up, causing her to awkwardly cough, her voice a bit quieter than before. "Then, D-Dear. Were you able to figure out a solution to the problem with your blood?"
At her question, the soft talking instantly hushed as my wives looked at me, even Talis stopped misbehaving, having understood the severity of the question. Glancing at Vanye, I looked between the five others before lowering my head, sighing while shaking my head.
"No… I searched to the best of my ability, but my authority was extremely limited. I didn't dare mention this to anyone; they don't need to know I have a family." I felt a sense of helplessness, as a man, I should be an unshakeable pillar, yet I can't even get my wives pregnant without worrying about the future of our children.
'If I were stronger, this wouldn't be a problem.' Biting my lip, I clenched my fist, finding another reason to continue seeking strength and growing stronger. However, while in the midst of blaming myself, Chloe sat on my lap, kissing my cheek. "Don't blame yourself, Hubby. You did your best, okay." Flashing a smile, she leaned into my embrace, rubbing her cheek against my own.
"Yes, please don't do so, Husband… We haven't considered all options. The world is so vast, I'm positive there's another way." Softly shaking her head, Jasmine stood to my right, kissing my cheek while placing my hand atop her heart, causing me to softly nod.
"Haa, I suppose; but the world is so vast, who knows how long it'll take to find another method?" Glancing up at Jasmine, she brushed aside her hair. "Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweeter… We all want to bear a child for you, but it's better to take your time and avoid regrets." The others, Yuki, Lazuli, Vanye, Michelle, and Chloe, all nodded, agreeing with Jasmine, causing me to sigh and wryly smile.
"Where'd you get that quote from?" "Fufu, from my grandfather." Jasmine's expression turned stiff, but with a shake of her head, her smile returned.
"Anyway, let's push that matter to the side; it won't be solved in just a couple of days." Agreeing with Michelle, we stood up and dispersed from the table; I've been gone for a long time, so I had a lot of things to do.
While Michelle cleaned the dishes, an act she insists on performing despite having servants for that, I went through the kitchen, writing a list of everything we needed food-wise; this was also something a servant could do, but I was very picky, so I tended to do it.
Afterwards, I stopped by the Adventure Guild. I needed to get a new license because most of my stuff was still Daemon, and no way in hell was I going to return anytime soon; unfortunately, that also included Master's license, which meant losing contact with Simba, Marlin, and Lily. Though honestly, I had no desire to speak with them; they knew something about Master's death yet refused to tell me, I couldn't bring myself to consider them my friends or even acquaintances.
For the next couple of days, I spent them getting back into rhythm, remembering what life was like as a Count and an A-class adventurer; I must say, it was far better than living as someone's slave.
With everything basically in order, I decided to visit the Capital to check on Princess Iguan; I just dumped a bunch of papers on her to study, then vanished for most of a year. I felt a bit bad.
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A Week Later
"Ah, Steward Kai, a pleasure." Greeted by Steward Kai after a short wait, he lightly bowed, returning the gesture. "Greeting this Steward with such enthusiasm, it's an honor, Count Alexander." Once upright, Kai gave me a somewhat weird look. "Forgive my rudeness, but, may I say, you seem a bit more—" "Subservient?" He hesitantly nodded, causing me to wryly sigh.
"Ahh, it's a very long story I'd rather speak about; I don't need stories of me being humiliated being widely spread." "Of course, just forget I spoke, Count Alexander."
After another bow, he turned around, leading me to Iguan's chambers. "Princess Iguan has sent several letters to the Vestalis Estate." "Oh, she has?" "Yes, though unfortunately, you weren't present." "Ah, I was off continent; I just returned about two weeks ago." Rubbing my head, Kai gave me a slightly surprised look before nodding.
"It's not often that people visit other Continents." "Oh, I've visited four of them already, though, I completely understand." "Ho, so many, Count Alexander? That is impressive; if you don't mind, which one would you recommend visiting?" At Kai's question, I gave him a once-over, observing the older, human male.
"I'd say the safest for you is Nesmo, though this may come as a shock, but honestly, I'd say Asckbon." "Asckbon? I reckon Nesmo left a bad taste in your mouth." I snorted, brushing my hair back as we made our final turn. "That is putting it lightly."
"Anyway, I'm sure his Majesty would be interested in hearing your stories; perhaps mention it during the next ball. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave." Bowing, Kai turned around and left, causing me to nod as I knocked on Iguan's door.
"Princess Iguan, it is I, Alexander Vestalis." I heard the faint pitter-patter of footsteps before the door was swung open, revealing Iguan. "Alexander!" Before I could respond, she embraced me tightly, wrapping her arms around me, causing me to reflexively raise my arms in fear of someone misunderstanding the situation.
"Thank you. Thank you, b-because of your help, I-I've proven my talent as a mage; I-I've been accepted into the Mage Guild… Thank you." Tears escaped her eyes, streaming down her cheeks as she tightened the hug, causing me to softly sigh as I lowered my hands, reciprocating the hug.
"You're welcome, but I didn't do much, I just opened the door, you did all the walking… Also, I don't mean to ruin the mood, but you should stop before someone sees." Gently patting her back, she reacted to my words, her tail going stiff as she quickly backed away, a blush adorning her face as she wiped her tears. "I-I apologize, C-Count Alexander, I-I don't mean to ruin your reputation."
"It's fine, I'm more concerned about yours anyway, Princess." Patting her shoulder, I closed the door behind me, walking further into her room. "Anyway, if you don't mind, let's see your progress." At my words, Iguan snapped out of her little daze and looked at me with wide eyes before nodding.
"P-Please teach me!"
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I spent a few days in the Capital, spending most of it guiding Iguan, correcting her spells, even teaching her my newest spell [Spatial Phase], something she still hasn't grasped, but she shows the technical aspect, so it's just a matter of repetitive practice.
During the day, I also had a short meeting with the King, which was a great opportunity to introduce the concept of a TV to him; of course, he was interested. I didn't speak too much about it, as it wasn't entirely completed, but I promised to send him one of the experimental versions. Having an entire kingdom backing me would help make the TV go continent-wide.
"Okay, Iguan, I think that's enough for today, you're already a little exhausted." Lowering my hand, approaching the exhausted, slightly sweaty Iguan, I sent a gust of wind her way, cooling her off as she collapsed, though I caught her. "M-My chest hurts." Wincing, she held her heart; clearly, the lack of mana was starting to affect her.
"Don't worry, it's just minor; once your mana returns, it'll vanish." "T-This is considered minor, Alexander?" I flashed a smirk, nodding. "Yep… You risk destroying your own heart if you fully empty your mana; it happened to me long ago, before you were even born. It was terrible."
Shaking my head, scaring Iguan slightly, I helped her out of the training grounds, heading to her chamber, where her personal maid handled the rest.
After an hour of waiting, Iguan exited from the bathroom, freshly clean with a much healthier complexion. "I see the pain has vanished, good… You're a talented mage, Iguan. All you need is time and practice. If you ever want real-world experience, I can accompany you to a Dungeon." Iguan faintly smiled. "Thank you very much, Alexander."
"No problem. Anyway, I think I'll be taking my leave; I've been away from my family for nine months and have been with them for two weeks before coming here." As I walked to the door, Iguan called out to me, outstretching a greenscale.
"A-Alexander, wait! P-Please, accept this." Blushing deeply, Iguan avoided eye contact, causing me to suspiciously raise an eyebrow. "What is it?" "A-A scale of mine." "I figured that, but what does it symbolically mean?"
She hesitated before responding. "I-In Lizardmen culture, t-the female will give a man they desire one of their scales." Seeing how I almost stepped into her trap, I sighed and approached her, allowing me to hear her rapidly beating heart before gently hitting her head.
"Save it for later; I've no interest in a 13-year-old." "I-I'm 14 though." "That changes nothing. Focus on your path as a mage, okay? If your feelings are still the same, then we can talk about it. I'm attracted to adults, not children… If you need any assistance, send me a letter."
Shaking my head, I waved at her before leaving, heaving a deep sigh as I closed the door behind me. "Goodness, is she trying to get me arrested?" 'Master, in this world, marriage–' "Just be quiet, Zartha, nothing you say is going to change my view."