Me and Jane took a cab to the penthouse together, chatting along the way, we didn't even notice when we reached the house. After taking the elevator, we stepped into a spacious, lavishly decorated apartment and were immediately greeted by little Lilia."
"Welcome home, big brother Ada…" She glanced at Jane and immediately corrected herself. "I mean Alex!"
"It's fine, she knows." I said, patting Lilia's head and stepping inside. "Call everyone here, we have guests."
"Okay!"
A moment later the whole lot gathered in the living room and were curiously observing the newcomer that stood behind me clutching my arm. "A new addition to the harem?" Pain asked with a mischievous smile.
"Shut it. Are you really that much of a glutton for punishment?" I scolded.
"Humph, your punishments aren't even that bad, if you wish to control me, you'll have to try harder." She challenged, then glanced at Jane again and, with a voice as sweet as honey, addressed the poor girl. "Wow, just look at you! With such a face and body, you are destined for fame, would you like to film a little video with me?"
I felt Jane's grasp on my hand tighten. "Pain, that's enough. She's under my protection, if you touch her, I'll cut off your tail." I warned.
"You're no fun at all, boss." The pink head turned around and plopped on the sofa.
I turned to Jane. "Do ignore everything that that one has said and will inevitably say in the future. She's mischievous and loves teasing everyone, but she's mostly harmless. Oh, right, let me introduce you to everyone… The pink haired menace is called Pain." Pain lazily gave a small wave. "The two red heads are Elizabeth and Lilia respectively."
"Hello, miss." The two greeted her with a small bow.
"The quiet one is Alpha - one of the most powerful, yet ultimately the most harmless one in the room." Alpha gave a small nod. "And this is…" I turned to introduce Luna, but was stopped by the elf.
Luna gave an elegant bow and said. "I am the third princess of the kingdom of Greenwood - Luna Greenwood and the future wife of the current demon king. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." The others in the room froze realizing that Luna had divulged information that shouldn't be divulged.
"Pft… Jane smiled, trying to hold in her laughter. "I never thought that the people around you were that deep into role play. Let me guess, you, Adam, are the current demon king, right?"
"Just the figurehead." I answered. "I leave all the hard work to the others."
"Ha ha ha ha… Oh, this is gold!" Jane laughed. "In that case, I am the greatly distinguished queen of this world - Liliana Von…" She paused for a second to think up a good name. "Liliana Von Treppides… The fourth… All bow in front of my authority!" She jested.
The cat girls immediately took a knee. "Please forgive us, your majesty, for we have eyes but couldn't see your splendor." Liz said, worry evident on her face. "If you still must punish someone, please let it be me and spare my little sister, for I was the one at fault for not teaching her the proper manners."
"Wow, she's good…" Jane whispered in my ear. "I almost believed her." Then she turned to the two kneeling. "Since this is your first offence, and since it is evident that you regret your misdeeds, I shall not punish you this once, but be warned, if something like this happens again, I won't show this kind of magnanimity…"
"Yes, yes, your majesty, we humbly thank you for your grace!" Liz shouted, lowering herself even deeper.
Jane smiled. "Very well, commoners, you may rise." The two stood up and bowed again.
At this point, I was about to burst out laughing, but held it in. My eyes met Pain's. She already knew everything about this 'queen' from reading my mind and it seemed that our thoughts were alike - let the misunderstanding grow out of proportion and watch the show with a bowl of popcorn.
Jane's eyes scanned the room and landed on the two dragons. With a stern voice she asked. "Adam is the demon king and princess Luna - royalty, the two sisters bowed to greet me and yet you two stay composed in my presence? Do you wish to lose your heads?"
"Queen Laila." I leaned closer. "You may not know this, but these two are greater dragons - powerful enough to destroy a nation singlehandedly. A wise ruler knows when to show respect, lest you wish to bring disaster on your people."
"What?" Jane beamed with happiness. "I could have been a dragon? Why didn't you tell me that that was a possibility?"
"How could I? Didn't you know that your… What was it called? Trap…Something dynasty was started by the union of a true dragon and a human? While not being a dragon, you certainly possess draconic blood giving you powers that far surpass any other human."
"Ah, yes, of course." Jane beamed with happiness and pride. "How could have I forgotten such a thing, but… I seem to recall that the demon king mentioned that the two dragons were no ordinary dragons but greater dragons and, as everyone knows, I am a descendant of a true dragon… I seem to have forgotten which group of dragons are more highly esteemed and powerful."
"While greater dragons are truly fierce and powerful, they pale in comparison to true dragons, for they are merely children of the true ones." I said.
"Ah, I see that the current demon king is a wise ruler indeed." Jane said, slowly nodding her head. Apart from the two cat girls, everyone in the room burst out laughing at the comment.
"If I may, your majesty." Liz bowed.
"Speak."
"Yes. You may not know this, but the current demon king is of draconic blood as well."
"Oh, how so?"
"I might be overstepping, but I thought that I should mention it. He has killed a true dragon by outwitting it and took its power for himself. That power is one of the reasons for his current strength and the reason he became the current demon king. All this means that you two share a common source, therefore it would be wise to form an alliance. With this alliance of two powerful nations, no one in the world could stand in your way."
"Ah, you are truly wise." Jane nodded. "What is your official rank?"
"I do not possess one." Liz answered.
"That is no good, no good indeed. Ah, I have a proposal, would you like to become my chief advisor? Your unique insight would be invaluable to the court." The fake queen said.
Liz hesitated for a moment, then answered. "While it would truly be a great honor, I must regretfully refuse, for I can not leave my lord's side…" She glanced at me.
"I see…" Jane thought for a moment. "In that case, why don't you impart some of your wisdom onto me while we have the time? In that way, you can stay by your lord's side and still be a bridge for our two great nations to collaborate."
Elizabeth beamed with joy and gave me a questioning look, as if to ask for permission. I gave a slight nod. "Remember, do not divulge any state secrets." I warned.
"Yes! There's no need to worry, I promise to do everything in my power to make this alliance happen!" Liz said and invited Jane to the kitchen.
"This whole charade spells trouble." Alpha finally said when they left.
"I know… Let's watch." I replied.
Time went by in a flash, the two girls, at first, talked about the alliance of our two great nations, covering everything between a military alliance, through disaster relief, to cultural differences and exchange. I was amazed by the amount of thought Liz put into all of it. I guess at least one of us memorized something useful from the lessons given by Lady Carnal.
After the formal talk was over, they moved onto some lighter topics like differing fashion senses and differences in food followed by truly informal talk about their personal day to day life. The girls were so immersed in their conversation, that they didn't even notice their stomachs begin to growl, so I invited everyone to a restaurant we often frequented and they agreed.
After the food was served and eaten, I invited Jane outside for a chat. "Well, how do you like them, my queen?" I asked.
"Your friends are truly something!" She beamed. "Not once throughout the day did a single one of them get out of character. Plus your world building is truly something, I could never have thought out things so much. Every detail is clear and detailed and you guys never make any mistakes. Truly amazing."
"In that case, would you like to roleplay with us tomorrow as well?"
"Can I really? I'd love that so much!"
"What about the day after, or the day after that?"
"Adam, what are you trying to do?" Jane frowned.
"I promised that brother of yours to take care of you and the easiest way to achieve that would be to constantly have you by my side. What I'm asking of you is whether or not you'll move in with us?"
Jane pondered for a minute. "I don't know…"
"There's no need to answer right now, take your time and think it over. It seems that the girls simply adore you and you like them as well. Oh and even if you do move in with us, you can always move out if, for some reason you're displeased."
"Plus, me and your bro weren't all that close, so this favor of keeping you safe is a bit much, therefore you'd lessen my workload significantly if you stayed close. I'm not inviting you because I like or care about you or something, it's just convenience." I added.
"There was no need to add the last part, you know..."
"I know."
"So, you're just rude? Well, fine, but what about the Long family?"
"What about them?" I smirked. "They are nothing but ants beneath my feet. If you wish to leave them, they won't be able to touch you and, if they try…" I left the thought unfinished.
"The great and powerful demon king will slaughter them all?" Jane laughed.
"The great and powerful demon lord's lackey will put some financial pressure on the Long family's companies."
"OK, I've decided." Jane nodded. "If you're willing to take me in, I'd love to move in with you all. I just need to go back to collect my belongings."
"No need, I'll buy you everything that you want or need. Money isn't an issue."
Join me on patreon at patreon.com/BonsaiCat for early access to new chapters or buy my book 'How to rule a fantasy world' on Amazon. It's the same stuff that you read here, but I fucked up with the naming and the book is already out, so fuck it, let's go with this name for the book. I appreciate all of your support and your forgiveness for my utter incompetence. Best regards, BonsaiCat.