HERA
Instead of heading straight to Xeon, I take a detour to the kitchen so I can acquire more Goat milk
As I head to the basement, having acquired the milk I hear loud crashing noises coming from Mary's office
"Is she that disappointed about being unable to read the book?"
Returning to my room, I spot little Jesse just lying on my bed
I had thought he'd be crying, or trying to move but he wasn't
After checking him to make sure he is okay, I realize he is fine or at least I think so
"I guess your just naturally well behaved, huh little Jesse?" I say as I begin to spoon feed him once more
I again find joy in feeding the child
"Is this the so called Maternal instincts?" (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)
After laying the child down like before , I give it a apologetic look as I leave again
Exiting the Guildhall, I began to make my way to the Castle in the center of Braven
As I pass by, a street vendor offers me some free food, which I gratefully accept
Some kids start following me asking to hear stories of my latest adventure, not having the time I promise to tell them later and give each one a gold coin
I make a small detour and enter a Cobblers shop
"Ah Hera it's great to see you again! What do you need"
"I'd like a new pair of boots"
"Didn't you just buy a pair last month?"
"They broke"
"…..again?"
"…..yes"
The Cobbler looks at you in disappointment, before taking out a nice pair of boots and handing them to you
"Are these my size?"
"Yes"
"Thank you" I hand him two gold coins
The Cobbler gives you a satisfyed glance as you leave
I finally arrive at the Castle, and I'm greeted by the Guards
"Miss Hera? What brings you here today?"
"I'm here to see Xeon"
"I see, then go on through. I'm sure the Count would be glad to see you"
The castle is the same as usual
Making my way through the Courtyard I eventually reach the Great Hall
Xeon is at the end of a large table surrounded by his Advisors, they seem to be loudly debating something
Xeon's tired Blue eyes light up when they spot you
"Ah Hera, My friend!"
"Leave us" He commands his advisers
They give you a respectful nod as they walk past you
Sitting to the right of Xeon I ask "What was that about?"
Xeon sighs and starts to rub his temples "That fucking bastard is actually going Senile" ᕙ( ᗒᗣᗕ )ᕗ
I laugh and say "What has our fair king done this time to rile you up so?"
"He has decided to declare the Kingdom a Empire, and name himself emperor"
"Oh….that's not good"
"Yes, especially when The kingdoms of Pumilio and Egregius are already discussing an Alliance"
This is not a matter I wish to get involved in so I decide to change the subject
"Anyways, Oh great Count Telum may the humble me be so bold as to make a request of you"
Xeon is unamused but plays along anyways "Oh but of course, I am quite the Merciful ruler and I shall not mind hearing out the simple request of someone as-"
He looks you up and down before continuing with a slight smirk
"Unfortunate as you"
I scoff slightly offended and roll my eyes
"Have you decided what to do with Willa's Cabin yet"
Xeon looks a little downcast and replies with a sigh "No, she had a will leaving it to Hal but as you know…."
"He unfortunately passed before her" I speak in a Bleak tone
"Yes, because of this the land has returned to me but it's a bit far from the city to properly manage so I will attempt to sell it, but if no one purchases it I will most likely have it torn down"
"There's some good news at least, would you mind selling it to me?"
"You? I thought you were living in the Guildhall?"
"Well I need somewhere with more space, besides Willa was always good to us it'd be a shame to have her home destroyed just like that"
"Well that's true….but why do you need more space, is something wrong?"
"Well it'd be inconvenient to take care of a child in such a small room" I state as if it were the most obvious thing in the world
"Child?" Xeon asks confused before glancing at your stomach
"A….Are you?" He asks a bit dumbfounded (⊙_⊙)
"I'm not!" I yell embarrassed and blushing
"Oh thank god, I would have been so embarrassed if this Dense Brute had a child before me"
⁽⁽(੭ꐦ •̀Д•́ )੭*⁾⁾ Is it this common for my friends to have such low opinions of me!
"Anyways, why bring up a child?"
"Ah….w-well um a…a friend of mine who you've never met before, passed recently leaving behind their newborn son. F-Feeling sorry for the boy I decided to take him in" I say nervously
Xeon looks at you weirdly and says "I see, that's kind of you….but I didn't think you had any friends besides me and Mary"
His words cut deep
"Wha Wha I-I'll have you know I'm extremely popular, I even killed a Drag-"
Xeon interrupts you "Yes Yes I know, I was there. And how are you still bragging about that we both know you only won because I lent you Irrita-"
"Ababbaba Shush" I say as I block Xeon's mouth
Embarrassed I yell "Like you're one too talk, besides me and Mary what friends do you have"
Before Xeon can defend himself you strike once more
"And I bet you still haven't found a wife, Huh Xeon? How many more times did you get rejected while I was gone?"
Expecting a Sigh of defeat from Xeon, you are instead met with a Victorious grin
"Well actually I have found one!" ( ≖‿ ≖ )
"What?! Really?! Do I know her?! Who is she?! Are you sure she's a real person?!"
This time Xeon hesitates before muttering "…..or.. ….ve…"
"What was that? Speak up!"
With a sigh Xeon admits "Victoria Saevus"
"Oh Victoria Saevus….Victoria Saevus?!"
I look at him dumbfounded "That witch! Seriously?! Every time the two of you meet you look like your about to kill each other, before trying to kill each other!"
Xeon sighs and replies "I know, but I'm kind of desperate and no one else our age will have me"
"Why not? You're not terrible looking and you're a Grandmaster Archer!"
"Because they don't want to compete with a Grandmaster Magician and a Transcendent Swordmaster"
A little Dumbfounded I reply "But me and Mary aren't attracted to you, like not even a little"
"Wow…that kind of hurt, anyways I know that but no one else believes that"
"Well why not?"
"Honestly, probably all the times I've had to carry you two drunks home"
Offended I say "We don't even drink like that!"
"Anymore" Xeon replies
Feeling like you're losing this exchange you change the subject
"But why would that witch agree to marry you?"
"Money"
"Ah" Feeling a bit sorry for my friend, I pat him on his shoulder and say "Be strong"
After a few minutes spent in silence Xeon pulls out a piece of paper and hands it to me
"Here, now Willa's Cabin is officially yours"
"Thank you my friend" I say as I turn to leave
But before I do Xeon asks "By the way I'm a bit surprised you weren't wearing that Blue Gambeson Mary bought you, you wouldn't take it off before you left"
"Ahh….. I kind of ruined it" I say avoiding any eye contact
Xeon looks at you Dumbfoundedly before muttering "Wow poor Mary"
"What about her" I ask tilting my head
"It's Nothing" Xeon replies
Shaking Your head you leave
XEON: "Idiot"