Chapter 18: New Servants
.. ....
Lady Abigail and Peter Melville were swiftly arrested and sent away to await trial. The rescued girls from the slums, alongside the enslaved fairies, were escorted toward the Ethereal City under heavy protection. Wrapped in warm blankets against the chilly evening breeze, they followed behind Ryu and Kuro, who led the procession through the glowing streets.
"I'm sorry for yanking the bracelet..." Keith sniffled, his tiny shoulders trembling. "I was just so mad..."
"It's alright." I gently stroked his head, smoothing down his messy hair. "You didn't know this would happen. What matters is that the bracelet is safe now... and everyone made it out alive."
"Right..." He rubbed his watery eyes with his sleeve. "We saved them..."
His gaze wandered toward the rescued girls sitting nearby. One girl sat quietly on the stone steps, her long raven hair partially covering her face. Something about her seemed strangely familiar.
Keith suddenly froze.
"Sister!" he cried out before bolting toward her.
The girl looked up in shock. Her tired eyes widened before she immediately threw her arms around him, pulling him tightly against her chest.
"I was worried I'd never see you again..." she sobbed, tears soaking into his shirt.
Keith blinked in stunned silence, his small body stiff at first as though he couldn't fully process what was happening. Then his lip trembled.
"Sis..." Tears streamed down his cheeks as he hugged her back desperately.
I stood quietly nearby, warmth blooming in my chest at the sight. For once, the weight on my shoulders felt lighter.
Maybe... all of this really was worth it.
My determination only deepened.
A few days later.
I stared thoughtfully at the strange medicine bottle resting in my hand. No matter how hard I tried, my Insight skill refused to reveal any useful information about it, so I had handed it over to Kyokota for investigation.
Apparently, the drug was incredibly complex. One of the few ingredients he managed to identify was Phantom Blood.
That alone sounded suspicious enough.
"So these things boost mana, huh...?" I muttered with a sigh. "Sounds like something straight off the black market."
Knock. Knock.
"Yes? What is it, Dayama?" I asked while opening the door.
"Shiori-sama, you're needed immediately," he replied with an unusually serious expression.
"Oh?"Curious, I followed after him.
The moment I entered the room, I froze.
Tiny pixies dressed in torn rags knelt before me respectfully, their delicate wings trembling nervously.
"What's going on?" I whispered toward Ryuchi.
"They were slaves inside the Crimson Cross stronghold," Ryu explained quietly. "They had magical collars on them, but I destroyed them in case they were traceable."
"I see..." My eyes drifted across the group.
"But they're so... small..." I muttered
"Only a handful evolved into proper fairy folk," Kuro explained. "These are Pixes. Lesser fairies."
One of them stepped forward nervously.
"My lady... we are forever grateful for your aid and for destroying that horrible place..."
Ah. Axel's former helper
I crossed my legs calmly, maintaining a composed expression.
"Do you wish to return home?" I asked as
Silence filled the room.
"Our homes were burned long ago," one finally answered quietly. "We were taken as children. Even if our clans still exist... we no longer know where they are."
"Then what do you intend to do now?" I asked calmly
The pixies exchanged nervous glances.
Finally, one gathered enough courage to speak..
"We... wish to join your cause!" the tiny fairy blurted out. "A-and... if possible... be accepted under your rule!"
The room fell completely silent. Everyone waited for my answer. Then, slowly, the corner of my lips curled upward.
"I accept." Their eyes widened.
"From this day onward, you belong to me and shall serve under my banner to the best of your abilities."
Several of them nearly burst into tears from relief.
"But first," I continued firmly, "you will receive proper names, proper clothing, proper meals, and medical treatment. Only afterward will your abilities be evaluated so we may determine where your talents are best suited. Understood?"
"Yes, Shiori-sama!" Their voices rang together in perfect unison.
This is incredible...
"Come forward one by one to receive your names."
The first pixie nervously stepped forward.
"Your name shall be—"
...
I slowly opened my eyes. The soft bed beneath me immediately told me I was back inside my room.
Ugh... my whole body feels awful.
"You're finally awake, Shiori-sama!" I turned to find Keith and his older sister sitting beside the bed, both staring at me with sparkling eyes.
So cute...
"I must've overused my mana again..." I muttered while scratching the back of my head
A few moments later, the bedroom doors burst open. A group of fairies rushed inside alongside Ryu, who looked far too excited for someone entering another person's room.
"I'm glad you've recovered, Shiori-sama!" he beamed.
"I'm honestly surprised Dayama and fang didn't crash through the wall trying to get in here..."
"These are the newest members of the White Lotus!" Ryu proudly gestured toward the fairies behind him.
The former pixies had evolved. Their appearances were noticeably more refined now, their once-fragile wings glowing beautifully beneath the sunlight. Dressed in clean clothing, they looked far healthier and happier than before.
Wow...
"They evolved into Fairy Folk after receiving names," Haru explained calmly.
"The others are currently exploring the kingdom," Kyokota added.
"I see..." I nodded before climbing out of bed.
"A pleasure to work alongside all of you."
"Likewise, Shiori-sama," they replied together.
I grinned brightly.
"Alright then! Time to inspect the kingdom!"
...
I sat atop Fang's massive back in my fox form while gazing across the growing lands of the Ethereal City.
Construction continued everywhere. Roads expanded. Buildings rose higher. Citizens bustled through the streets.
It truly felt like a kingdom.
"Shiori-sama!" i turned toward the approaching fairy girl.
"I'm Miku!" she introduced herself cheerfully.
Ah. Axel's old assistant.
Her once-small wings now shimmered elegantly behind her.
"We've already settled into the manor," she explained. "Since your new residence is nearly complete, we thought about converting the old manor into the official headquarters for the White Lotus."
I blinked. Honestly... I never even considered what to do with the place afterward.
"That's an excellent idea," I nodded approvingly. "Once construction on the new mansion is complete, we'll announce it to everyone."
"Yes, Shiori-sama!" She happily skipped away.
...
I adjusted my new glasses proudly.
Not only did they improve my vision, but they were enchanted to assist with reading magical texts as well.
Absolutely peak investment.
As I entered the kitchen, I noticed my subordinates gathered around another Spider Clan member who appeared deep in thought.
"Hey, what's going on?" I asked curiously.
Everyone immediately straightened.
"Shiori-sama," Kuro began, "this is Minato. He was my right-hand man back when I led the Black Spinners."
The black-haired man bowed respectfully.
"I see. So why does everyone look so serious?"
"We're trying to create a new dessert for tonight's menu," Ryu explained.
Ah. That made sense. Since introducing ideas from my previous world, everyone had started experimenting with new inventions, recipes, and designs.
Ryu focused mostly on swordsmanship and training the goblins.
Kuro obsessed over literature and dramatic romance novels despite being incapable of cooking edible food.
Haru adored flowers and gardening.
Meanwhile Kyokota immersed himself in art and music—especially piano.
"I don't know any desserts suitable for Melvanille's climate," Minato admitted thoughtfully.
"Hm..." I tapped my chin. "The only things that come to mind are crepes... or ice cream."
"Ice cream?" everyone repeated blankly.
"Wait. You've never heard of ice cream?"
They all shook their heads.
My eyes widened in horror.
"This world truly lacks culture." I immediately pulled out my phone.
"Minato, write this recipe down. Ryu, gather ice. Haru, prepare bowls. The rest of you, help gather ingredients."
"Yes, Shiori-sama!" Everyone scattered instantly.
...
After an entire chaotic montage of cooking disasters, spilled ingredients, and several near kitchen explosions caused by Kuro somehow burning milk—
The ice cream was finally complete. I happily took a bite.
"Delicious...!"
Haruna and Ryu immediately brightened after tasting theirs while Kyokota quietly savored his portion with elegant refinement.
"This dessert will be revolutionary," Minato declared proudly.
CRASH!
We all turned to the noise, Kuro stared in despair at the melted remains of his dropped bowl while a goblin maid hurried over to clean the mess.
I sighed.
"You're unbelievably clumsy." His shoulders drooped dramatically.
"Here. We can share mine." His face instantly turned bright red.
Without thinking much about it, I scooped up a spoonful and held it toward him.
"Say ahh."
Kuro's entire body froze before he slowly accepted the bite. The room became dead silent.
An indirect kiss... He thought
Kuro stared blankly at the spoon like his soul had left his body. The others glared at him with open jealousy.
Only then did I realize what I'd just done. My face exploded with heat.
"J-just take the bowl already!" I shoved it into his hands before storming out of the kitchen.
Behind me, everyone stared knowingly.
So cute.
...
{Location: Melvanille}
Eliot stormed through the palace halls with veins practically popping from his forehead.
"At first, I genuinely believed Shiori-sama could become an incredible ruler..." he muttered darkly.
A dangerous twitch appeared near his eye.
"But all she does lately is sleep, read books, and stare at that weird glowing device!"
Servants quickly moved out of his path.
"She keeps dumping her work on me and the ministers!"
He stopped before a large door.
"This ends today."
BANG!
He kicked the door open dramatically before marching toward the curtains and ripping them open.
"AHHHH!"
Shiori recoiled violently as sunlight assaulted her eyes.
"It's time to wake up!"
"Five more minutes..."
"Absolutely not!" He yanked the blanket away. Shiori rolled straight off the bed with a painful thud.
"Ow..."
"Good. You're awake now
She rubbed the back of her head with a pout.
"Where are the others?" he asked
"They're managing Ethereal City affairs and scouting new recruits for the White Lotus..." she yawned tiredly.
"I see..." Eliot sighed.
"I still haven't found anything related to that strange drug," she grumbled while gesturing toward piles of books. "Most of these are basic educational material."
"Those are advanced noble courses," Eliot deadpanned. "The fact you understood them so quickly is abnormal."
"It's called studying."
"Your standards are terrifying."
She sighed dramatically.
"I want to learn more magic... and understand this world properly.
"Well," Eliot replied thoughtfully, "there's a massive library here in Melvanille. Human knowledge is plentiful there. If you want magical knowledge, though, mystical races would be more helpful."
Shiori's eyes sparkled instantly.
"You had me at library."
Eliot immediately regretted speaking.
...
{Location: melvialine library}
Shiori's pov
I walked into the building filled with excitement. My footsteps echoed across the tiled floors.
"Um, you seem enthusiastic for some reason..." Eliot said following not so far behind me.
"This is an event that happens in every fantasy anime. where the MC encounters an ancient being filled with knowledge! Normally the person either gains them with no-talk-jitsu or brute force " I grinned whereas Eliot paled
"What are you even talking about?!"
"It's time to conquer my next obstacle!" I opened the massive double doors as the light engulfed us both.
As use sensation faded, we both looked up as a figure stood on the highest bookshelf in all their glory.
Her lavender hair swayed majestically as her fluffy wings spread out beautifully. Above her head was a some kind of black halo. her eyes slowly opened revealing her distant yet sharp pink eyes.
Beside her was a little boy with similar, soft delicate features. His had fluffy white hair and sparkling blue eyes, above his head, the halo and unlike the lady it was light blue.
There aura, it's freaking intimidating! I gulped
The lady opened her mouth... I prepared myself for the worst.
"Excuse me person's down there~ why may have brought you to my humble abode~" she asked in a sickly sweet British voice.
Seriously?! That ruined the damn ambiance!
-10000 aura! 😑
"For real?" I Deadpanned
We all sat on a table as the boy had prepared some tea.
"My name libara and this boy is Ciel. We travel around from kingdom to kingdom to obtain knowledge from different species. So tell me, ruler of Ethereal city embassy. What brings you to such a place like this?" She queried, gently placing her teacup down.
"Don't be so formal, my name shiori koromi and his is Eliot. I was just hoping to simply read a few books but now, my interest has shifted" I smirks
"To what exactly, shiori-san?" Libara grinned
"I want you..." I pointed at her with a mischievous smile.
"I see, and what are you willing to offer for my services? I am a mystical type specie, a fungal to be precised, meaning I value knowledge above anything else" She rose a brow with a smirk.
"Then I'm offering over 20,000 books from another world "
She spat out her tea. I and Eliot moved aside to dodge it.
"My lady, you've made a mess" Ciel sighed as he begun cleaning the stained tiles.
"Did I hear that correctly! That many! Where are they?!" Her eyes sparkled intrigued.
I reached into my inventory and pulled out my tablet.
"This is called a tablet, I use it for storing online books that ranges from basically calculations to advanced astrology, all from my previous world" I explained
"Your form another world?" She asked surprised
"Yep!"
"that's Impossible. Although it's possible to summon someone from another world it would require a high amount of mana energy, I'm afraid not even the goddess herself could do it with overexerting herself " she sighed
"In that case, try reading this then" I opened an app as she leans in closer.
"Huh, don't underestimate me, I've learnt over 800 language besides demi humans " she smirked staring at the screen.
Her eyes widened with shock
"impossible! I can't read any of this?!, to think such knowledge existed and this thin physical screen embodies over 20,000 of them " she was practically drooling on the poor tablet.
"Please stop that" I and Eliot sweatdropped.
"Excuse my lady's behavior, she just got overexcited " ciel explained.
"Although I don't still believe your claim" she said standing her ground.
"Fine, then how do I prove it to you then?" I rose a brow.
"By letting me touch your egotistical features " she smiled
"Say what?!" My face and Eliot's went bright red.
"By feeling your egotistical parts I can sense how long you've been in this realm" she explained
"B..but that's so...!" Eliot was flustered
"Okay, your a female so I can accept" I gave in
"Say what?!" He was dumbstruck.
"Thankyou for accepting " she grinned
No one's pov
...
Kuro had stopped writing.
"What's wrong, kuro?" Kyokota asked
"I suddenly have the urge to punch someone" he replied
"Huh?" He blinked
Shiori's pov
I let out shaken breathes, my body felt hot.
"Does it feel good?" Libara asked mischievously.
"It. Does..." I panted, clenching my thighs together desperately for some simulate at the new foreign sensation.
Eliot's face was bright red at the sight...
I was bended over on the table. libara had lifted my skirt a bit to have easy access...
She gently caresses my fox tail, whereas Ciel was touching my ears. I felt so strange yet addictive at the same time.
"Ahhh~..." I let out a breathless moan.
heat going down to my core as I clenched my thighs together desperately. A delicate pink dusting my face.
"W...w...what are you guys doing to her?!" Eliot demanded.
"Just touching her ears and tail" libara replied
"Like hell that's all your doing! you perverts!" He yelled with disgust
"Beast humans have like animal features, however those features are highly sensitive, her reaction can't be helped" Ciel explained, still touching.
"Ahhhhh~!!!" My body had finally had enough as I screamed in ecstasy. I laid my head down on the table purely embarrassed as my body try to calm down.
"Well it seems like you're from another world after all..." Libara sighed
"Told you!"
"I'm sorry for doubting you, although your heritage is directly from beast humans your memories and mana information say otherwise..."
"Then what those that make me?" I queried.
"An unknown!" She squealed
"Say what?!" We stared at how dumbfounded.
"Your life creatures from which newly found knowledgeable can be obtained from! A fungal's life long dream gift!" She smiled brightly as if god had offered her a spot in heaven.
We watched her warly as she suddenly turned to us, Getting on her knees.
"Finally after so long, have I found a master worthy of me. Lady shiori, no shiori-sama, I libara shall offer you everything I have. I find no greater joy than aiding to your cause..." She spoke as her and Ciel bowed.
"Yeah, leave it to me!" I smiled, combining our energies for the contract ritual...
{In another part of the ethereal city embassy}
In a luxurious inn, a blonde hair male stared out of the window deep in thought, he's heterochromic eyes were cold and bored...
"What another boring day, hopefully we won't be here for too long..." He sighed