Tia remained with them even as Asterios shrank the shadowy pool to be more or less twice the width of his body, allowing her to keep close without much strain. This wasn’t something they were going to utilize all the time, but he wanted to include his new lover in their daily life as much as possible. And so did the girls. The Dryad thanked them wholeheartedly for the gesture. It already felt like she was part of the family, even with her missing body.

  The guild encampment was as busy as they remembered, if not more. The noise was perhaps even bigger than in the very middle of the main market. Adventurers walked around and chatted about various things while the few authorized traders introduced their wares. Some owned wooden cabins with noticeable signboards, but a few were allowed to set up stalls. Clearly, everything was done under the guild’s jurisdiction, judging by the occasional sigils appearing in sight.

  Ast’s party wandered into the spacious pavilion and squeezed through the crowd to enter the staff area. Avoiding drawing too much attention, they slipped into the guildmaster’s office after knocking first. Suanori greeted them with a smile, accompanied by two other women.

  “Pipsqueak! I was wondering when you’ll remember the little old me.” Rusi snickered as she and her mother turned around to face them.

  “We were on the way,” Tina answered with a delicate scoff. “There is an order to certain things. And I could tell you were in the middle of something.”

  “Don’t be rude to your partner.” Phatru gently smacked her daughter in the back of her head. “It should have been you who flew to greet her at the first sign of arrival, like the good familiar that you are supposed to be.”

  The younger Lesser Dragon blushed faintly while scrunching her nose.

  At the same time, a second shadow rose from the ground, taking the shape of a familiar butler.

  “Umbra?” Asterios raised a curious brow at his own familiar. “Thought you would be busy with things back home.”

  “I decided to see how Kori is doing since you are already here,” the Lord of the Nethernight realm replied openly instead of mentally. “I can feel the Dragons and their companions inside and will gather them up for you.”

  He bowed respectfully and sank into the ground.

  Asterios was intrigued by the interaction, but these would most likely become more common now that Umbra wasn’t being limited by the seal. On another note, that also meant he could now display his full power. Which had additionally grown after becoming one with the realm, pretty much.

  His enemies definitely had something to be afraid of.

  “So, what are you three doing here?” Tina asked the trio.

  “They finished their practice recently, and I was reviewing their progress,” Suanori replied, pointing at some data sheets resting atop her desk. “Phatru employed the dungeon in her lessons about the dangers of the wide world. Even without Umbra, she could use Rusi to partially communicate with Kori and produce specific monsters for their needs. It wasn’t perfect, but they got it right half of the time.”

  “Smart.” Asterios nodded. “How are the disciples taking to our unique program?”

  “Jellal is in big trouble.” Phatru laughed loudly. “They are so eager and fascinated that it’s a bigger problem having them not dedicate all their time to our studies. I had to lay down some ground rules as the first two weeks were a total war for my attention. Even Visenna could hardly keep herself on the sidelines, but she’s recently started skipping some lectures, so it’s a bit easier.”

  “I wonder why.” Selene let out a ladylike chuckle behind her palm and elbowed Asterios.

  The girls giggled amusedly.

  “The situation is as severe in Phasmantia,” Rusi added. “These guys can’t keep their mouths shut about how incredible their lives here are. I pity Nestmother Rhufija a little bit. She has her hands full with an overeager community. Last I heard, someone even started a fan club of yours in hopes of getting into the next batch of familiars soon. They are actively convincing people that a certain True Dragon is their salvation and rightful custodian.”

  Althea snorted audibly. “Flash them a compassionate True Dragon once and they leap straight into willingful submission.”

  “I’m starting to think that part isn’t just your personal preference,” Tia teased, bringing a rosy splash over her friend’s graceful cheeks.

  There was a movement in the shadows behind the group, and they turned around just in time to witness the appearance of Dragon Guard’s full team. The squad was dressed in what could be identified as training equipment, their gear displaying signs of wear and tear through lots of direct experience.

  Before anyone was able to say anything, the core members of the troop put their fists to their chests, straightening up.

  “Your Majesty!” they shouted in unison.

  Then, the Dragons fell to one knee beside their respective companions.

  “We greet the Dragon Emperor!” they exclaimed.

  Asterios ran his palm down his face throughout the silence that descended onto the guildmaster’s office. He didn’t have to guess thanks to how a certain individual with a very distinctive carnation shuffled a bit further out of his sight.

  “Stand up. And at ease.” He put his hands on his hips, giving the team a slow look. “Kathy.”

  “Yes, sir!” Their captain stepped forward.

  “Have one of yours deliver this to King Welrond post haste. With all the necessary decorum.” Asterios handed her the envelope.

  “Sir, yes, sir!” She stowed it in her personal storage artifact without the slightest hint of curiosity. “It’ll reach the destination in a blink!”

  He smirked. “Good. No need to push like it’s the end of the world, though. It’s just a simple message.”

  “With all due respect, My Lord, the boys and girls have been waiting for this opportunity!” Kathy replied confidently. “This will be our first real assignment as your representatives, and whoever tackles this mission will undoubtedly give their best to test how far they have come together with their partner!”

  Meeting the eyes of her subordinates, Asterios could easily discern the eager shine filling their gazes. After almost two months of training, his first troop was looking forward to proving that he hadn’t made a mistake. This would be their first actual trial.

  “I’m expecting great results, then.” He gave them a serious nod. “Dismissed.”

  With another salute to the chest, Kathy started ushering her squad outside, the men and women struggling to conceal their enthusiasm.

  “It’s so damn lively here today.” A familiar voice reached their ears before the door closed, a blue-haired head poking through the gap. “Oh, hi, Sis.”

  “Gwen!” Tina launched herself forward to bring her sister in, the two sharing a cordial hug. “How are you doing?”

  “Suffocating as of now!” The taller girl squeaked as the much stronger short lady squeezed too hard.

  “Oops! I sometimes forget about all that draconic strength!” Tina laughed bashfully, letting her go.

  Taking a deep breath, Gwen showed a lovely smile. “Great, I’m doing great. I’ve learned a lot and enjoyed my stay in your city. It’s turning into something unrivaled.”

  “Just like its leaders,” Suanori commented. “And their loyal subjects.”

  Meeting her senior’s gaze, the guildmaster-in-training pondered over something briefly, returning her attention to Asterios and Tina afterward.

  “Say, are you doing something important right now?” she asked.

  “That depends,” her sister responded. “Why?”

  “I’ve been gathering information about the dwarves from Wintercrown and my report is pretty much fully compiled for a while already,” Gwen explained. “I could share my findings with you… while also finally introducing you to the chief executive of the organization I have mentioned in the past. I think we are ready to tell you the truth.”

  “That sounds kind of ominous.” Asterios laughed. “Up to you, Tina. I’m sure Umbra will appreciate some more time alone with Kori.”

  Staring right back at her tense sister, Tina exhaled softly. “Alright. Let’s get it over with. I know she won’t stop worrying about this until she sees my reaction now that the matter is up in the air. That part runs in the family.”

  The younger girl tried to huff offendedly, but everyone could tell the older sibling had hit the nail on the head.

  Therefore, they bid a temporary farewell to Guildmaster Suanori and the draconic mother-daughter duo, letting them finish their debriefing. The blue-haired sisters chatted away during their trip into the city, but Gwen remained tight-lipped about the matter. Asterios had noticed Suanori’s knowing smile before they departed, so it seemed to be something the elf official was aware of.

  “Ummm… Why have we stopped in front of our residence?” Tina asked as they arrived at the shared mansion of the Hestizo-Nobelle families.

  “You’ll see.” Gwen grinned. “Come on. They are already expecting us.”

  Blinking slowly, Tina shot Asterios a confused look before being dragged away by her sister. He chuckled and shared a look with his other mates, wondering what kind of crazy surprises awaited them this time.

  Because there was no normal day where his mother was considered.

  Chapter 44

  The Guilds Have Eyes

  Led by Gwen, the group made its way through the hallways, pausing only briefly to greet the servants. Their guide politely declined the suggestion to let her mother know that they wished to meet, implying that she would already be aware, considering her nature and talents. The last comment, combined with a mysterious smile she directed at her sister and the short lady’s boyfriend, made the duo wonder about the situation even more.

  Soon enough, they arrived in front of the ornate entrance to what Asterios recalled was the office-slash-meeting room, where the visitors could be taken for a more relaxed conversation. This fact did align with the hints Gwen had been dropping on their way here.

  But, he didn’t think much of it. Ultimately, their mothers were part of the wide connection he shared with his friends and subordinates. It wouldn’t be unexpected for them to keep an eye on him, just like his amazing mates did. Especially keeping in mind how attached Kindra was at times.

  The taller Nobelle knocked on the doors. “Mother, we are here.”

  “Come in.” Lady Luna’s voice reached them muffled.

  Pushing on the knob, Gwen took everyone inside and closed the door. The two women were sitting together on a couch in the resting corner, both holding steaming cups of coffee. The moment Ast’s group filed in, Kindra smacked hers down onto the coaster and rushed ahead.

  “Asti!” She practically flew into his arms, knocking Asterios back a tiny bit.

  He chuckled warmly and embraced his mother affectionately, wrapping his arms around her figure. They spun a little while she giggled into his chest, nuzzling her face into it with a big smile. After he slowed them down, she hopped back onto the ground and pressed her palm to his cheek, brushing it with her thumb.

  “You took your sweet time, young man.” She sighed softly. “But, I’m glad to see you are doing okay. And you too, girls, of course. I might have received the means to feel your presence just recently, but it still felt like losing part of my heart when I couldn’t check up on you for almost two months.”

  “Master took great care of us!” Miria smiled adorably, coming closer to let the cheerful woman ruffle her feline ears. “There is nothing he can’t do when our well-being is at stake, Miss Kindra.”

  “There isn’t, is there?” Ast’s mom gave him a knowing glance. “Still, it’s good to see you in a more than fair shape. Your recent excursion sounded rather difficult. There’s nothing worse than going into a complete unknown. Right, Luna?”

  The Nobelle lady lightly rolled her eyes at the obvious jab, which made Gwen chuckle on the side. “It’s as you said. Wouldn’t mean much if I didn’t, considering my trade.”

  “Your trade?” Tina tilted her head with a shadow of confusion.

  “We’ll get to that in just a moment, dearies.” Kindra winked at her mysteriously. “First, would you be so kind as to bring one more person into this gathering, Son?”

  Asterios had an idea who it was, so he stepped aside to take care of it, the movement uncovering a moving shade behind them both, and the attentive Hestizo caught onto it immediately.

  “Oh. And who is this?” Ast’s mom sauntered towards the dark but very detailed figure with a mischievous sway.

  “My most respectful greetings, Mother.” The misty Dryad bowed low. “It’s my pleasure to meet you almost face-to-face. I apologize, but this form doesn’t allow me to feel the real world much yet.”

  “Mother?” Kindra’s brows traveled up to her hairline, and she turned to grin at her son. “Looks like someone didn’t slack off during his sightseeing tour.”

  Groaning quietly, Asterios shook his head, evoking a few chuckles and giggles from the women.

  “Your name was Tia, if I recall correctly?” she asked, receiving a nod in response. “Welcome to the family, then. I hope you can look after my son just as well as his other ladies do.”

  Letting the shorter female kindly peck her cheeks thrice in some familial custom, Tia displayed a joyful grin on her monochromatic face.

  “I currently lack the necessary capabilities to fulfill my marital duties properly, but I do whatever I can to soothe his mind and soul whenever we spend time together in his psyche,” the sly shadow girl replied with a cheeky smirk.

  A moment passed between the pair before Asterios could swear he discerned a knowing flash between their eyes, which was followed by a very conspiratorial giggle from both. They were undoubtedly hosting another conversation inside their heads. One that might involve some imagery.

  Sighing inwardly, he got to work, creating a tear in the space much easier and quicker than in the Nethernight Realm. And perhaps even in his own realm before. The difference was noticeable. Their journey had brought them a lot of benefits in the form of raw power. Which also eased the control. His technique was much finer. The ripples he created by it were weaker, harder to discern by anyone who would find themselves near the points of exit.

  Soon after, Oria arrived through the breach, already informed about the portal by her daughter. He walked up to his own frivolous mom and lifted her by the armpits, dragging the shorter woman away from the sultry shadow of his newest lover.

  “We’ll leave more detailed recounts of the events that took place in Umbra’s realm for later,” he stated with a tone brooking no argument. “Now that Oria is here, we can move on to the matters that brought us together.”

  “Speaking of Miss Oria, how are things related to the Adventurer’s Guild doing back in your village?” Silvia chimed in curiously.

  “Rather well, I must say.” Miria’s mother brushed her chin. “The guild hall is pretty much fully finished and furnished. We’ve been in contact with your guildmaster, talking out some details, but without the ability to travel through the fabric of realms, we were forced to delay a few things.”

  “Already?” Selene frowned lightly. “I don’t mean to discredit your workers and artisans, but I was under the impression that your mate was the key figure in construction, alongside his helpers. Did you really build a whole guild while we were gone?”

  “Ah, no, we didn’t exactly do it purely on our own.” Oria waved her hands. “The foxes helped a lot.”

  “Foxes?” It was Ast’s turn to furrow his brows. “We haven’t exactly instructed them to assist us with this endeavor, nor did you mention needing it.”

  “I heard that some young vixen started paying rather regular visits to that friend of your sweet kitty, Asti,” Kindra added while tapping her lips. “Was it Zoe? Yes, I’m pretty sure it was. Through that, she noticed what was being done and brought back a small retinue from the next time, aiding the construction as much as they could during what I assume is their free time.”

  Ast’s group exchanged glances. No one had to guess that it was certainly Ronye. And Kindra’s next words only confirmed it.

  “Anyway, she’s such a nice girl,” his mother continued, bouncing her brows at him. “A tiny bit boyish, but she’s still growing into her charms, no doubt. Still, she’s a short, feisty cutie. And those tails, my dear, they are a thing of wonder!”

  Rubbing his eyes with one hand, Asterios wrapped his other arm around Selene’s waist, pulling the mature vixen to his side, to which she visibly leaned into him, resting her head atop his shoulder.

  “I already have a tail like that to fluff whenever I want,” he answered, running his fingers through the cloudy piece of heaven, evoking a sensual sigh from its owner.

  Kindra’s attention flickered to that swaying appendage, and Selene grinned impishly.

  “Would you like to touch it?” the vulpine lady offered.

  Biting on her lip and considering it briefly, the tempest of a woman couldn’t possibly hold her playful urges back and hopped closer to them while Selene spun around. Ast’s mom carefully slid her fingers over the exquisite fluff, then gently hugged it to her chest as a few more appeared on the sides. She giggled like a little girl on her birthday.

  “Truly divine…” Kindra sighed in contentment. “But, do you know what would be even better? If, and just think about it for a moment, there was another fan like this on the other side to sandwich and drown you in the sea of softness.”

  “Stop objectifying Foxkin women, Mom.” Asterios snorted. “They are more than just tails.”

  “But we do have the best tails.” Selene preened under the teasing praise.

  “Not helping.” He squinted at her. “In any way, it’s not like I can make any moves about now.”

  Miria tilted her head adorably. “Why not, Master?”