Inviting Black

" Okay, aside from a tea room and automated kitchen, the two of you also want a large bathing area that is a hot spring plus a roof garden?"

" Yes, Silva, we would appreciate those additions to the home you are building here in Anima."

Raven replied to my question while April nodded in agreement as I went over what they wanted for the residence I was building for us. Thanks to Soul Archive, I already have a blueprint ready, and I just need to program the construction bots to have it set up. The former bandit chief showed me the hot springs she found that reside outside of Mistral's territory that she wanted me to integrate into our home. Thankfully the volcano that heated the hot springs was far away enough that I wouldn't have to worry about an eruption destroying the manor I was building.

I went to the Central Control Unit for the construction bots to enter the blueprint I had in mind before transporting everything to the designated sight. After spending a few hours entering the necessary for the manor, I transported everything needed to the area with Door To Darkness, and Raven also moved her camp to the construction sight with April to oversee everything in case anything unexpected popped up. She could call me to let me know if something happens. As I watched the construction bots get started on zoning, the former bandit chief came up and asked.

" How long will it take to build for them to have our home ready?"

I thought about it for a minute and then answered.

" Considering that the construction bots will be working 24/7 and the size of the manor they are building, it should only take a few weeks at most."

Raven gave me a small peck on the cheek, then told me.

" I have almost paid off my bounty, Silva, and I am looking forward to breaking in our new home."

" Don't forget we need some furniture as well."

The former bandit chief nodded in agreement, then added with a teasing smile.

" I am assuming you want a nice large bed for us to share?"

" For the master bedroom, sure, but also some individual beds for our private rooms, as I am sure you don't want to sleep with me every night."

" Hmm... I don't know, Silva. After spending years on end without scratching that itch, I was more than a little pent up before you came around and absolved me of my fears."

I saw Raven giving me a sultry smile, and I returned it with a grin as I replied.

" Whatever you want, Raven."

Before I went back to Vale to see who wanted what for my place near Forever Fall Forest, I gave the former bandit chief a quicky to sate her for now. I opened a portal to my condo in Vale and saw the girls watching a movie. I didn't feel like bothering them, so I went to my room to chill for a bit. As I relaxed, I dug out the Lamp and called out to Jinn.

" Jinn."

The exotic and lovely blue-green-skinned woman appeared and greeted me with a slight smile.

" Hello again, Silva. Why have you summoned me?"

" Just wanted to talk for a bit. If that is fine with you, Jinn."

" Oh, anything in particular? Just to remind you, I can't answer any more questions for this era."

I nodded in understanding, then told her.

" I can answer any of your questions to the best of my ability if you want."

" Hmm... Interesting. Very well, then. I wish to know what you have planned for the future."

I felt curious as to why she was asking me that, but I kept the question to myself as I knew she likely couldn't answer due to her restrictions. I answered her honestly.

" My long-term goal is to deal with Salem one way or another and let Ozma handle uniting Remnant for the Brother Gods, as I don't have the patience for political idiocy. After that, I just want to enjoy my life with the people I care about."

" I see; then, how do you plan on dealing with the Witch?"

I paused at her question and felt a bit annoyed that I couldn't ask her anything about the exact limits of her knowledge because of her restrictions. I then replied.

" I want to try reasoning with her first after I get a sufficient amount of strength to serve as deterrence in order for her to take me seriously. Failing that, I will use the Staff to send her to the moon. However, I might keep quiet about me dealing with her in order to screw around with the old Wizard for some giggles."

She laughed at my idea of mentally tormenting Ozma, and we talked for a while, despite time being stopped. The reason I am being friendly with the genie is to set up a close relationship with her in order to abuse the time-stop feature of her Relic without her denying my summons for no reason to train for my confrontation with Salem. After we ran out of things to talk about, Jinn returned to her Lamp, and time resumed. After that long chat with her, I decided to work on the Gundam manga I am creating for Remnant since the girls were watching a movie.

After a while, I heard the ending credits play, and I went to talk with the girls about what they wanted for our home and who was coming with me on my trip through Anima to Menagerie. As I exited my room, I called out.

" Daddy's home!"

The girls looked at me and came over to ask questions. After answering most of their question about my well-being and other stuff, I asked in turn.

" So, have you girls made your lists of what you want for our home here in Vale?"

They gave me literal lists of what they wanted, and it was going to take me a while to make a working blueprint to accommodate everything. I then asked.

" Okay, that aside, who's coming with me on my trip?"

To my surprise, all the girls were coming along for the ride. Okay, I wasn't expecting that, so I need to get more camping gear to accommodate everyone, plus food supplies. At least I will have plenty of company.

***

Winter Schnee stared at her Scroll for the umpteenth time as she waited for her first call from Silva. Unbeknownst to her, he was fairly busy this month with his two projects, and she developed a gnawing feeling that the snow leopard faunus left her high and dry. She huffed, feeling a bit indignant, and said to herself.

" You know what, I am just going to call him myself."

The ice queen used the speed dial to call her friend, and he picked up soon as she heard the ringing on the other side.

" Hey, Winter, how have you been?"

Hearing the friendly greeting, Winter smiled as she replied.

" I have been fine, thank you, but I am curious about what you have been up to since you haven't called me in a month."

" Ah! Sorry about that. I was working on some long overdue projects to set up my homes in Vale and Anima."

This drew the ice queen's attention, and she asked.

" What do you mean?"

" I didn't have a permanent residence until I got started on construction, aside from my condo in Vale, but enough about me; anything happened on your end?"

" Nothing noteworthy, no. Putting that aside, I was wondering if you would be willing to join me for my family dinner this weekend?"

Winter could hear the grin in Silva's voice as he replied.

" Sure, anything I need to do in particular, like a dress code?"

" No, just be presentable and neat."

" K, then what time do you want me to portal on over?"

The ice queen gave the time for dinner and felt relieved for some reason that she didn't quite understand yet.