79-80

Nodding, I stared down at the ring, imagining it on Anput's finger.

"Hmm… Actually, what about something obsidian? I gave her a pretty big amethyst before…"

Nodding, the dwarf Narde placed the ring back into the container before pursuing his lips, making me chuckle.

Opening his mouth as he glanced around, he was about to speak when we heard the door open, the small bell attached to the doorframe jingling as someone entered the store.

The person who entered was taller than me, her large, crimson tipped horns almost scratching the roof of the store, forcing her to tilt her head to the side.

Matching her horns were her deep ruby eyes, and she was looking around with pursed lips, scrunching up her unblemished sapphire features.

𝚒𝔫𝔫re𝙖𝒅.𝒄𝘰𝙢

Turning her head towards me, she raised a brow before saying "The hell you doing out of the Academy brat?"

Stepping over to me was Mom, her lips pulled into a grin as she wrapped her arm around my shoulder, her other fist rubbing the top of my skull.

Staring up at the taller, insufferable Demoness that I called Mom, I flinched as her knuckles rubbed deep, making her chuckle.

"Tch… You used to hate that…"

Pouting slightly at me, I rolled my eyes at her childish behavior, before asking "What are you doing here Mom? Is Mother here too?"

Glancing over at the door, I frowned slightly as no one else walked in, turning my gaze back towards Mom, who was 'innocently' scratching her cheek.

"Ah… well, I was a little bored, so I decided to go out for some air when I saw this place! Thought I should get a gift for Ria…"

"She's going to go ballistic."

Sighing, Mom's shoulders slumped, nodding.

"Yeah, most likely… which is why~"

Looking around, Mom finally let my shoulders go, rubbing her hands together as she said "I want to get her another ring! Been awhile, and she's been wearing the same one for over three years now! Hah…"

Her ruby eyes scanned the tables before returning to me, frowning.

"Aren't you supposed-"

"Off day today."

Letting out an 'ah', she nodded before smirking, her expression turning sleazy as she leaned towards me and asked "Shouldn't you be in bed with one of those three? Lucky you, lucky you~ Such an assortment of wonderful flowers to pick from at such a young age~!"

Coughing lightly, Narde stared at us in mild confusion as he asked "So… do either of ye need me services?"

Pursing our lips, Mom and I exchanged glances before she shook her head, saying "Nah, we'll be fine. What better way to bond as Mom and daughter than shopping for high end, expensive jewelry together, hmm~?"

That made the dwarf grin, a slightly greedy look in his eyes as he nodded.

"Aye! I hope me wares impress ye~! Haha~!"

Hopping off his stool, he giggled to himself as he made his way back to his counter, making Mom chuckle.

Leaning towards me again, she whispered "Dwarves are interesting people; their either happy little drunkards or sullen, serious drunkards! Wonder if Les would like him…"

Rolling my eyes again, I sighed before returning my gaze to the tables laden with exquisitely crafted jewelry, making Mom ask "Ah, so why are you here?"

Walking around the room, I said "We got invited to Duchess Sariel's birthday banquet, and the bitch has been rather annoying, lusting after both Leone and Kat. So, I want to… flaunt a little, that they're better off with me…"

A wied grin split her sapphire features, and her ruby eyes shone with a mixture of pride and smugness as she pat my back, saying "That's my girl~! Any ideas?"

Frowning, I shook my head, saying "I know what they're all wearing at the event; Anput's in a deep violet gown, Leone's in a rather exquisite grey studded dress, and Kat will be in her maid dress, as always…"

Stroking her chin, Mom nodded before saying "Well, the pup was always more reserved, and I doubt she's going crazy with clothes right now, yeah?"

Seeing me nod, she said "Then either an anklet or bracelet; something easy to hide…"

"Yeah, I came to that conclusion as well…"

Staring down at the container in front of us, Mom pointed at a long, amber bead bracelet, making me purse my lips.

"Beads?"

"Yup. It's more reserved, simple, and not something you notice, unlike that beside it."

What lay beside the orangish brown bead bracelet was a wide gold bracelet, various diamonds embedded onto the piece.

Frowning at it, I shrugged as I returned my gaze to the beads.

It was simple and reserved, which Kat would appreciate, but…

Clapping her hand on my shoulder, Mom made me look over at her, her face serious as she said "Listen Jahi. I know how your thinking, cause I used to be the same… kinda… but, go with her wishes for now. In a few years time, after you graduate and start whatever it is you want to do, that's when you can lavishly drape whatever onto Kat. For now, just… be mindful of her status; she's a maid to a future Marquess, not her wife."

"But-!"

Shaking her head, Mom sighed as she said "I know; you gave her a ring, made a vow… but, no one else knows that, and currently? It wouldn't be a smart move. Too many idiots want something to use against House Asmodia, and besides me being… well, me, they have nothing. When we elevate Julie and Kat to Baroness', then you can do as you please. Until then though… just be patient. Besides, I think Kat'll be fine with it~!"

Giving me a playful grin, Mom gently lifted the bead bracelet from the case, looking at it in the light.

Pursing my lips, I sighed, my heart still aching from hearing that.

It… really irked me that I couldn't just proudly declare 'This is my wife!' to the world, all because some weak yet influential people would use it as an excuse to do harm to March Asmodia, and consequently, House Asmodia.

Really… politics was rather annoying…

However, Mom was right, both with how I should act, and how Kat will react.

I need to wait a few years, and then I can host the most lavish wedding this entire Empire has ever seen.

And Kat really does seem to prefer more reserved… well, everything.

She prefers to blend in, she prefers darker clothes…

Besides, it's the thought that counts with a gift, yeah?

Staring at Mom, I watched as she moved to another table, and I followed her.

"Mom, why are you here?"

Glancing over at me, she gave me a wry smile as she said "Julie wanted to see Kat, and Ria seemed a little anxious to see how all four of you were doing… I told them you'd all be fine, but…"

Waving her hand, she sighed as she just muttered "Women are complicated…"

Raising a brow, I asked "Aren't you a woman too?"

Giving me a small smile, she nodded, saying "Am I not complicated?"

"No, you're rather simple."

Dodging her swift slap, I grinned at her as she glared at me, before we both chuckled.

"So you're getting mother another ring?"

Nodding, Mom pursed her lips before saying "I think I'll get Julie one too… something elegant… I mean, she's only going to give Ria and I two children!"

Seeing the small smile on her face, as well as warmth in her eyes, I wondered what that must feel like, knowing you have children on the way.

When I tried to imagine Kat being pregnant…

Well, besides the obvious arousal and pride, it filled me with a mixture of both joy and mild dread.

Would we be good parents?

Would our child turn out like us?

So many questions…

Sighing slightly, I returned to browsing the jewelry on the tables, rubbing the beads in my hand before eventually finding a few pieces that I thought looked good.

As Mom and I walked around, we talked about the various things that had happened over our time apart; she told me about how Julie has acted ever since knowing she was pregnant with twins, how Mother was determined to work as much as possible to free up more time, and how she was both anxious and ecstatic to have more children.

I told her about the Academy, how Leone wants to get into alchemy, how Kat is studying enchanting, Anput's progression as both a fighter and a woman, about Draka and her harem, and all the other small, interesting things that had happened between us arriving and now.

I skirted around the subject of the Draconas, and maybe it was Mom's intuition, but I could tell that she knew something had happened; she was just being courteous to me by not prying.

Mother would've forced it out of me by this point…

Approaching the counter, I was about to pay for my gifts when Mom gently pushed me aside, making me frown.

Smirking at me, she said "Jahi, I have more money than I know what to do with. Save yours. Just tell them that I helped pick these out~!"

Feeling a little annoyed at that, I could only sigh as she handed the man a banknote, making the dwarf grin.

As we exited the store I said "Mom… I'll… well, I'll tell you when we get to the cottage…"

Resting her hand lightly on my head, she smiled at me as she nodded, before saying "I'll bring everyone over later; make sure you're all ready for us~! None of us are interested in seeing or hearing you all be 'active'~!"

Glaring at her, I watched as she turned away, walking down a different street.

Keeping my eyes fixed on her as she left, I sighed before resuming my walk to the cottage, a small smile on my lips.

—

? Just a quick thing; if you have any ideas or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments.

I'm always open to those, and as long as it isn't straight bashing me I'm cool with you all commenting any opinions you have about the novel!

Kat PoV

Awakening with a groan, I rolled over in our large bed, only to frown and jolt up as I felt…

Nothing beside me.

Opening my eyes, I gazed around the room and scanned every inch of it, looking for Jahi.

Not seeing any lights in the bathroom, nor any in the kitchen, I frowned more as I got up, letting out another groan as pain flared in my muscles.

My eyes fell on the whip that lay on the bed, the long, black leather strips all too familiar to me at this point.

Smiling slightly as I recalled the feeling of it on my skin, I shivered before raising a hand, my palm shimmering blue.

A deep blue light cascaded over my battered and bruised body, healing any visible wounds and mending all the internal damage from last night, making me moan in pleasure.

Once my body was back in tip top shape, I sat back down and closed my eyes, focusing the entirety of my being on the bond that connected Jahi and I.

It took a few moments to grasp, and when I did I frowned; she was far away from me…

Scrunching my brow, I grit my teeth as I resisted the urge to go after her; leaving her alone could only spell trouble, be it from any fights or…

Imagining men or women hitting on her while I wasn't near to keep them away made me angry…

But what enraged and truly worried me was the thought that Jahi might deign to take on of the women, be it for a single session or-

Biting my tongue, I growled lightly before taking a deep breath, knowing that she wouldn't do that; not after what happened down in Zhu'Rong Caverns.

However, there's always a chance…

Refocusing on the bond, I changed my attention from the location to her emotions, sighing in relief when the only thing I felt from her was anticipation and mild happiness; there was no lust evident in her current emotions, and it just felt… purer.

Of course, I was still antsy that something could happen, but when I thought about tracking her down and making sure nothing happened…

Well, I was sure that might end up in me being punished, and not in the good way.

Sighing, I got up off the bed and approached the dresser, grabbing myself a new set of clothes and undergarments.

Taking a quick bath, I dressed myself and set about cleaning our room; at least to get the smell out, as it was making my head swim and lower body hot, making it hard to focus.

Opening the windows, I started using my magic to swiftly wash the sheets, a grin on my face as they went from dirty to clean in just moments.

What used to take me an hour or two in my previous life was done in just a few moments…

Staring at the swirling ball of water above my hand, I entered the bathroom and disposed of the dirty water, glancing over at my reflection for a brief moment.

My hair was pulled into a messy bun, nestled between my two furry ears, and my fluffy tail poked out from the back of my maid dress.

The deep black and dark scarlet cloth of my dress made my fair skin stand out even more, and a small smile graced my plump lips.

My droopy amber eyes stared back at me with warmth, and my soft features shone with a youthful luster.

Chuckling to myself, I took in my appearance for another few moments before stepping back into our room, enjoying the sight of a clean bedroom.

Moving over to the nightstand beside where I slept, I gently lifted the ring from the wooden surface and stared down at it, my heart warming considerably as I slipped it onto my left ring finger.

Staring at the amber and amethyst stones, I smiled as I thought about how much I wanted this in both lives; to be married to someone who truly loved me…

In this life, it was even better; sure, I had been with a few men in my previous life, but I undoubtedly preferred the 'fairer' sex, and now…

Well, Jahi, Leone, and Anput could give me the other thing I really wanted…

Children.

Rubbing the two stones, I chuckled as I imagined their reactions whenever I did get pregnant; Anput would have a mixture of pride and worry in her gaze, going from being her normally feisty self to being a gentle lover, likely catering to my every need.

Leone would likely be overprotective and extremely worried, attempting to do everything she could to make my life easier as I carried her child.

As for Jahi…

Well, I could imagine her being a mix of the other two; extremely overprotective and worried, constantly making sure I wasn't doing something too 'exerting', all while gently caring for me as I progressed further along.

Taking a deep breath, I chuckled as I muttered "Not for a long time now… a long, long time…"

I couldn't afford to get pregnant yet, nor could Anput or Leone; after the Academy, Jahi would likely find some line of work to hone herself over the coming years.

There was no way the Demoness would sit still and do nothing after the Academy.

As for Anput and Leone, they'd both be doing what they could to support Jahi; Anput would be one hell of a swordswoman, and Leone might end up being an extremely talented alchemist.

𝔦𝔫𝘯r𝐞𝖆𝗱.𝑐o𝙢

The future was filled with mysteries for now, but I knew for certain that, at most, in ten years I'd already have one child, if not more.

After all, there's another four years of the Academy after this year, and by that ten year mark we would have all acclimated to our 'new lives'.

Snapping myself out of my fantasies, I exited the bedroom and entered the kitchen, checking the pantry to give myself an idea for dinner.

Seeing a few potatoes lying in a sack, I pursed my lips as I considered making pierogi's, which was just a potato filled ravioli…

Though, still really good, and really filling.

I could add a lot with the potato filling; cheese, vegetables, meat…

Besides that, the dough was simple to make too, and I was curious about trying my hand at a stuffed food; I had rarely made something that needed to be stuffed then cooked.

Nodding, I grabbed the sack of potatoes, preparing to make a large meal.

~~~

Leone PoV

Getting out of the bath, I blushed and sighed as I saw my room in utter disarray; the sheets and pillows were strewn about, my clothes were tossed around to random parts of the room, and there were various splotches of liquids everywhere…

Sheepishly exiting my room after pulling on a loose sundress, I saw Kat humming gently to herself as she stood in the kitchen, her ears twitching before she turned to glance at me.

"Good morning Leone."

I nodded to the Dogkin woman, before staring at the pile of flour laying on the table before her.

Approaching, I asked "W-What are you making?"

For a moment she froze, her hand stopping as she made a well in the center of the flour, before she resumed, saying "Have you ever had a dumpling?"

Nodding, I tilted my head in confusion, wondering why she was mentioning a dish from the Dynasty to our east.

"Well, I wanted to try making them, just with a potato and cheese filling instead of pure meat. I think they'd be heavier and way more filling then a normal dumpling."

Nodding, I then hesitantly asked "C-Could you… w-when you have the chance-"

Smirking at me, she nodded as she said "Yes, I'll clean your room up Leone… after all, I doubt Jahi was reserved when she crept into your room~"

Blushing at her knowing smirk, I turned away, looking instead towards the counter.

Seeing the various ingredients laying about, I froze for a second as I realized…

Cooking is a little like alchemy, isn't it?

You combine a bunch of ingredients together to get something completely different, you use a flame to help heat them to the required temperature, and the result makes people happy.

"Kat… is there something I can do?"

Her amber eyes flickered over to me before she nodded, gesturing to the pile of potatoes.

"Peel them before slicing them into cubes."

Nodding, I grabbed a knife and lifted one of the potatoes, carefully slicing the dark brown skin form the soft, white flesh.

Cooking with Kat was always refreshing and pleasant, and I learned so much about many different things…

I also wanted to eventually reach her level, so that I could make Jahi grin at me like she does when Kat makes a good dish.

Jahi…

And eventually…

Blushing furiously, I shook my head before returning to the potato, but after that thought…

I was heavily aware of the 'batter' inside me.

—

Only like one or two more chapters of this; it's more of a break for me to write these lol since they're so simple, and it's letting me rest my mind while still getting an upload out daily.

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