Unexpected

Having failed to do something new with his mother, Earl could only accept it and respect her wishes. It was not something he desired very much anyway.

"What are we doing, Master?" Lily inquired as they walked through the refreshing morning air.

Indeed, the sound of chirping birds, rustling leaves, and hushed voices surrounded them.

They were walking through the city of Venroris. At this time, some shops were just opening and it was not as lively as one would expect.

"Well, I have some time before going to the palace so I figured I should get some gifts," Earl answered.

"Gifts?" The demon girl tilted her head.

"Yes, for Teacher. Or Her Majesty, I should say."

"Is that Master's way of getting on her good side?"

"Umu." Earl promptly nodded.

"Doesn't that make Master look like a pushover?"

"..."

"Tehe."

"Listen, Lily. Women like the unexpected. They like surprises."

"Really?"

"Tell her, Aria."

"That is correct," Aria replied flatly from the side.

Lily stuck a tongue. "Sis is just agreeing with whatever you say, Master."

"Humph, whatever. I will get my victory another day."

They then entered a bakery that caught Earl's eyes.

"Welcome!"

A young elf greeted them from the counter.

"Hello. We're just looking around."

"Let me know if you need anything!"

With the short interaction done, Earl and his servants began to look through the assortment of sweets and freshly baked goods displayed on the counter.

A heavenly smell encompassed the small shop.

"So this was what Master meant by gift..." Aria muttered.

"Correct. Girls have a soft spot for sweets after all."

"Her Majesty might get fat, Master." Lily chimed in.

"No way. I'll be sure to give her plenty of exercises." Earl laughed lewdly when he finished his sentence.

"Master, that is vulgar."

"Was it? Excuse me."

The light banter between Earl, Lily, and Aria continued as they looked around the goods displayed in the shop.

There were speciality cakes, parfaits, puddings, and chocolates among the many goods displayed.

In the end, Earl left the shop with more goods than expected.

"Master bought a lot."

"I guess I got carried away?"

"We should be carrying it, Master."

"It's okay, I got it. Accompany me a little longer, won't you?"

"Your wish is my command, Master."

Lily and Aria walked with Earl the rest of the way to the palace at a leisurely pace, appreciating the sight of the myriad of things happening around them.

At times, they would see a beautifully constructed piece of architecture. At other times, they would see a group of Adventurers haggling with shop owners. They would see people bumping into one another and watch the conflict unfold.

"We ended up with a lot of time because we didn't do anything lewd this morning."

"It breaks our routine completely."

"This is nice too. I've missed you two a lot."

"Master..."

"It's time for me to get going." Earl handed one of the bags to Aria. "Bring this home, won't you? Let's all enjoy it together this evening."

"Certainly, Master!" The dark elf nodded happily.

"See? You guys like the unexpected too."

Lily faked a pout. "Umu, Master is right about that then."

"It's unfortunate that I can't bring you two inside with me. Wait for me at home, okay?"

"Master. Kiss."

"Kiss."

Earl enjoyed kissing two of his girls completely. The sweet taste of their saliva lingered in his mouth. If this was served with desserts, perhaps he would die of diabetes.

"I'll be going now."

Lily and Aria watched Earl until he disappeared into the palace as the huge gates shut behind him.

"Let's get going, Lily."

"Okay!"

Earl deftly moved through the mazelike structure of the Venroris palace until he met an obstacle that stopped him dead on his tracks.

"You." A familiar bell-like voice rang out from behind him.

He was met with the grim face of Alea dressed in her princess attire. Her hair was tied neatly into a ponytail and her eyes were cold as ice. The chilliness in her voice did not allow Earl any time to admire her beauty.

His brain worked rapidly to conclude that she saw him kissing Lily and Aria earlier.

"I saw you committing an inappropriate display of affection in front of the palace. That's punishable by death."

Earl kept a straight face and smiled. "I have sweets for you."

Alea's icy facade broke down to reveal a rosy complexion. "Oh really?"

"Yeah."

His hands moved expertly through the bag and he promptly handed a box to Alea.

"For me?" The elven girl's green eyes sparkled.

"For my dearest fiancee."

Alea smiled brightly and approached Earl to whisper. "There's an empty room up ahead. Or would you rather go to my room?"

"Show me the way, Princess."

"That's not it."

"Alea~"

"That's the one... Yes, Earl~"