Chapter 62 - First S-Rank Quest

Carrying her down the street, she drew a lot of attention from the locals. Some of the older men mistook what was going on, and simply shot me a smug grin. Ignoring them, I sensed Yennefer knew why she was getting stared at by the men. Stopping her thrashing about, she just accepted it and remained still. Walking into the Guild, I saw Laxus and company still hanging around finishing their meals.

"Laxus, your supervisor show up for your S-Rank trial period?", I inquired.

"Yeah we got some old guy who...", he said before noticing the woman's butt dangling from my shoulder, "Whose is she?"

"Mirajane and Erza's supervisor, she tried to demand free room and board from us.", I stated with a smirk.

"Our supervisor checked into one of the local inns.", Evergreen told me, "She must be hard up for cash to be bothering you."

Setting Yennefer down, I told her she wasn't staying in my house. Glaring at me with a mixture of embarrassment and anger, she told me she didn't have a choice. Like most people, she didn't pre-plan for anything so she was in a bind.

"All the rooms in town were sold out.", she stated, "They dropped the assignment on me last minute so I didn't have anyway of knowing where I was going."

"Not my problem.", I replied with a shrug.

"You can stay here.", Makarov offered trying to be nice.

"I am not sleeping on a bench!", Yennefer replied, "I have had my share of that lifestyle, and I am not going back. As a woman, I need to be sleeping in a bed."

Hearing the Thunder Legion snickering, I knew we agreed she was being a bitch. Wizards had to be able to sleep where ever they could on missions, there wasn't always a comfy bed to fall into at the end of the day.

"Well you aren't staying with us.", I told her.

"Why not, you have plenty of rooms.", she snapped, "You have many guest rooms and open beds, don't be stingy."

"That house is for my lovers, family, and friends...you aren't any of those.", I assured her.

Staring at me, she threatened to fail Erza and Mirajane if I didn't let her stay. Telling her my fist was unisex, I had no problem beating some sense into her for disturbing our peace and quiet. Doubling down on what she was saying, I decided to throw her a curveball.

"Hey Gildarts, you have a spare bed right?", I questioned.

"Say what now?", he replied looking over half drunk, "Oh yeah!! I have plenty of room for a beauty like you!"

"You are so disgusting!", Cana shouted at him as she stormed out.

"Wait Cana, don't run off!", Gildarts said chasing after her, "I am sorry!!"

"I am not staying with him.", she refuted.

Looking to Makarov for advice, he offered her a bed in the clinic. No one was in there at the moment, and the sheets were clean. Begrudgingly accepting the offer, she left without even asking where it was. Shaking my head, I said we'd be over tomorrow to start looking at the Quest Board.

---Next Day---

Looking at the Quest Board on the Second Floor, we were deciding what quest to take today. Reviewing our options, Erza grabbed one that would take us inland towards the mountains. There was a mountain pass about a day away from where we first met Lucy and Brandish. A group of Wyverns had recently taken up residence causing all trade to stop between the two regions as the roundabout route cost almost four times the price.

"I think this will work.", Erza stated, "Anyone have any concerns?"

"No, I think we are good.", Minerva replied, "We will need some winter gear, our last trip was several years ago and we have grown since then."

Hiding my smile, I knew exactly what she meant. Their coats would be really tight around the chest, and their stomachs would be left exposed. If we weren't going somewhere cold, I would tell them to wear it just for fun.

"Let's go to the capital to get supplies, then head over.", Lisanna suggested, "Is that okay...Supervisor?"

Glancing over to Yennefer, she nodded her head giving her blessing. Opening a portal, we all stepped through into the Market District of Crocus. The city was really busy today as a new dessert store had opened up recently. Apparently it was a Flavored Ice Shop run by two families that moved to capital a few months back, and was a big hit with the locals. Since I could make shaved ice for the girls, in any flavor they wanted, they hadn't really bothered to go.

"Get your flavored ice here!", a familiar voice shouted as we passed the shop.

"Yes, get you magical shaved ice here!", a feminie voice laughed with excitement.

Turning to look who it was, I saw Ultear and Grey selling the shaved ice. Seeing their parents working on preparing the food, Ultear and Grey were drawing in the crowd...for more than one reason.

"Damn it you too!!", Ur spat, "Put your fucking clothing clothes back on! This isn't some strip club!"

"Since when!?", the two shouted in shock as they looked down to see they were in their underwear.

Looking away, my lovers thought that they were disgust for stripping in front of kids. They didn't realize it was do to Ur's training that they got into that habit.

"Who would get engaged to exhibitionists?", Juvia said holding my arm, "Some people are just disgusting.

"Engaged?", I asked out of curiosity, "How do you know they are engaged?"

"Those two are engaged, it's big news in the capital.", Lucy told me, "The girl's mother is their Magic Instructor, and they have been dating for a few years now. Didn't you see the rings?"

Taking a second look closely, sure enough they both wore engagement rings. Thinking how nice they looked, I was thinking about how I would propose to the girls. It was at that moment, I realized I had fucked up.

'Fuck!! I have to get Azula and Ty Lee engagement rings and Katara needs a betrothal necklace...', I thought beating myself up, 'Shit I should have done that when things were made official, no wonder they have been a bit uncomfortable around the locals. They think I am just leading them on...damn it.'

Making a mental note to do that, I would make sure to make it up to them tenfold. I am sure they probably had been getting dirty looks for not having anything to show for our engagement, after all that world is much more traditional than this one. The community probably hated us because four unwed and non-engaged women were living under a roof with me. Putting that to the side for now, I was happy to see that Ultear ended up with a happier life and Grey found a good wife.

'I just hope their kid doesn't have the stripper habit.', I thought as we approached the clothing store, 'Though with a grandmother like Ur...that may not be an option.'

"Alright ladies, you know the drill.", Mirajane stated handing out marching orders, "Mael, you don't need to wait here for us. We will be done in about an hour or so."

"I take it you are paying for your stuff?", I questioned with a smile.

"Yeah, we have plenty of money to spend on stuff like this.", Millianna giggled, "Haven't you seen all the cat toys around the house?"

"Yes...", all of us sighed.

Leaving it at that, I left them to shop while I got the food supplies. Walking around the produce stalls, I used magic to find the best ingredients they had for sale. As I was doing my shopping, I noticed a bunch of Mage Hunters patrolling the streets. The fact that the King had a strong dislike for Mages was probably the reason why they had free reign to patrol unhindered by the guards. Noticing that people were hiding the children from sight, I understood what was going on here.

"They come here often?", I asked the stall owner.

"At least twice a day...", he replied in a low voice, "Anyone that uses any magic, aside from Magic Guild Members, are taken away. Doesn't matter what they were doing, they will have a charge of Public Endangerment slapped on them."

Watching the Mage Hunters leave the area, I finished my shopping and returned to the women. The fact they were looking for any reason to arrest someone made me concerned for their safety. Even if Yennefer was with them, they still might get in trouble. Taking a seat on the opposite side of the door from her, she started heckling me.

"Worried they might go overboard?", Yennefer teased as I returned.

"No, Mage Hunters are about and I don't want the girls getting in trouble.", I told her.

"Yeah, they have been getting pretty bad lately.", Yennefer replied getting serious, "They are crawling all over the place lately, makes me think something is about to happen."

Watching two patrols go by, I sat there watching them closely. Noticing my gaze, the Mage Hunters picked up the pace and immediately got out of the area.

"Aren't you for this? You work for the Kingdom after all.", I stated.

"Fuck no, I want Mages to be free to do as they please...within reason. The restrictions we have on us is ridiculous, but we aren't able to do much.", Yennefer said in anger, "It would be easier if it was a lot of people that hated us, but in reality it's more like a lot of people don't understand us. Your efforts helped sway public favor back to our side, that said there are a lot of people that are still on the fence. The Dark Guilds make it difficult for us to continue gaining favor."

"So you think this is acceptable then?", I said motioning to her badge.

"Yes and no, there were a lot of Guilds that were promoting people to S-Rank that weren't ready just for status and fame. When they take quests above their caliber, lots of damage and death happens.", she informed me, "The flip side is, people who are qualified have to deal with this crap. It's a big reason some just don't want to rank up anymore."

Nodding my head, I asked why she wanted to force her way into my house then.

"Simple, I am a woman that values comfort. Very few men turn me away.", she said whipping her hair over her shoulder, "You sure you can stay in control? Maybe I could show you how a real woman can-"

Before I could respond, Irene's bag swung out the door and slammed into her face. Yelping in pain, Yennefer stumbled back and glared at Irene in anger.

"Oops, sorry about that.", Irene apologized with a pleased look, "We are all done now Mael."

Giving her a wry smile, I thought it was cute how she put Yennefer in her place. Depending on how things go, I may pursue Yennefer...though I will thoroughly rein her in if I do. Unlike Geralt, I will make sure she acknowledges who wears the pants in the relationship and not tolerate her disappearing acts.

---Mountains---

Opening a portal to where we encountered Lucy and Brandish the first time, that location put us roughly a day away from our destination. Recognizing the scenery, everyone remained quiet and said nothing. Moving on from there, we continued the trek towards our goal. About an hour in, the women started talking again to make the time go by faster.

"So what's for lunch?", Millianna asked.

"Seriously...", I sighed, "It's not even quite noon yet."

"I want something to look forward too.", Millianna replied, "So what are we having?"

"Probably grilled turkey and cheese sandwiches with potato chips.", I answered, "That work for everyone?"

"Yep!", they all shouted with excitement.

Looking at me with confusion, Yennefer asked what potato chips were. Telling her they were thinly sliced potatoes that are deep fried and salted, she asked if she could have some.

"Haha, no.", Irene told her, "He cooks for his lovers."

"Do you have a problem with me or something?", Yennefer stopped and asked.

"I do, stop putting your nose where it doesn't belong.", Irene growled, "Forcing your way into our home, demanding a free room and food, and then having the nerve to try and flirt with him. It's clear you have an agenda here, stay away from him!"

Noticing that Irene was getting heated, I knew this was tied to her trauma. It was one thing to be brought in by me, but to watch a woman try to steal her perceived partner...she was about to blow a gasket. Knowing that she probably had to watch Erza's father remarry, she didn't want to lose me no matter the cost which was very sweet of her.

"Alright, enough of this.", I said, "You can try a few, but only a few. Like Irene said, my cooking is for the people I care about. It's going to take some time for you to re-earn any respect from us."

Noticing that everyone was staring at her, she seemed to grasp her error. Apologizing to Irene, Yennefer backed away to bring up the rear of our group.