Chapter 101: A Busy Day
[Luna POV]
I was the first to wake up the next morning, so I decided to get some mapping done. I made my way to the top of the pyramid and started using my space magic. The range it covered was larger than the island itself and I mapped both the island and the land underneath. When I was done with that, I sat there and watched the sunrise.
“You know, I love the moon, but watching the sunrise like this is nice as well.”
{It is a wonderful sight, and it’s enhanced when you are here.}
We sat there in silence as the sun rose over the mountain peaks, a natural mist covering the jungle below, and birds starting to make noise.
“It’s things like this that make adventuring fun. If I just focused on getting to your side, I would have never seen something like this. Plus, even if it’s not physically, I can feel you watching this by my side. I’m happy to have met you Tamamo.”
{I feel the same. Though my life has never been dull, when you arrived in my life, everything has seemed so much brighter and I find myself enjoying moments like this all the more. I truly love you, my shining star.}
“I love you too, my glowing moon.”
We fell into another comfortable silence as we watched the sun. After a while I could hear two people climbing the pyramid and once they reached the top, it was revealed to be Velvet and Soleil.
“If the two of you were coming here to watch the sunrise, then you missed it.” (Luna)
“While that would have been nice, we came to look for you.” (Soleil)
“We wanted to discuss what to do now that we have captured the island.” (Velvet)
“Didn’t we already decide to go to the sea?” (Luna)
“We did, but not the exact place. There are many famous places in Beria to go to the sea.” (Velvet)
“Then we should discuss this when Ophidia wakes up.” (Luna)
“What were you doing up here, big sis?” (Soleil)
“Mapping the island and the area underneath, then watching the sunrise with Tamamo. It was quite the beautiful sight.” (Luna)
“Then we should try to come and see it sometime, Velvet.” (Soleil)
“I agree. If it has Luna’s seal of approval, then it’s a must.” (Velvet)
“Fufu. I’m heading back down, you two should stay here a while and look at the scenery. Soleil, if you ever feel like painting this, just ask and I’ll hand over your painting stuff.” (Luna)
“Maybe later today.” (Soleil)
I headed down the pyramid and looked around at the ruins.
‘I kind of feel bad for having to remove all of this, but it needs to be done for my future plans.’
{I don’t think the people of the past would mind.}
‘Then I will get started on my way back to our temporary lodging.’
As I walked, I placed all of the crumbling stone from the ruins into my inventory.
‘I think I will leave the pyramid there until I can get whole island renovations started.’
{I like that idea. It adds a unique feel to the island.}
‘I just need to figure out what to do with it later. Who knows, maybe I can throw it at someone as an attack like a certain pharaoh.’
{What do you mean?}
‘Don’t worry about it. It’s something only me, Blake, and probably Grey would understand. By the way, how was the wyvern meat?’
{One of the greatest things I’ve ever eaten.}
‘I’m happy it was to your taste.’
{I will enjoy anything you make. Though I need to start practicing again if I’m going to match you.}
‘You know I don’t mind if I’m the one who cooks, right?’
{I know, but it’s something I want to do. If I don’t, it feels like you’re the only one putting effort into our relationship.}
‘But you’re my biggest source of moral support and my main motivation. If anything, I’m the one lacking effort.’
“Geez, the two of you put equal effort into the relationship, ok.” (Atmos)
{When did you get here, Atmos?}
“Just a minute ago.” (Atmos)
‘Is there something you needed?’ (Luna)
“I just wanted to thank you for the food yesterday. It was delicious.” (Atmos)
‘Thanks for the compliment.’ (Luna)
“By the way, do you have any use for those ruins you’ve been picking up?” (Atmos)
‘None that I can think of, why?’ (Luna)
“If you can collect all of them, give them to Grey and he’ll give them to Quetz. She has a hobby of collecting things from that civilization.” (Atmos)
‘Ok, but I’m keeping the pyramid.’ (Luna)
“That’s fine, she already has three of them.” (Atmos)
‘Then I’ll hand over what I collected so far when I go to get my new house in a bit.’ (Luna)
“Ok, I’ll go let him know. See you later.” (Atmos)
‘Now that I think of it, was there an ancient civilization the worshipped you specifically, Tamamo?’
{Hmmm. I can’t recall one. Though there was a time when my Authority over night caused people to dislike me. That was a less fun 200 years.}
‘Are those people still around?’
{No, they were wiped out by there own hands long ago.}
‘Serves them right.’
{Now, now, don’t be like that. They were a people that feared the dark and they lived in a place that the moon’s light couldn’t reach.}
‘I’m surprised they lasted like that.’
{They didn’t. They only lasted a short hundred years. Their fear is what led to their downfall. That’s why I said they fell by their own hands. The fear of the dark kept them rooted in place until they couldn’t sustain themselves.}
‘Now I pity them.’
I finally made it to our temporary base and found Ophidia still asleep. She was sprawled out on her back with her arms and legs outstretched.
‘How carefree.’
{It’s better than being always on-guard.}
‘True. I guess I should wake her up now, though.’
I knelt next to Ophidia and shook her. She opened her eyes halfway and blinked slowly.
“Uuuggghhh. Mas…ter?” (Ophidia)
“Wake up Ophidia.” (Luna)
“I am…awake?” (Ophidia)
“If you’re asking me, then you’re not.” (Luna)
“Is it time for…meat?” (Ophidia)
“No. It’s time to get up and tackle the day.” (Luna)
“Uuuuuggggghhhhh.” (Ophidia)
“*Sigh*” I produced a small piece of ice and put it in Ophidia’s hands. I made it a bit colder than normal ice and when she felt it, it woke her right up.
“Eh? Master, why am I holding ice?” (Ophidia)
“I handed it to you to wake you up. You’re surprisingly childish when half-asleep.” (Luna)
“I’ve shown you an embarrassing side of myself.” Ophidia said with a pout.
“No worries, it was kind of cute. Anyway, I have something to go and do for a bit, I want you to stay here with Velvet and Soleil and have them explain some things to you.” (Luna)
“What in particular?” (Ophidia)
“Mostly what we plan to do when we are done here. I will join the discussion when I get back. Right now, the two of them should be at the top of the pyramid. Let them have their alone time and speak with them when they come down.” (Luna)
“I understand.” (Ophidia)
“And don’t go back to sleep.” (Luna)
“Gah.” (Ophidia)
I left the building chuckling then teleported to the Celestia Kingdom. The place I went to was the garden of Nia’s villa. I left there and entered the castle proper to find Drome. I found him in his office and he presented me three options for a house.
“While these three are available, I would recommend this one.” Drome said as he presented me a picture of the moderate sized home.
“The reason?”
“Like I said yesterday, these houses were sold to the state due to the nobles’ unpaid debts. Of the three, the one I recommend is the one that is in the best shape. As they were all homes owned by nobles, they have magic that keeps them clean, so you won’t have to expose your secrets to others or have to keep one of your party member there at all times.”
“Then I’ll take your recommendation.”
“Then here is the deed and the key. It’s located close to the castle island. I have told the nobles around there to not be surprised if one of the homes suddenly disappears.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s no problem. Honestly, I would give you any number of mansions or even a territory for more of that wyvern meat you cooked.”
“Haha, you don’t need to do that. I wouldn’t even know how to manage a territory in the first place, and if you just want some wyvern meat, ask. I have more than enough.”
“How much are we talking about?”
“Everything I cooked yesterday came from one wyvern. I have hundreds of undismantled ones in my inventory.”
“I’ll buy three of them from you at market price of wyvern materials.”
“I accept. I’ll go find Nia and ask were to put them.”
“Thank you again. I’ll send a letter to the guild to pay you what you’re owed, you can pick it up when you’re done with the mansion.”
“Alright. See you again sometime.”
I left Drome’s office and went to find Nia. I first checked the knight’s training grounds but didn’t find her. I asked one of the knights and he led me to Nia’s office. I went inside and explained why I was there.
“Sounds good to me. How about we put them down in the training grounds so that my knights can get practice dismantling a wyvern. Plus, I want to see their reactions.”
“Sounds fun.”
We went back to the training grounds and Nia got everyone there to clear the way. I placed three wyverns on the ground and every knight, squire, and bystander opened their eyes wide and their mouths hung open in shock. Nia and I started laughing at their reactions for several minutes. When we calmed down, Nia ordered the knights to dismantle the wyverns and I decided to go and finish my business.
When I left the castle, I followed the directions Drome gave me to my new home. When I found it, I discovered that it was a large building. Not as large as home or Nia’s villa, but still large. I walked up to it and placed my hand on it. It instantly vanished into my inventory.
‘I’m glad that worked.’
{Why wouldn’t it?}
‘Well, I thought it might have only pulled the building and not the stuff inside.’
{That’s a funny thing to imagine.}
‘I know right.’
I then went to the guild to get my payment for the wyverns. When I got it, I asked Tomoe to see Grey and She brought me to see him.
“Morning Luna.”
“Hello Grey.”
“What can I do for you?”
“I wanted to know if you can teach Ophidia the basics of being a brawler.”
“Pffft. Your snake companion wants to be a brawler? That’s hilarious.”
“I know right, but it’s what she wants.”
“I can teach her the basics easily, but any more in depth and you’ll have to find her a proper teacher.”
“That’s fine, I can ask dad if he knows anyone after she is proficient enough.”
“When do you want her to start?”
“In a few days. I assume you already have something that will speed up the training.”
“Right you are. It was a co-op project between me, Gear, and Crate.”
“Does it have any drawbacks?”
“The only people that it will work multiple time on are gods. When she exits it, she won’t be able to use it again.”
“Why is that?”
“Some wibbly wobbly timey wimey stuff that I don’t understand.”
“Say no more.”
{That was a good enough explanation?}
“Yes.”
“Well anyway, send her here when you want, and I’ll do my part.”
“Thanks, tell Atmos she can fluff my tails next time I see her.”
“Will do.”
I left the guild and teleported back to the island. I found everyone waiting for me in from of our temporary base.
“Got everything you needed finished?” (Velvet)
“Yep. All that’s left is to place the mansion and pick out our rooms and stuff.” (Luna)
“Got any ideas for a place to put it?” (Soleil)
“I was thinking in front of the pyramid. It’ll look a little weird, but we’ll be the only people seeing it aside from our family, so it should be fine.” (Luna)
“What about maintenance?” (Velvet)
“It should all take care of itself. At least that’s what Drome told me.” (Luna)
“I wonder if this place will be different from the old people’s dens?” (Ophidia)
“Most likely. By the way, I have made arrangements for you to learn the basics of being a brawler. I’ll bring you there in a few days once we get everything settled here.” (Luna)
“Thank you, master.” (Ophidia)
We all walked to the clearing in front of the pyramid, and I placed the mansion down. Everyone was surprised with Ophidia being the most shocked.
“Oooooooooooh.” (Ophidia)
“Let’s go inside and pick our rooms.” (Luna)
We all went inside. The room I chose was the master bedroom. It had a study attached to it and a lot of books were already in there.
‘I guess I should go through all of these and bring any important looking ones to Drome.’
{You could probably send them through your letter box, right?}
‘Oh yeah, I can do that.’
{Can you explain to me again why you set it up like that?}
‘I originally set it up like that so I could get any interesting quests for the guild early. When Drome asked me to make some for him, I made it so he could send me any messages in an emergency situation.’
{So, it wasn’t so you could spy on the entire network of message boxes?}
‘I can do that if I wanted to, but I won’t unless absolutely necessary. Actually, now that I think about it, I could totally sell these to vampire organizations like Velvet’s and make their black ops jobs easier. I’ll have to run this by her later.’
I left the study and went to look for everyone else. I found Velvet and Soleil checking another bedroom.
“Already found your room?” I said, a smirk spreading across my face.
“Wipe that smirk off your face. We’re not sharing a room for now.” (Velvet)
“What Velvet said. My room is across the hall from this one.” (Soleil)
“I was only kidding.” (Luna)
“What about you?” (Soleil)
“Down the hall, I chose the master bedroom and study.” (Luna)
“I figured as much.” (Velvet)
“Either of you know where Ophidia is?” (Luna)
“I think she is in the room over there.” Soleil said, pointing to a room at the other end of the hall.
We went over there to find her sprawled on top of the bed in the room.
“Master, this is amazing. It’s bouncy and soft.” (Ophidia)
“So, this is gap moe.” (Luna)
“What’s that?” (Velvet)
“Cuteness derived from the gap between how a person looks and acts. Ophidia looks like a mature lady, but she acts childish when she encounters something like this. She was the same this morning when I was waking her up.” (Luna)
“I see. It’s quite fitting when you describe it like that.” (Soleil)
“Anyway, since we all found ourselves a room, let’s head downstairs to the kitchen for lunch and talk about our plans.” (Luna)
“Time for more ‘cooking?’” (Ophidia)
“Yes.” (Luna)
“I will follow you for eternity, master!” (Ophidia)
Author's Note:
Luna, the comments want some wyvern meat.
Luna: Can they actually enjoy that?
Not really, but I thought I should at least tell you.
Luna: Ok then.
Atmos: LUNA! I HAVE COME TO BRUSH YOU!
Luna: Gah!
Tamamo: Atmos. What have I told you about showing up yelling?
Atmos: Sorry.
Tamamo: I didn't ask for an apology, I asked you about what I have told you before.
Atmos: You told me not to do it again.
Tamamo: And what did I say would happen if you didn't listen?
Atmos: My fluff privileges would be taken away.
Tamamo: Good. I'll let it slide this time, but not anymore after this. Is that understood?
Atmos: Yes.
Sometimes I wonder who the big sister is.
Luna: I know right.