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/qst/ - Quests


You were reincarnated into another world, got overpowered cheat skills, and were surrounded by hot women. Pretty bog standard isekai stuff, but you wouldn't change this life for anything.

Instead of spending your empty days alone in your room, you found purpose in this new life as a tinkerer and a pilot. Gone was your fear of intimacy, your wife carrying your child inside of her as the ultimate proof of that conquest. Also you had six wives, and they all happened to be your happily consenting slaves.

Hey, that's just how this world worked, you (probably) didn't make the rules. Your first wife did, along with the rest of the universe. Her name is Herta--the Goddess of Artifice and Creation--and she was the biggest masochist you knew. Despite all her quirks (and almost paradoxical arrogance) she was still your first wife and closest companion, happily following your every order. All of your wives obeyed and desired you, but none went as far as your cute goddess.

Yeah, life is pretty good.

===

You're in the middle of working yourself to a sweat, Lunacy Savantae giving you the energy and inspiration to create great things. You had already made a mech, a point of pride for you. Sadly it was locked in your estate's dock, too large to carry along. It might not be a terrible idea to make an airship specifically designed to carry it someday...
Anyway, you used iron ingots--provided kindly by your fit catgirl wife, Cattleya--and other materials for your latest creation: an airship.

(Used up 1,300lbs of metal ingots to create the airship)

(1,000lbs of scrap turned to ingots from Cattleya's work)

It's a beautiful vessel, one that you've been working tirelessly to form.
You probably wouldn't have enough ingots to finish it were it not for the technical improvements done by Ruby Rose, another wife of yours and a self-proclaimed mastermind schemer (although privately you'd come to realize most of her plans tended to fall flat on her face from her love of overthinking things).

On it's sides are small retractable clockwork cannons that pop out of the hull. A larger, more intimidating, iron cannon on the deck could be manually manned. It didn't compare to the BoatMech's firepower but they were a good deterrent for any enemies you might happen to encounter.

Small pods with retractable propellers acted as lifeboats, just in case you all needed to be evacuated.

It was designed to be large enough to comfortably hold wives, guests, food, and cargo to sell. Of these products you'd mostly brought cotton, textiles, clothing, iron, and the giant pearl (mostly to get it appraised rather than sold, since it was a gift from a friend). A few clankers and some automatic sewing machines Herta made were brought along as well.

Finally, it was done. Though you couldn't celebrate yet, you still had to leave for the Centrian City.
>>
Though you'd never flown a ship before, it came as naturally as breathing. You had a merry crew going about their business:
Cattleya--as usual--worked the bellows and the guts of the ship. Mel acted as a navigator and held a handy telescope to detect anything. Ruby Rose took to the radio and comms. Bertha acted as a deckhand, doing most upper-deck manual labor. Gerty was your first mate, with you delegated to her things you didn't have time enough to do. Last but not least, Herta was your personal servant and cook.
Your wives' jobs weren't strictly necessary, mostly done to pass time or get comfortable with the airship.

After piloting the ship for at least five hours Centria was only just barely a spot in the distance.

"Master, would you like some more tea?" Said Herta, carrying a tray with a teapot on it.

"I would. Thank you, Herta." You respond, and she dutifully refills your cup.

You saw a small silver haired fox child walking about. She'd been interacting with you, your wives, and her aunt as she restlessly waited to return to her home in the Centrian City. Ryko had been kidnapped by goblins, suffering horribly under them. Over the course of her stay in your mansion she slowly recovered, and even began to show emotion once more.

"Patience is a virtue, Ryko. We will be there soon enough." Ayane, her aunt, had said to her. But her fox-like ears flicking and many tails twitching betrayed her own anticipation at the reunion.

>Spend the rest of the trip socializing with your wives and the two guests. It might not be long before you have to say goodbye to the fox woman and her niece.
>Use the time to look over the surrounding area. Ruby Rose had drawn out potential trade routes, but you wanted to see the lay of the land yourself. You and Mel might find something if you combine your high perceptions.
>There are a few merchant ships some ways away. You and Ruby Rose will try to make contact with them through radio.
>(Write-in)
>>
Archive:
http://thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=NotIseQM

My updating schedule varies, but I aim for every other day and not any later than 3 days.
>>
>>6149929
>Spend the rest of the trip socializing with your wives and the two guests. It might not be long before you have to say goodbye to the fox woman and her niece
>>
>>6149929
>>Spend the rest of the trip socializing with your wives and the two guests. It might not be long before you have to say goodbye to the fox woman and her niece.
>>
>>6149929
>Spend the rest of the trip socializing with your wives and the two guests. It might not be long before you have to say goodbye to the fox woman and her niece.
Welcome back QM
>>
>>6149929
>Spend the rest of the trip socializing with your wives and the two guests. It might not be long before you have to say goodbye to the fox woman and her niece.
>>
>>6149929
>Spend the rest of the trip socializing with your wives and the two guests. It might not be long before you have to say goodbye to the fox woman and her niece.
>>
>>6149929
>>Spend the rest of the trip socializing with your wives and the two guests. It might not be long before you have to say goodbye to the fox woman and her niece.
>>
>>6149929
>Spend the rest of the trip socializing with your wives and the two guests. It might not be long before you have to say goodbye to the fox woman and her niece.
shame we might not be able to add a mature foxy beauty and a cute fluffy daughteru to the household.

Also, while we're in town, we could see if we can find a doctor who can examine Herta. While I'm not sure of whatever technological or arcane abilities they have, it'd be cool if they were able to confirm for us that she is indeed with child, that everything's fine and whether or not she has more than one bun in her oven. Would like the gender to be a surprise for later though.
>>
>>6149929
>Use the time to look over the surrounding area. Ruby Rose had drawn out potential trade routes, but you wanted to see the lay of the land yourself. You and Mel might find something if you combine your high perceptions.
>>6150275
no oyakodon for now
>>
>>6150400
fox daughteru is a cute and pure child and is absolutely off limits for lewd at any point.
>>
>>6150403
This is correct, which is why we are making them the manual way
>>
>>6150452
We've got to secure ourselves a fox waifu first before we can make more fox daughterus. Ayane better not go anywhere, we need her to make fluffy-tailed children for us.
>>
>>6150456
I was referring to making children in general. Regardless I was also assuming we would be grabbing a few wives from other species too. Not too many, I don’t want to get to the double digits.
>>
>>6150461
We should aim for 9, make rings for them, even.
>>
You put the ship on autopilot. It's not like there's anything urgent going on, the skies being clear save for a few dots in the distance Mel informed you were merchant vessels.

"It's kind of strange, I've heard there's usually more Eastian ships around this time of year." Mel told you as she looked over a map. She'd easily tell notice the differences between them. "In the past I'd see ships leave after the harvesting season. But there's a bunch of Westphalian ships going there already even though it's still summer, and not a single Eastian one. What's up with that? Is Eastia is having it rough?" Cattleya had told you all that many of Rostchilde's properties had suffered from bandit attacks.

"I wish I was having it rough..." Herta mumbled.

"Even if Eastia is having a bad time," Before taking Herta's bait you responded to Mel's question. "That doesn't explain why there's so many Westphalian ships."

"That's true." Mel nodded. "We'll figure it out when we get there!" She smiled optimistically.

"That might take some doing, I've read that Centria is a big city... I mean, it could just be a coincidence." Herta said.

"That's also true," You agreed with the goddess.

You'd ended up discussing more about the traps she layed out, a wise thing to do with all of your absences. After some more talk between Mel, yourself, and Herta, mostly speculations about childcare (Forthwyte tended to either be too hostile or too perverse to deal with them, so she didn't have too much experience in that front) you left her to her own devices and went to check up on the others.

Ruby was doing her usual thing; going over plots and schemes. She'd made intricate plans to divide the dungeon into boiler rooms, factories, engine rooms, and a "Control Room". The last was more like a glorified hideout, but she claimed--eyes sparkling--that it would help things work more efficiently.

"This is going to take work and iron." You said after glancing at the blueprints. It wasn't the first time you'd seen them, but these were more exhaustive than before. She was open to the idea of focusing on one use more than the others, or finding a balance, though you suspected scrapping the "Control Room" would devastate her.

"It'll be worth it, Master~" She promised with her undeniably beautiful voice.

"I'm confident it will."

"Thank you." She looked smug, then she shifted gears into a sadder tone. "It's unfortunate some of the rooms down there collapsed. We could, of course, make the necessary arrangements to expand in those areas again..." Ruby let the idea hang in the air, though you could see right through what she was trying to do. It was risky, and would take more time, but more space would help in the long run...

"I'll think about it."

"That's all I ask, Master~"

After sharing another cup of tea with Ruby, you excuse yourself, goddess in tow.

As you're walking around to find someone else, you can feel your status board trying to tell you something. You open it up.
>>
STATUS
Race: Reincarnator (Human)
Class: Mechwarrior
Skills: Appraisal, Devices, Engineering, Perception, Piloting
Abilities: Bonded Vessel, Custom Special [Aether Wire], Tinkering, Strategist

Would you like to replace [Aether Wire] with another Custom Special ability?

That was new. You knew your Custom Special could be swapped, but this seemed like a random time for it to go off. You expected it to be offered when you were in the middle of a boss battle a bullshit deus ex machina.

"Master?" Herta asks, slight concern in her voice. "Is something wrong? You're just standing there..."

"My status just popper up, you dumb cunt. It's asking if I wanna change Aether Wire." You harass her a little more after you speak for good measure, to her delight.

"Ah! Sorry, Master~" She said, relief and happiness back on her face. Whether it was from you bullying her or from you being alright, you didn't know. It was probably both.

Anyway, You sort of liked Aether Wire, as overused as the whole 'strings from your fingers' thing was. On the plus side it couldn't be perceived by the naked eye and you could manipulate the threads at will from your fingetips, sharp enough to cut nearly anything. While it's range wasn't unlimited, it's still overpowered as hell.

>Keep it. Stick with what you know. (Keep Aether Wire for now)
>Swap it out. Get something fresh. (Will offer a choice next update)

While discussing your choice with the goddess, you and Herta found Bertha walking around the deck. She was peacefully looking at the clouds and sky.

She noticed you both approach and waved.

"Hey, Bertha," You say. "What's up?"

"Just thinking about that new move I figured out." She responded, probably talking about 'Hammer Bomb'.

"You mean the one that made the clank explode?" Herta shuddered. "The mansion almost caught on fire..."

"It was impressive," You praised your warrioress. "Good job."

"Thanks!" Bertha's face lit up. "Though, it's only good on opponents that stand still. Gotta work on actually hitting them first." Her stomach growled.

"Oops, hehe." She said with a blush. "I've been looking over my weight. I don't wanna get too spoiled with the all the good things Master gives us..."

"As long as you're not starving yourself. It's around lunchtime, anyway. Herta?" You turn to your divine servant.

"Yes, Master?" She gave you her full attention.

"Whip up something for us all to eat. If that stupid bitch brain of yours somehow manages to figure it out, I'll consider rewarding you tonight."

"You can count on it, Master!" Herta said seriously, all fired up now.

"Master, I'd like to make something too." Bertha requested to you before the goddess left.
>>
"I don't see why not." You responded. Bertha, in addition to her sewing, was good enough at cooking to the point of her occasionally helping out in the kitchen. Herta didn't object to the extra help, so with a slap to their rears you saw them off to the galley.

After that you went to the mess hall where you knew Cattleya, Gerty, and Ayane were all playing some sort of card game to pass the time. No real stakes were made, and last you saw they seemed to be having fun. That wasn't the case with Ryko, who looked bored out of her mind.

"Ah, it seems like I lose again." Ayane folded her cards and sighed.

"Bloody hell mate." Cattleya meows. "You've got some dodgy luck. Is this the fifth time in a row you've folded first?" Ryko shifts where she's seated, ears twitching.

"I agree with Cattleya. The control you have over your expressions would've given you the game if you weren't so unlucky." Gerty said.

"It is a necessary skill for any merchant to develop." Ayane said with some pride.

"Oi, Master!" Cattleya greets you as she sees you. "How 'bout you join us for a game?"

The other two invited you as well.

"Sure, I've always been curious how this game worked." You readily accept.

With Ayane consistently being the first one to lose it becomes a game between you, Cattleya, and Gerty. Honestly, you don't understand it too much. It was like some sort of combination of poker, blackjack, solitaire, and other card games.

Gerty reminisced about her time as a wandering knight, fighting alongside some of her fellow paladins. Though there was a slight bitterness when recounting about how she fought in the name of Forthwyte. Cattleya revealed that she had actually been born in a Westphalian colony, but she and her dad moved to Eastia while she was young after his slave-wives passed away from an earthquake in the region. Ayane made polite questions to each of you and answered inoffensively to anything asked about her.

You end up winning somehow, much to the amusement of the rest of the table.

"Master is really amazing..." Gerty said with slight disbelief.

Gerty is about to deal out the cards again when you feel Ryko pull your sleeve.

"Mr. John Doe?" She says stoically, before looking around the room as if to confirm something. "I wised to speak with you about something..." She then exchanged a look with her aunt, who in turn raised an eyebrow at her.

>"Excuse me, ladies." You'll talk with Ryko privately.
>"Alright. Ayane, would would you come with me?" Take the aunt and the niece with you, this looked like something between their family.
>"Whatever you need to say, you can say it here. Don't worry, Catty and Gerty are trustworthy."
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6150858
>wised
*wished
>>
>>6150858
>"Excuse me, ladies." You'll talk with Ryko privately.
Give the little fox space to talk. We can relay it if it's important.
>>
>>6150858
>"Excuse me, ladies." You'll talk with Ryko privately.
>>
>>6150846
>Keep it. Stick with what you know. (Keep Aether Wire for now)
Isekai isn’t about trying new things
>>6150858
>"Excuse me, ladies." You'll talk with Ryko privately.
Best to keep it private if she wants it that way
>>
>>6150846
>Swap it out. Get something fresh. (Will offer a choice next update)
I’m sure it’s offering now for a reason.
>>6150858
>"Excuse me, ladies." You'll talk with Ryko privately.
>>
>>6150846
>Swap it out. Get something fresh. (Will offer a choice next update)
time for some gacha
>>6150858
>"Alright. Ayane, would would you come with me?" Take the aunt and the niece with you, this looked like something between their family.
>>6150878
>Isekai isn’t about trying new things
lmao
>>
>>6150858
>Keep it. Stick with what you know. (Keep Aether Wire for now)
>"Alright. Ayane, would would you come with me?" Take the aunt and the niece with you, this looked like something between their family.
>>
>>6150846
>Swap it out. Get something fresh. (Will offer a choice next update)

>>6150858
>"Whatever you need to say, you can say it here. Don't worry, Catty and Gerty are trustworthy."
>>
>>6150846
>Swap it out. Get something fresh. (Will offer a choice next update)

>>6150858
>"Excuse me, ladies." You'll talk with Ryko privately.
>>
>>6150846
>>Swap it out. Get something fresh. (Will offer a choice next update)

>>6150858
>>"Alright. Ayane, would would you come with me?" Take the aunt and the niece with you, this looked like something between their family.
>>
>>6150846
>Swap it out. Get something fresh. (Will offer a choice next update)

>>6150858
>"Excuse me, ladies." You'll talk with Ryko privately.
>>
===

John Doe, please select one of the following to replace [Aether Wire]

>Aether Wire: Threads of magic that act as a highly manipulatable razor wire. [CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE]
>Quick Scope: Allows greater reaction speed and accuracy in every weapon you use.
>Steam Bomb: Form a throwable ball of wind that you can explode on will.
>Reaper's Gambit: Gain a 1 in 5 chance to instantly defeat an opponent, losing will make you feel sluggish.
>Bullet Kick: Lets you attack at greater speeds.
>Gizmo Whisperer: Grants you the power to boost the power of a machine every day.
>Shellstrike Gauntlets: Gauntlets for punching... that are also a shotgun with the ability to charge up an explosive blast.
>Dance of Daggers: Magic Knives that let you throw copies of them as you move.

Further integrations with your [Bonded Vehicle] are currently unavailable.

Are you sure you want to swap out [Aether Wire]? [*Yes] [ No]

===

You both go far enough that you're certain neither Cattleya nor Ayane could hear you.

"What's wrong, kid?" You say.

"I'm a fox--a kitsune--not a goat." She responds in her usual emotionless tone. She then takes a deep breath, her face becoming deadly serious. "Mr. John Doe," Her ears flick back and forth, then when Ryko herself is certain neither of you can be heard, she speaks again in a calm tone. "I don't mean to alarm you, but your first wife is suffering from major delusions. While you were rescuing my aunt, that woman claimed herself to be the goddess Herta," She paused for a moment, you think she's trying to gauge your reaction. "I thought she might be acting, but she constantly mumbled obscenities, such as how 'all women are just pigs in need of daily punishments', and it makes me think she really believes she's a goddess." Dammit, Herta.

You sigh. "Well, it's true."

She looks at you in a flustered shock, tail standing on end. "Mr. Savant?!"

"About her being a goddess, that part is true." You clarify. Though with how most of your wives act and how your perverted goddess made this world, that other part might unironically be true too.
Still you're not gonna let the misunderstanding trope happen if you can help it, so you try to explain and give proof that Herta is indeed a goddess.

"..." Ryko had a stunned expression on her face before calming down and composing herself. "Even if you were a Mad Savant, you've been kind to my aunt and I. If you planned to do something like kill us and harvest our tails for magic you would've already done it."

"Yeah, I never wanted to hurt either of you." You're grateful she's almost as calm and reasonable as her aunt. "But why are you telling me all of this now?"

"Whenever you weren't busy building this ship, your first wife was by your side, and whenever she wasn't I was either asleep or not allowed to see you. I didn't have much of a choice except wait until now."
>>
"Have you talked to Ayane?"

"She said she believed your first wife was at least a Savant, that she'd talk to you before we left, and told me to not cause trouble to the people that saved me. I don't want to be a burden, but... a goddess coming down to earth is hard to believe. I've heard the Churches say only they can speak to the gods." Well you knew that wasn't true "Still," She looks at you with certainty. "I think you're an adult I can trust."

You smile at the compliment. You're not sure when it happened, but between building, working, keeping all your wives happy and satisfied, getting rid of threats, and saving people, you'd become more dependable.

Ryko might be polite, but she wasn't good at flattery, so at least you knew this was sincere. "I appreciate the confidence you've put in me," You tell her. "Since it's enough for your to share something that's been bothering you so deeply." She then looks to the ground guiltily, not able to meet your gaze.

"Mr. Lord Savant." She closes her eyes and her ears fold back. A few seconds later she continues. "I'm sorry hiding things from you."

"Like you said, you didn't have the time."

"No, that's not all." She bows her head, and her tail envelops her. "It's something else... Something that you should've known the moment you brought me to your mansion." Alright, this sounded important. "It's the real reason why I had the Lucky Watch; a skill passed down through my family called Bad Luck."

She said there was a curse on her family--a passive negative skill called Bad Luck--causing family members and occasionally those around them to experience misfortune. It's capable of being suppressed by certain magical items, a few of which they had at home, though the Lucky Watch was beginning to break apart. You didn't notice anything too unlucky happening, except maybe for Ayane's bad hands of cards just now. Ryko thought it was because you and Herta tinkered with the Lucky Watch recently that the effects were now manageable.
Speaking of Ayane, Ryko said that she'd lied to her--telling the her aunt that she'd already shared this with you.

"Auntie would've told you by now if I hadn't told her I already did." Her hands clenched into fists. "I'll set this right. I was scared and left big sis Aneko... And then I got scared again after you and the others were so nice to me." She looks at you with pleading eyes. "Please, Mr. John Doe, let me tell her."

"I'm not gonna object." With how much conviction she had you suspected the bare minimum she'd do was tell Ayane the truth. "But I'll have to talk with the rest of my slaves about this." You needed to. This sort of information shouldn't be kept hidden from them.

"I understand." The little fox girl said. "Thank you, Mr. Savant."

"Let's not get sad, alright? Especially when there's licorice waiting after lunch." Ryko's face instantly lit up. You were gonna have to warn her family to keep an eye out for any candy offering strangers.
>>
When you returned, Gerty and Cattleya are understandably curious about what happened, and you're about to bring them out to speak to them as Ryko was going to speak with Ayane, when Herta and Bertha come with giant plates of food on each hand. Gerty, Cattleya, and you silently agree to speak later after lunch.

"Master!" Herta walks over to you after you sit down to eat. She gives you a kiss on the lips. "Did I do good?"

"I just sat down, Herta." Honestly she went slightly overboard with how much food there was, but it tasted pretty good. "This is an acceptable meal. I shall reward you greatly, slave of mine." The goddess got a perversely happy look on her face, but she kept quiet. You could commend her for at least trying to tone it down when Ryko was in the room.

There were some pies with cute pictures carved on them, probably Bertha's part of the cooking. She seemed pretty happy when you complimented it.

"Oi, pass the salt, Ruby."

"Just imagine the mana flowing into your hammer when you're striking it. But don't just force it in there, I've many well made spears from mana corrosion doing that."

"Do fox beastfolk truly live for over a century and a half?" Asked a curious Ruby Rose to Ayane.

"Indeed. The longest known living-" The fox lady was sadly cut off from her explanation.

"She's over eighty." Said a certain niece. In foxgirl years that was like saying she was in her forties, according to a now flustered Ayane.

"Woah! Really?" Bertha exclaimed as she turned to the kitsune woman. "What's your secret?"

"No secret. That's just the way some beastfolk are." Your bronze skinned cat responded while taking a bite out of an omelette.

"I've heard you can tell how many years a kitsune has lived and how powerful one is by their tails." You said, remembering something vague about Japanese folklore. The fox lady confirmed this soon after; but also mentioned their type of magic wasn't too powerful to begin with. She also said kitsunes had white hair since birth, with it turning to a different color as they got older. Though she also mentioned it wasn't unusual for fox people to remain white haired for the rest of their lives.

"You always seemed to be over the hill when it comes to age." Mel observed. "No offense, Ayane."

"None taken." Ayane said, better composed. Then she made a mistake by turning back to her niece. "Isn't that a cruel thing to say about your auntie, Ryko?" Ayane didn't seem particularly hurt, but she was embarrassed.

"And she still a virgin." Ryko added with a slightly impish grin. You didn't know this fox girl had it in her to just say that. The news surprised many more people, yourself included.

"Tch, and you're still a little punk, aren't you?" Ayane's eye twitched as she smiled and pinched her niece's face. She sighed and let go less than a second later. "It's true, although not for a lack of trying. You know how things are..." Said the now deflated aunt.
>>
"What do you mean? Don't you have a Master? Is your dad still your master?" Bertha blurted out.

"... Yes, he is." Ayane looked like she wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear. From what you understood, for a grown woman to still be owned by her father was like living with your parents back in your old world but multiplied by two.

"Things are this way because of Bad Luck." Ryko said. You were surprised at her wanting to speak now about this now instead of later. She glanced at you.

"Indeed." Ayane was still uncomfortable. "Although, we've been looking to find me a proper Master. I heard there was one in Westphalia that wasn't against having an old lady like myself in his harem."

"Ryko, what do you mean by bad luck?" Asked Mel, immediately sensing there was something else to this.

"Oh? You don't know?" The fox aunt was legitimately confused, before turning to you. "You haven't told them yet?"

"I didn't tell Mr. John Doe." Ryko said, explaining soon after to the rest of the table the things she'd told you.

"That actually answers a few things about the Lucky Watch." Herta seemed to muse to herself.

Reactions varied, though you and Herta were able to keep everything in order. Other than Herta and yourself, Gerty and Cattleya seemed to be the most calm, having mentally prepared themselves. Bertha seemed confused about what the curse actually did, while Mel and Ruby looked pensive. Ayane was, understandably, a little frustrated. She didn't raise her voice, even commending Ryko for not keeping it to herself, she still said she was disappointed that Ryko had kept this to herself. The older fox woman apologized to you and the rest of your harem, Ryko's apology following soon after.

"Herta, can you cure them?" You ask your goddess and local curse dispeller.

"Uh," Herta says. "Maybe? I dunno. I tried Curse Dispel on Ryko and it didn't seem to do anything. Then I did the mind purification ritual, and that didn't do anything either."

"Ryko, would you mind looking over your status screen? Is Bad Luck still there?" Ayane requested. Ryko did so, and confirmed she still had it.

After some testing, Herta proved capable of dispelling and purging the unnatural bad luck from anyone on this ship that wasn't a kitsune, and her natural blessings acted as a shield for everyone (again, except for Ayane and Ryko). Ayane was greatly relieved that she didn't have to worry about any of you being in the crosshairs of her family's condition.

Herta said she'd need to look into this more on her own, and was confident she could at the very least find protections against misfortune.

You also entertained the idea of tinkering some gadgets to increase luck and protect against misfortune. Though you'd have to wait until you're back home to use the Arcane Laboratory.
>>
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Ryko went back to her room, but not before you gave her some licorice like you promised you would, with a quiet smile as thanks. The older fox woman once again apologized, both for herself and on Ryko's behalf, and you tried to console her like you did right after saving her from the bandits.

After finding a place to moor the airship at, paying a fee to a man that owned the flying dock, you all step foot onto land. Countless machines littered the city on the plateau. Endless steam poured from countless pipes and chimneys. Large gears cluttered the visible underside of the place, a few of it's larger mechanical guts sticking out from the ground. You could spot a few clock towers as well.

People flew by, either on smaller steam airships, by train, or with what looked like mechanical bicycles that used propellers instead of wheels.

Even from where you were standing you could see the constant commerce happening in the many plazas and stalls, creating a claustrophobic mess of activity.

There were residential areas not too far off, mostly consisting of apartments, but there were some actual homes scattered around.

>Look around for a while, see the sights with your ladies.
>Time to set up shop. Or at least look at the procedures, people to sell to, or areas to rent out so you could make a stall.
>There are many trade hubs, stores, and a few homes for sale if you looked for them. (Anything specific?)
>Try to figure out why so many Westphalians are around here.
>Ryko and Ayane invited you all over to meet their family. You'll at least make sure they're not being abused.
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6151822
>Ryko and Ayane invited you all over to meet their family. You'll at least make sure they're not being abused.
I won't refuse an invitation. We can get Ruby to go handle the sale of cargo and stuff, right?

Hag fox...
>>
>>6151822
>>Ryko and Ayane invited you all over to meet their family. You'll at least make sure they're not being abused.

>Quick Scope: Allows greater reaction speed and accuracy in every weapon you use.

Seems handy, I'm predicting some kind of airship ambush on the way back.
>>
>>6151793
>Shellstrike Gauntlets: Gauntlets for punching... that are also a shotgun with the ability to charge up an explosive blast.
Sounds great
>>6151794
We should really keep Herta being a goddess as a secret from now on, just in case church bad as in most Isekai.
>>6151822
>Ryko and Ayane invited you all over to meet their family. You'll at least make sure they're not being abused.
They are merchants so we can perhaps get some info or a place to rent from them.
>>6151823
Surprising but I think we can use this to our advantage in that we marry her in exchange for benefits from their family.
>>
>>6151793
>Shellstrike Gauntlets: Gauntlets for punching... that are also a shotgun with the ability to charge up an explosive blast.
just like yang

>>6151822
>Ryko and Ayane invited you all over to meet their family. You'll at least make sure they're not being abused.
>>
>>6151822
>Shellstrike Gauntlets: Gauntlets for punching... that are also a shotgun with the ability to charge up an explosive blast.
Sounds very fun. We should definitely train on these in a couple of weeks time after we've finished with the trip to town (this week) and in between giving Gerty and Ruby babies in their bellies (next week and three weeks time for their respective unsafe windows).
>Ryko and Ayane invited you all over to meet their family. You'll at least make sure they're not being abused.
Let's go meet Fantastic Mister (and Miss) Fox.

Well, Ayane, if you happen to be looking for a master, it just so happens we have space for a lovely, beautiful kitsune and her adorable niece back at the manor.....
While I love our current cast, they're dangerously close to collapsing into a quirkiness singularity when all together and an older woman who is mature, sensible, patient and polite but with some steel in her back (pretty sure there's an anime trope for that, can't remember the term) would be a priceless asset to have in the harem. I think she'd make an excellent mistress of the house, a formal public face for the household (besides us, of course), a kid wrangler and nanny once we get some running around the place and overall anchor to sanity for everyone involved. Some nice and calm flute tunes compared to the the manor's usual Yakety Sax.
Plus, we also get merchant family connections, lots of fluffy tails to touch, a cute adopted daughteru (possibly) and - if she's still fertile at her age (hopefully she is) - even more little fluffy tailed bundles of distilled diabetes to headpat in the future (would they all come out as full-blooded kitsune, halfbreeds or some other combination? What about Catty, for that matter?).
>>
>>6151822
>Look around for a while, see the sights with your ladies.
>>
>>6151993
Speaking of parents, what about the parents of our wives? Mel’s dad is around and I don’t think he knows her fate. We should probably do a trip to greet them all soon considering they will be getting pregnant.
>>
>>6152604
I think that's the only time any of our girls have mentioned their parents in any capacity (knowing divine family trees, maybe we should stay out of Herta's family affairs) and some of them may be dead, estranged or far away. Perhaps we should wait until after they've all given birth (the first time anyway, some of them *cough* Herta *cough* might want to go again before long) so we can surprise them with their grandchildren as well. Or at the very least get some paper and postal stamps for them (assuming they're all literate, that is).
>>
>>6152612
I think cards will be the best choice for now, and depending on the girls wishes they may want to see them before they give birth
>>
You look up at the sky. It was just past dusk, right around the time a certain ghost named Yumi would've been at her most talkative. Something about "the darkness consuming the sun being a boon to her powers".

Right now she...

>Had been brought with you to Centria. She said she appreciated the change in scenery. (Was her small crystal prison on your person or did it remain on the ariship?)
>Was still in the manor. Even if she didn't like it, you'd like to have a another line of defense after the clankers and Mel's traps just in case. (Was she left asleep in her crystal or was she allowed to roam while you were all away?)

Aunt and niece once more thanked you for all the help you'd given them, and wished you all prosperity. Ayane and Ryko then extend their family's hospitality at your convinience. What was meant as a goodbye and an open invitation is cut short when you decide to actually take them up on it right then and there.

Ruby Rose was torn between seeking connections she'd heard about and making new connections with the kitsunes. This was put to rest when you offered to tell her everything about them when you came back. Already you noticed her weaving ideas and ploys, and with a low bow she prepares to go out to find any potential buyers.

You instruct her not to go overboard with any schemes she has in mind, using the excuse that you wish to see them play out with your own eyes.

"As you wish, my gallant Master~" Rose curtsied. "I shall merely seek out opportunities, gauge the temperament of those here, and return with my own trove of insight~" Said she.

You have Cattleya go with her, and you tell her to act both as muscle and to act as a foil for your schemer's actions. Ruby sees it differently, and appreciates your decision to let her have someone else do the heavy lifting.

The rest of your wives decide to go with you, mostly out of curiosity, though you suspected a few (like Bertha) weren't confident enough to be separated from you in such a large city until they got to know it better.

A flying ferry takes you all to the kitsune residence. Though it wasn't as speedy as your own vessel, it impressively weaved and dodged ships, went through tunnels, and flew between buildings. There was an order to the chaos, and you made a mental note to figure it out.

Their home looked like an apartment building, no larger than one of your mansion's wings. The outside had some space to its sides and front, some grass daring to grow, but it was also between some more densely populated housing.
The inside is weirdly Japanese styled, some sort of fox-people tradition that they carried over from when they lived on flying islands, at least that was what the myths said according to Ayane. Despite the colorful and decorated walls you and Mel are quick to notice that this place had seen better days. It looked like Ryko was correct when she said their family had fallen into hardship.
>>
A maid, who also acted as a slave-wife to Ryko's father (a foxman named Eisho) greeted you all elegantly. After noticing the aunt and niece, her expressionless face struggled against teary-eyed emotion, and she immediately went to call her Master.

"Risae seemed happy to see us again. Don't you think, Ryko?" Said Ayane with a smile. Ryko just nodded, looking around with a glimmer in her eyes, happy to be home.

A group of fox eared people enter the room. A fox woman immediately picked up Ryko in a hug, not caring enough to abide by whatever etiquette fox people had now that her daughter was back. This was Ryko's mother, Ai. She is then joined by the foxman, and you correctly assume this is Eisho. A very pregnant kitsune looks from the sidelines with a smile, the woman soon to introduce herself as Kasato. Risae comes back, now with a small fox girl holding onto her tail-- her daughter, Shizuku--Ryko's half-sister, is much younger than Ryko is, and gazes at you and the rest of the newcomers in her home with curious apprehension.

The smiles and relief are soon replaced by sorrow and tears when Ayane tells them of Aneko's fate at their questioning. You feel like you're intruding in another personal moment.

Eventually everything settles down, and you're all introduced to each other. Herta and Kasato talk about their pregnancies, with the latter congratulating the goddess and telling her what to expect. Ryko and Shizuku leave to play and catch up, Risae following close behind.

The rest of you go more into detail about the situation at your mansion, and how things have been going for you guys. While talking about the events back in the ship, conversation had shifted once again towards Ayane's life.

"Before you'd left, father and I have been able to find a suitable candidate for you, Ayane. He doesn't seem to discriminate against those that are older, or beastfolk like us, since he himself is getting old in human years." Ryko's mother says happily. "He's a Westphalian noble that rules over Riverdale."

"Riverdale? In the Mayflower region?" Gerty says.

"Is this noble a duke named Augustus Forthwythe?" Mel continued.

"He is. Do you know him?" Said Ai.

"I've heard you speak about him, Gerty. What sort of man is he?" Ayane asked the Holy Knight. You and your ex-Westphalian wives that were present look at each other knowingly. You all proceed to dash the old lady's hopes to the ground, convincingly describing Lord Forthwythe's many, many, many crimes and abuses.

"Ah..." Ayane was at a loss of words. It was the most any of the kitsunes could do after hearing all of that.

"Nothing I've heard of him has been good." You said.

"I don't know where you heard that Forthwythe was alright with older gals, cause it's not true." Mel shared. "The moment he'd of found out she's not younger than him, well..." Mel made a gesture like she was cutting her own throat. Ayane paled.

"And he's also a rapist, don't forget that." Bertha added bluntly.
>>
"... He can't be trusted." Gerty said quietly.

"Fortune must've returned to us." Eisho said. He then mentioned something about soon telegramming his father-in-law of his daughter being alive and a change in her marital plans.

"To think, we were so close to another tragedy because of me..." Ai said with some sadness. Her Master comforted her by gently massaging her shoulders.

"Where are our manners?" He suddenly commented. "We have a Savant and his harem in our house, saviors of our dear Ryko and Ayane. You'll have to forgive us for acting with such familiarity, today has been an emotional day for us." They've honestly all behaved pretty calmly, considering they've just found out a daughter of theirs was dead. This must have something to do with this family's obsession with staying strong. Bad Luck could ruin everything in an instant, so you could see the logic in staying strong in the face of adversity.

"Indeed, it is an honor to have a Savant grace our humble abode," Said Ai. At times like this her voice was like that of Ryko's, but with maturity and experience coloring it. "With the misfortune you've needlessly had to go through-"

"Most of this is because of this thing not working, right?" You take out the Lucky Watch. It's in pristine condition. "Me and my first wife over there fixed it up."

"Master and I are geniuses, so you don't have to worry about it breaking anymore!" Herta barged into the conversation without subtlety.

The three kitsunes were speechless, and looked over the item. They all expressed their gratitude, and said that it would help the along the other magical items in store.

"We had a reward set up for the three of them," Eisho said. "Yet with what we offered, I didn't believe it was enough to persuade a rescue party."

"There is no need to go into detail, my love." Ai said to him. "We had our reasons to offer such a sum." She didn't elaborate why, but you were pretty sure it's because they couldn't afford anything larger.

Saying that, they still offered you (2,000g)

>Take it. 2,000 gold coins were 2,000 gold coins.
>Let them keep it. They needed it more than you did.

Ryko clearly had a loving home, and you almost wished they were secretly a bunch of bastards so you could justify keeping her as a daughter. But you quickly shake away those thoughts, there was no need to wish harm on this fluffy-tailed family.

Still, there was Ayane, that unfortunate (and busty) hag. Honestly she was kinda cute.

>Wish her luck but nothing more. She'll need all the fortune she can find.
>Help her find a suitable Husband-Master (that isn't you). Be a wingman and matchmaker.
>Offer to take her out of their hands. Make that busty old fox your wife.
>(Write-in)

One last thing in your mind, something you'd entertained while coming here.

>Offer to make them some artifacts that increase luck sometime in the future. You were gonna be too busy this week and the next to make them, but maybe sometime later.
>Don't bring it up.
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6152786
>Let them keep it. They needed it more than you did.
And actually...
>(Write-in) Discretely and privately ask Ayane if she'd be willing to have you, and only offer it publicly if she does
Let's not put her on a spot, ay? If we do it in public, she might feel pressured to say yes for her family. I don't want her to feel like she has to.
>Don't bring it up.
Not until we have a real fix. We'll take a look on it later.
>>
>>6152786
*One last thing in your mind, something you'd entertained while coming here.
I forgot to add an option here:
>Say that you'll find a cure for their conditions. But it'll take time and you'll need them to tell you all they know about that cursed skill.

>>6151823
She can be delegated to, but John Doe knows that leaving her to sell things without him looking it over might be a bad idea.

>>6151993
>would they all come out as full-blooded kitsune, halfbreeds or some other combination? What about Catty, for that matter?
First generation kids will look like beastfolk, second and third will be more human if they marry into humans. This is generally the case for (most) beastfolk.

>>6152604
Herta hasn't talked about her family.
Cattleya's mother is dead and her father is forced to work hard labor.
Mel has parents, but she's not sure what their situation is or where they are.
Bertha's hasn't mentioned much about them other than her mom teaching her sewing and her dad teaching her how to fight.
Gerty's parents died in the battlefield, though she's spoken of some relatives living in distant Knightly Orders.
Ruby Rose's mother is dead, her father is alive but far away in the capital of Westphalia.
>>
>>6152775
>Had been brought with you to Centria. She said she appreciated the change in scenery. (her small crystal prison was on your person)
>>6152786
>Let them keep it. They needed it more than you did.

>Discretely and privately ask Ayane if she'd be willing to have you, and only offer it publicly if she does
liked anon's idea

>Offer to make them some artifacts that increase luck sometime in the future. You were gonna be too busy this week and the next to make them, but maybe sometime later.
>>
>>6152775
>Was still in the manor. Even if she didn't like it, you'd like to have an another line of defense after the clankers and Mel's traps just in case. (Was she left asleep in her crystal or was she allowed to roam while you were all away?)
Roaming privileges

>>6152786
>Let them keep it. They needed it more than you did.
If we can get rid of the bad luck effect or at least stop it then they should be able to swing things around, and so their gratitude will be worth more.

>Discretely and privately ask Ayane if she'd be willing to have you, and only offer it publicly if she does
Anons idea is good

>Offer to make them some artifacts that increase luck sometime in the future. You were gonna be too busy this week and the next to make them, but maybe sometime later.
But make no promises

>>6152791
It seems like Mel and Cattleyas parents are the ones we will have to rescue, Herta we can give her some privacy on, Bertha we can bring up the topic to see them if she wants, Gerty seems like she is alone (poor girl), and we can visit Rubies dad when we inevitably head to the capital
>>
>>6152786
Forgot to mention earlier but Eisho is the only guy we have met so far that has a harem of his own. I think we should get some tips and tricks from him
Also
>Japanese merchants in western type city
A classic trope
>>
>>6152786
>Had been brought with you to Centria. She said she appreciated the change in scenery. (On person)
Let's see what chaos and spooping she can cause
>Let them keep it. They needed it more than you did.
How could we accept when we found an even greater treasure right here? *headpats Ayane*
>Discreetly and privately ask Ayane if she'd be willing to have you, and only offer it publicly if she does
She's been nothing but wonderful and I've already set out my stall of why we should accept Ayane into the family and get to work on helping her make up for lost time. The chances of her accepting are over 9000% (est.), but we may as well do it on the DL first.
>Don't bring it up.
If we come up with something, we'll send them one. Until then, they'll be OK.

I also support the notion of chatting with Eisho some about managing a harem, how to handle being surrounded by hormonal pregnant women, child-raising advice and how to run a household. While we've done fine so far, another perspective couldn't hurt. Also, all of these foxes must be kinda old if Ayane is his daughter so he's definitely been around the block a few times.

>>6152791
What would happen if two different kinds of beastfolk/humans with diluted beastfolk blood had children? A chimaera? One or the other?

Smells like a big bag o' plot hooks to me. Where does Herta fit into the divine family tumbleweed and how terrifyingly powerful is her father in the pantheon? Can we launch Operation Spartacus to rescue Daddy Cat? Can we track down Mel's lot? Are Bertha's okay? Ruby's dad is one to stop by when we go to the capital. As for Gerty, I'm a massive sucker for a story of two orphans falling in love and then building a happy new family with many children together, which we're definitely on our way to doing (we may as well be an orphan since our parents are in another dimension and probably disowned us or something in our last life).
>>
>>6152975
>What would happen if two different kinds of beastfolk/humans with diluted beastfolk blood had children? A chimaera? One or the other?
If it's possible for them to have children then it's usually one or the other. Though at that point it's also not unlikely for a mix to emerge; mule or even liger or tigon beastfolk aren't uncommon in some parts.

>Also, all of these foxes must be kinda old if Ayane is his daughter so he's definitely been around the block a few times.
I should've clarified this better, but Ayane isn't Eisho's daughter.
Currently you know that:
Ayane is the older sister of Ai.
Eisho is married to Ai, Kasato, and Risae.
Ai and Eisho are the parents of Ryko and Aneko.
Risae and Eisho are the parents of Shizuku.
Kasato is pregnant with Eisho's child.
Ai and Ayane's father is a kitsune named Hisashi. He's still in Centria. Eisho mentioned wanting to send a telegram to him about Ayane being alive and needing to cancel any plans of having Forthwythe as Ayane's Master.
John has the slight feeling Eisho has had more children with his wives here, but this hasn't surfaced up yet in John's thoughts or in the discussion.
Also it's clear that Eisho is experienced in all of the things you've mentioned, so asking isn't a bad idea.
>>
>>6153017
>Kasato is pregnant with Eisho's child.
*Kasato carried Eisho's child inside of her.
Though this basically means the same thing ie. they fucked.

And again sorry for the confusion.
>>
I support asking him about pregnancy advice..once we announced our intentions to marry Ayane that is.
>>
>>6153017
Would us being of a normal world mean that ours kids will be the 50/50 gender split or leaning towards girls due to our wives being from here?
>>
>>6153046
It'll probably not be as extreme as the usual over 80% women majority (at least in most cases), but Herta is pretty sure the children you have will lean towards mostly girls.
>>
>>6153073
Not that bad but if we need to I am sure we can whip up an artifact to help change those numbers around
>>
>>6153017
Hmm. And is it possible for two mixed beastfolk to produce an even wackier hybrid? It's muttpeople all the way down.

So was Ayane bunking with her sister and BIL, still living in her parents' basement or living on her own, just single?
You can also blame me and my notorious colander brain.

>>6153073
Hmm. We must investigate. Unfortunately, a scientific analysis of the offspring gender ratios of John Doe would require a large sample size to be statistically significant and require separate studies accounting for race and dimension of origin of the female. Therefore, we must generate our own sets of controlled demographic cohort data for science. You can't argue with science!

>>6153028
I think that might be a bit much for poor Ayane's composure. That makes it extra funny.
>>
>>6153087
>is it possible for two mixed beastfolk to produce an even wackier hybrid?
It's possible, but fertility gets lower the more they mix.
>So was Ayane bunking with her sister and BIL, still living in her parents' basement or living on her own, just single?
Ayane was living with her parents most of her life, but around a year ago moved in with Eisho and Ai.
>>
>>6152786
>Had been brought with you to Centria. She said she appreciated the change in scenery. On your person.
>Let them keep it. They needed it more than you did.
>Discretely and privately ask Ayane if she'd be willing to have you, and only offer it publicly if she does.
>Offer to make them some artifacts that increase luck sometime in the future. You were gonna be too busy this week and the next to make them, but maybe sometime later. (Don't promise anything)
And this >>6153028
>>
>>6152775
>Had been brought with you to Centria. She said she appreciated the change in scenery.
Crystal on us.

>>6152786
>Let them keep it. They needed it more than you did.
Favor is better.
>Offer to take her out of their hands. Make that busty old fox your wife.
Be bold.
>Offer to make them some artifacts that increase luck sometime in the future. You were gonna be too busy this week and the next to make them, but maybe sometime later.
And I agree with not making any promises.
>>
>>6152786
>Had been brought with you to Centria. She said she appreciated the change in scenery. (on our person)
>>Let them keep it. They needed it more than you did.
>Offer to take her out of their hands. Make that busty old fox your wife.
>Offer to make them some artifacts that increase luck sometime in the future. You were gonna be too busy this week and the next to make them, but maybe sometime later.
>>
Accepting the gold would help you buy a house and leave you with tons leftover. They offered it knowing the consequences.

But you know they're having problems with money, and Kasato was expecting a child soon...

You declined, and perceive the relief and gratitude of the kitsunes here.

"We are in your debt." Said Eisho, as he and the rest of his wives bowed their heads. You ask if rewards are common to give out for missing people, and he says there's an adventurer's guild in this city that formally dealt with these things. This prompts Kasato to reveal being a former adventuress and bodyguard for Eisho, and they both begin to tell stories of when they were traveling merchants.

"If you'll excuse me, I'd like to get some beverages for us." Ayane said as she stood up.

"I'd like to see what sort of teas you have around here. Mind if I come with?" You say, knowing the perfect chance to talk in private when you see one.

"It'd be my pleasure, Lord Savant." Ayane bowed her head respectfully and you followed her into a kitchen. She begins to take out some small boxes filled with tea leaves, listing their names to you. Rose might like to know about this, so you ask where to get them, and she answers happily.

But this isn't the real reason you went with her.

"So, Ayane," You began after she was done. "You've been having trouble with finding a Master."

"I have." Melancholy fogged up her face. "I've resigned myself to living in want for the rest of my life. The shame I bear today shall be nothing compared to when my father's spirit will leave this earth." She said depressingly. "But you need not worry about me; There was a small cottage my sister and I used to play in, where I'll live the rest of my days in peaceful solitude." A strong smile was on her face, though with your perception you could tell she's dreading it.

"If it's a Master you need, there happens to be one I know about."

"Oh?" Her ears flicked to you, and a small ray of hope shone in her eyes, along with a face that was now ready to barter. "Please tell, I would like to know of a man that is willing to bear with me."

"You're looking at him." You say. She stares at you, first with surprise, then with a smile.

"Ah, Lord Doe, please don't tease your elders like this... at the same time," With composed politeness she bowed. "I thank you for the compliment."

"This is no joke, Ayane." She's not an ugly person by any stretch, her curves filling up her clothes nicely. Damn, why did a hag like her have such an erotic body??? "I want you to be part of my harem. What do you say? Will you have me as your Master?"

She blushes in disbelief and covers her mouth with her hands, letting go of the teacup she was holding. You're able to catch it before it hits the ground, getting a faceful of tail fluff. She snaps out of her shock.

"If I'd be willing to have you? That's... Of course I'd-" From how her composure wavered she must now realize you're being serious. "Yes! I would love nothing more~"
>>
"Then, let's tell the family the good news. You extend a hand to her, "May I?" And she graciously takes it. Her movements are lighter, and she can't seem to stop smiling.

You go back to the room you were all in, a blushing Ayane holding your hand, both of you drinkless. Mel seems to be the first to realize what happened, if her smile was anything to go by.

"Ayane? Is something the matter?" Ai is the second to notice something. Ayane looks at you to take the lead.

"I'd like to take Ayane off everyone's hands and make her my slave-wife." You respond in the older woman's place. After more surprised reactions, all the foxes present (including Ayane again) voiced their approvals. Ai congratulated her sister and said she wished their father was here to see this.
They all looked like a weight had finally been lifted from their shoulders.

Your wives were supportive, with Herta being particularly excited at the idea of you 'conquering' another woman soon.

You heard Eisho exchange some words with Kasato about her pregnancy, which brought you to what you were planning to do next.

"You seem to know your stuff, Eisho. I don't mean to impose, but I'd like some advice on that front since one of my wives is expecting, and you seem to at least know about kitsune pregnancies." You say.

Ayane looks like she'd lost the last pieces of her cool-headedness. After saying "Eh?" a bunch she sat down again with a furious blush on her face at the implication you just made.

"Ho? That's rather blunt." The kitsune Master said with a chuckle. "Ai, love, would you send a missive to that old man of yours? I'm sure he'd like to know about these goings on." He said to his first wife. Ai, at Eisho's request, goes to the send a telegram to Hisashi (Ai and Ayane's dad). Apparently there's a telegraph room installed in this building, something you considered adding for your own estate.

"How about you join me at the balcony, Savant Lord?" Said he. You took up his offer.

It was getting darker outside. There's still around an hour before Ruby and Cattleya would return to your meeting point.

"Still green when it comes to this, aren't you?" He said, smirking at you. "I don't know if it makes me feel old since you're so young or important since you're a Savant. What exactly do you want to know, anyway?"

"Harem handling, dealing with multiple pregnant wives, how to take care of kids, the usual."

"We're kitsune, we have kits--not kids." Said he. Reminded you of something Ryko said earlier today. "But I can tell you about child rearing if that's what you mean." You're not sure if he's joking about 'kids' specifically being goat children or not. "Anyway, there isn't a simple answer to all of that, but I'll try my best."

He speaks about a few things you've already been doing: Showing a firm but gentle hand, 'rewarding' your wives when needed, have confidence, be decisive, be dependable, don't be a doormat, don't be a jerk (unless they're into you being a jerk), that sort of thing.
>>
"Make sure you remember their birthdays and the dates of any other special occasions you might've shared with them." That brings you back to your and Herta's once month anniversary and how it came close to disaster. Cattleya's month anniversary for getting saved involved destroying the goblin village, and she was quietly happy about it. You wondered what the four adventurers wanted for the one-month anniversary of getting accepted into your household, if anything. You realized it was coming up pretty soon.
Maybe you could even give Yumi something, her one-month anniversary for getting captured was also coming up. You gently touched the crystal in your pocket, feeling her presence inside of it.

The kitsune continues. He said that leaving drama between wives to stew can make for worse issues in the future. Intervening is good in most cases, especially if it has something to do with wanting your favor. On that note he said your hierarchy should be stable, but kept flexible. "I've seen some Masters turn their hierarchy into an unmoving cage, and most wives grow to resent it."

"What if I promised one of my wives a particular spot?" You asked, thinking of your catgirl.

"A few fixed spots shouldn't cause issues, though openly declaring first place to be fixed can be demoralizing to an ambitious wife." Your mind went to Ruby Rose. Whenever she was 'second wife' she liked to scheme for the position of 'first wife' against Herta. All of her plans tended to fall flat or work against her, ending up like some saturday morning cartoon. Except for the times you've had to 'correct' her, which was also fun. It was innocent stuff, but if it ever became a problem you had some plans of your own that would get Ruby to appreciate not being first...

"The most important advice I have in keeping your women happy" He said seriously. "is to make them feel useful. It doesn't matter if she's doing something that's actually productive, as long as she feels appreciated by you she'll be content."

"I'll keep that in mind." You said. "What should I do for my wives' pregnancies?"

Apparently pregnant women can be moody, needy, clingy, and easily tired. Keeping their stress levels low was and showing that you still loved them was necessary. "Headaches and throwing up are normal for them. Obviously, don't have them do much physical labor."

"Should I have to worry about my non-pregnant wives being jealous?"

"Depends on the wife. Thankfully mine are all a bunch of angels, so I don't have many worries... hm, now that I think about it, Risae was difficult with the other two when they've been pregnant before. Things got better when I gave her special attention and some work to do. After she'd given birth to Shizuku things naturally calmed down, and she hasn't been difficult since. I can't say it'll work out the same for you, but that's my experience." You haven't seen Kasato with any children yet, so this meant she and Eisho already had at least one kit that you haven't seen yet.
>>
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"As for children," Eisho begins again. "It shouldn't need to be said, but be present in their lives while also making sure the mother spends quality time with her own. She'll get depressed if she can't see her baby often. That said, having one of your wives on babysitting duty is extremely helpful... I can see now why you chose Ayane, she's had experience taking care of my kits. She knows enough to be a decent midwife, if only you could get it out of her mind she isn't going to ruin everything because of Bad Luck." You knew it was only last year that Ayane had properly moved in with them, but she'd also visited them often before that to help babysit. You hadn't actually thought about Ayane's potential, but now that he mentioned it she was very good at helping Ryko recover from the trauma. The midwife part was also a nice surprise. "Anyway, you should always watch for any fights between your kids. Some sibling rivalry is fine, but things can easily turn to hell if the mothers get involved. My children all being friends to each other is my policy, but I know that's not always possible."

"For a child's education," He continued. "Either have your nanny or your smartest wife teach them. Though having them get taught by you and your wives as a team effort isn't unheard of. You could also send them to tutors you can trust, I suppose."

"Aren't there any schools?" You asked. There had to be some sort of education system around this time, right?

"For adults, yes. But not for children." He gives you a strange look before realizing something. "Ah, I've heard in some parts of Eastia and some duchies in Westphalia they're experimenting with something called 'compulsory education'. I couldn't tell you much about it, but that's what you're talking about, right?"

"Yeah." You'll go with that. "Also, what would you say is a good number for a harem?" You ask, more out of curiosity for his personal opinion.

"I wouldn't know. I'm not some posh noble with legions of nameless women. Three is more than enough for me, thank you." He grabs onto his hat as a gust of wind blows by. "But from what I've seen, having over ten wives is when things begin to get... impersonal."

You both end up talking about smaller things when relating to harems for a few more minutes.

>Ask any other questions? (Write-in)
>No, you think you have the basics down.

When you both go back you find Ayane looking at you warmly. Hisashi had been contacted, but couldn't come back today due to urgent business matters. He'd given his approval by line and trusted Eisho with the process. He asked to meet with you and Ayane tomorrow morning at this place.

>Accept. No reason to slight him.
>Decline. You were probably gonna be busy.

"John- Master..." She blushed at the words as she approached. "I am ready to act upon my marital duties whenever you're willing." She whispered to you.
>>
"Whenever who's willing? Are you getting married, aunt Ayase?" Ryko said, unexpectedly appearing next to you both.

"!!!" Ayane was startled, her tails standing on end for a few seconds. She quickly composed herself, kneeling down to her niece's eye level.

"Ryko, your auntie has decided to stay with the nice Savant." Ayane said carefully, waiting for her niece's reaction.

"Ok." The fox child said without emotion. "Will we see each other again?"

"Of course we will. I'll try to visit you whenever I can." She smiled. "You're a strong girl, and you have a loving family. I know you'll do well in life."

"Thank you, aunt Ayane." Ryko bows politely at the compliment.

Ayane would remain here for the rest of the day in order to gather her things and say her farewells.

But before that, you told them that you'd make some more lucky artifacts for them in the future. Most of them insisted that you'd already done so much.

"They won't be done until at least a few weeks from now, and I can't promise that I'll be able to actually make them. But you're all my in-laws now, why shouldn't I at least try to help out?" That made them silent. Until Eisho insisted you all come for dinner, something which you all agreed on.

Ryko, on the other hand, looked up at you with awe, giving you a hug soon after. It looks like you've been collecting some rare emotions from the white haired fox child, as she'd even waved goodbye to all of you as you left.

You soon meet with Ruby Rose and Cattleya again, and go up into the airship. You tell them both about everything that happened while they were away.

"Er, that's pretty nice of you, Master." Cattleya said. Ruby Rose didn't seem to care about the personal things that happened, but she absorbed as much information as possible about the merchant family.

"Master~" Ruby said in almost sing-song. "I've been able to find some buyers."

"I had to stop her from getting her ass kicked after she bumped into some chick's shoulder on purpose and didn't apologize." Cattleya commented.

"It was calculated. She had been acting suspiciously, and I wished to see what her angle was."

"Mate, you almost got pickpocketed." Your cat deadpanned.

"Emphasis on the 'almost'. Now, Master, if it would please you, here's the selection." She hands you a neatly made list.
>>
-The Bed And Barn Inns: An Eastian chain of hotels owned by Lionel Rostchilde, whom Cattleya personally knew and hated. They were known for their bad service and cheapness, yet were still rich somehow. They might purchase the clothes Bertha made at a premium, and had much desire for textiles. Openly dealing with them would lead to a bad reputation with the Westphalians, whom there were many of here.

-Westphalian West Islands Company: A large conglomerate that doubled as a colonial company for the United Kingdoms of Westphalia. Ruby said that they were vain enough to purchase the textiles and clothing in bulk at a generous price. According to Mel they were in the pockets of Augustus Forthwythe. Openly making deals with them could leave you in hot water with Eastia.

-The Mitsubishi-Yasuda Trading Firm: A smaller firm that operates from Centria. It specializes in shipping products and weapons all around the world, focusing on countries other than Eastia and Westphalia. From what Ruby found, it's a recent merger between two family firms. You think that the kitsune family is involved/leading the company in some way. Their prices for textiles and clothing were fair, yet their future was somewhat unknown.

-Iron Boot Free Company: Elite mercenaries that worked for those payed them the most. You met and saved two in their ranks--Korneac and Lysette--from the bandit camp, likely helping raise their opinion of you. They used textiles to decorate armor, in certain weapons/machinery. They also liked to buy cotton at a higher price than in the market (it was still lower than the price of textiles and clothing, though). Sadly they didn't seem to care much about any clothing that isn't to their specifications.

-The Adventurer's Guild of Centria: A guild that sounded like one of the stereotypical one's you always see in isekai, but in a larger scale. They'd buy and sell anything that wasn't illegal, though membership was required to make deals with them.
There were other smaller guilds that controlled certain facets of Centria, such as the Merchant's Guild (sadly Rose, without a proper invitation, wasn't allowed in) or the Artisan's Guild (which apparently Herta had given her blessing towards, to the confusion of the goddess), among many others.

Ruby also told you this list was neither a complete or exhaustive; it was all she managed to find in a day.

"Can't we sell to both Eastia and Westphalia without getting into trouble with the other?"

"If we smuggle, perhaps. But we would need a network to do so." Said Ruby. The innocent look on her face told you what she was implying from a mile away.

As Herta was preparing dinner, there was the question of where to sleep...

>Sleep on the ship. There was a reason you made a cabin filled with bunk beds there.
>Go to an inn (that isn't part of Rostchilde's chain). Who knows, it might be nice.
>Ask to sleep in the kitsune's home. You're sure they'll allow it, but things might get crowded.
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6153812
>Sleep on the ship. There was a reason you made a cabin filled with bunk beds there.
Call it paranoid, but i'm not risking it.

Plus, we have to also enjoy our first night with our new hagwife, so we can show her that her concerns about her body are completely silly.
>>
>>6153797
>No, you think you have the basics down.
It's good advice and I don't think I have any more specific questions right now. But we chose well with Ayane, certainly.
>Accept. No reason to slight him.
Go meet Daddy Fox. No reason not to, and make sure he knows we'll take good care of his daughter.

As for sleeping arrangements, how about the rest of the girls sleep on the ship while we stay here and seal the deal with Ayane in her room tonight. Her special celebratory first time deserves some privacy that we won't find on the airship or with everyone crowding in here. Oh, and we need to find out where she fits into the impregnation rota (damn, that phrasing feels impersonal) now.
>>
>>6153797
A lot of valuable info
>No, you think you have the basics down.
Remember to get all their birthdays on the calendar
>Accept. No reason to slight him.
First approval get

For the upcoming 1 month anniversaries I have an idea. Herta is the only one who has had a ring made/given by us (unsure if it’s on the ring finger but doesn’t matter). So why don’t we make some wedding rings for all the girls? It would make things more official (no idea how marriage works here or if we need to sign papers to make the girls our official property), it will be a nice gift overall and we can do some proposals too which I am sure will make them pretty happy.

>>6153812
>Sleep on the ship. There was a reason you made a cabin filled with bunk beds there.
First night with Ayane, get her unsafe day and birthday too. Regardless of where we are sleeping I would like some type of night watch or something since this is an unfamiliar city and there are 2 nobles who dislike our wives here. As for our buyer, just pick the foxes since they are neutral and won’t rip us off. Also buy a telegram, we need to set it up at the mansion to keep communications.
>>
>>6153832
I don’t think we should split us up at night, we can just ask for a bit of privacy when we do the hag
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>>6153839
I don't think we're in any danger from a short stay here (maybe a little bit if we stayed longer and our enemies might pick up that we're here), and the airship is more functional than comfortable. I don't want Ayane's first time making love in her >80 years on her de facto wedding night to be on a single-wide bunk bed or sofa.
>>
>>6153858
I’m honestly fine with whatever location aslong as we don’t split up. I am also more worried about our wives stirring up trouble than said noblemen but you are probably right since this is a short stay.
>>
I thought this quest was gonna be some no effort erotic slop so I was surprised to see a second thread.

I was even more surprised when reading it and finding out its actually getting some substance, good on you threadjacker. Actually having and managing the dynamics of a harem is something I've wanted for some time and it's just as interesting as I hoped.

>>6153812
Backing >>6153832
Like anon says, I don't Ayane's first night to be spent in that way.
>>
>>6153863
I understand not wanting to split up and our wives running into trouble, but this is just for some overnight sleeping arrangements so they won't have much opportunity to, especially on the airship. The girls will be fine on board so how about this, we keep Yumi, Gerty and our rifle at the house so we have some backup in case of happenings? Kasato is also competent in that regard, though how effective she would be in her heavily pregnant state is questionable.

>>6153871
I thought the same and took a while before I really went and had a look and was pleasantly surprised. If I recall comments made by the original OP, he might have been planning more lewd stuff but I suppose we'll never know. New QM has kept it good.

We must pluck Ayane's flower with only the utmost of care, love and comfort - if we can't manage it here, we should wait until we get home. She's a cute who deserves nothing less.
>>
>>6153812
>>6153838
I will change my vote to support >>6153832
proposal

>>6153908
I would prefer the opposite in that more of the weapons/protections go with the girls. We have shotgun gauntlets so we will be fine.
>>
>>6153797
>No, you think you have the basics down.

>Accept. No reason to slight him.

>>6153812
>or the Artisan's Guild (which apparently Herta had given her blessing towards, to the confusion of the goddess)
why would she be confused ?

>Go to an inn (that isn't part of Rostchilde's chain). Who knows, it might be nice.
>>
You know, I get wanting to have her first time be on a special place, but doing it on a house her family is still living in feels...cringeworthy.
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>>6153945
Not to me? Unless the house is really small and the walls really thin.
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>>6153958
It's just the knowledge that they're in the house that feels wrong.
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>>6153959
Still not seeing it.
>>
>>6153938
>why would she be confused ?
They lied

>>6153960
I kinda understand his sentiment
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>>6153797
>No, you think you have the basics down.
>Accept. No reason to slight him.

>>6153812
>The Mitsubishi-Yasuda Trading Firm
Stay neutral for now
>Backing >>6153832
Make up for all the lost years in one night and make sure she won't be able to walk for the remainder of her stay here

>>6153945
That depends entirely on your cultural perspective. It's only very recent (decades for most, longer for the US given the abundance of empty, prime land up until recently) that it's expected for young newlyweds to move out and have their own place. Even now there are many people who live with an entire family in the same room, and multiple extended families in the same "house".
>>
QM, some questions.
How much do inns and hotels cost here?
Do kitsunes have good senses?
Specifically, do they have sharper hearing?
Are Forthwythe and Rostchilde personally here in Centria or is it just their business companies that are here?
Is the last vote to go back towards the kitsune's home and stay the night there? It sounds like we went back to the ship.
Is Ayane with us or still at her in-laws house? Sorry if you mentioned it, I am bad at reading details.
Does our airship have a name?
Is there magic to make rooms sound proof?
How well can each of the wives fight?
Do we have robots to guard the ship?

>>6153797
>Ask any other questions? (Write-in)
Are kitsune unsafe days more like human or beast folk unsafe days?
>Accept. No reason to slight him.

>>6153812
>Sleep on the ship. There was a reason you made a cabin filled with bunk beds there.
For today at least.
Also if we make rings for those four we should make Cattleya one too. Don't wanna make her feel left out.

>>6153945
I'm mostly worried that the kids will be woken up by their aunt getting plapped.
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>>6154014
>Also if we make rings for those four we should make Cattleya one too. Don't wanna make her feel left out.
I meant rings for everyone
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>>6153812
>>6153832
+1

>>6154014
>I'm mostly worried that the kids will be woken up by their aunt getting plapped.
Feels like Eisho would know of ways to make sure he can keep that sort of thing private and away from kids.
>>
I should clarify that the potential buyers Ruby found aren't the most powerful or influential in Centria (except for the Adventurer's Guild), just the ones she's been able to realistically get info on.

>>6153838
Marriage is usually confirmed by paperwork, rings mean that you've fully accepted them and won't sell/give them away.
The others (mostly Ruby) have already been preparing the legal documents, though it's technically not needed since your slave-wives are already yours; their former Masters broke many codes and laws under the Bondage Accords while also rejecting them from their households.

>>6153938
>why would she be confused ?
They aren't using her blessing.

>>6154014
>How much do inns and hotels cost here?
It depends. Cheapest is 10 copper coins a day, most expensive 5 gold a day. There's offers like paying 15 gold coins if you're gonna stay in the expensive hotel for a month, discounts for Masters bringing more than 5 slaves, things like that.
>Do kitsunes have good senses? Specifically, do they have sharper hearing?
Yes and yes. Their senses are around as good as a fox's.
>Are Forthwythe and Rostchilde personally here in Centria or is it just their business companies that are here?
Only their businesses are here. Your wives think it's very unlikely they're both personally in Centria.
>Is the last vote to go back towards the kitsune's home and stay the night there? It sounds like we went back to the ship.
Yes. John Doe is his airship.
>Is Ayane with us or still at her in-laws house?
She's still at the kitsune house, getting her things and saying goodbye to the children. Probably expecting to sleep there, she's had a long and emotional day.
>Does our airship have a name?
Not yet, though your wives have been calling it different things.
>Is there magic to make rooms sound proof?
Yes. Mel can use that sort of power with her magic, though you've become better at seeing through it.
>How well can each of the wives fight?
Cattleya, Gerty, and Bertha are all excellent fighters.
Herta is decent at fighting, but mostly relies on weapons and magic.
Mel is better at it after John taught her, but she's more skilled at evasion/fleeing/support instead of fighting. She has the potential to be a great sniper.
Ruby Rose is terrible at it, but she does have a dagger and a small gun.
>Do we have robots to guard the ship?
Yes, you brought in a few clankers. The idea of making robots specifically made to defend the airship isn't out of the question.
>>
>>6153797
>>6153812
>No, you think you have the basics down.
>Accept. No reason to slight him.
>>Go to an inn (that isn't part of Rostchilde's chain). Who knows, it might be nice.
>>
Dinner is as delicious as usual. Herta was grabbing onto your arm, all of your wives were pretty happy. You decide now was a good time to announce your plan to stay with Ayane for tonight.

"Hehe~ You really know your way to get into a girl's heart, Master." Mel said, giving you a warm smile.

"It's not surprising for Master to already be meeting important business connections~" Rose said, probably thinking you were there to make a better impression with Ayane's father.

"Master will take her for himself!" Said Herta with approval. "We'll come back soon!"

"You're staying here too." You said.

"Wha-" Herta looked at you in disbelief. "Bu-bu-bu-but..."

"One night isn't going to kill you, Herta." You don't know what the big deal was, didn't she want you to get more wives? Besides, just this morning you'd given her some 'punishment' until she was satisfied. Actually, you'd basically 'helped' all of your wives 'get ready' earlier today before taking such a long trip...

"Master, can- *sniff* can we see you in the morning?" She requested.

"Sure, as long as it's early on." You were gonna meet with the Hisashi at around 9:30 AM, so it shouldn't cause too much of an issue. Still she seemed on the verge of tears. You brought her closer and consoled her with some insults and a promise to reward her later if she behaved. That seemed to do the trick, she got happy again like nothing even happened.

"You ladies can have the bunk beds." You said. They were one-person beds that were individually divided, three top-bunks and three bottom-bunks.

"Eh, Master," Mel spoke out. "No offense, but that room is a little awkward." The rest of your wives seemed to more or less agree.

Thinking about it, the position of the room doesn't allow for good air circulation, the mattresses weren't the best for multiple reasons, and there weren't any windows there.
You were a Savant, if you could defy the laws of physics with the BoatMech's weapon interior, then within this ship you could even make separate rooms for each individual wife of yours if you wished.

"We brought a bunch of sleeping bags--at least one for each of us--just in case." Ruby reminded you. Those sleeping bags were brought in case something happened to the cabin with the beds, and not the other way around.

"Originally I was gonna just deal with it. But if Master isn't gonna be here then, like, what's the point?" Bertha clarified. "And I didn't wanna say anything cause we were already done with the boat..."

"In the future, if something bothers any of you, just tell me." You say, and get some positive confirmations and apologies in response. "We can arrange something else in the meantime. Each of you can claim a separate room in this ship." You said.

"Dibs on the mess hall." Meowed Cattleya.

And so the ship was temporarily divided between your wives, each of them claiming a separate room. Things like the bathroom and, funnily enough, the bunk-bed cabin were left unoccupied.
>>
You were gonna have to make it up to your wives, and thought about getting some rings for them.

"Gerty, you're in charge of the defenses here." You instructed your Paladin whore. "You have permission to lead the clankers in case someone attacks any property of mine."

"Yes, Master!" She saluted. If there was one thing you appreciated it was that she followed your orders without question. She'd soon set up the clankers to keep watch until tomorrow morning. You took a radio with you, just in case you needed to communicate with them urgently.

The dinner went on without much further question. After that you check up on each of your wives before leaving, most them had fallen asleep or wanted to go to sleep soon. The demands of the day when it came to finish working on the ship were finally catching up to you all. You hoped Ayane wasn't as tired as they were, you had plans for her tonight.

Leaving the flying ferry, the kitsune household is in view. You're all alone this time. Well, almost all alone.

"Fool that you are, the umbral depths of the night shall amplify my arcane might!" A little ghost said from her prison. She had been entertaining you for the past half hour. "Not even the guise of your strength shall stop Yumi's great sorcery."

"Cease your complaints and rejoice," You played along. "For I have chosen to bring you out of the sacred confines of my pocket, the opportunity to see the realm of wonders for yourself is before you."

"Nay, this shimmering prison of crystal renders such chance but a shadow, a fleeting illusion cast by your whim."

"I could always put you back in my pocket." You teased.

"I'm good." She responds without hesitation. Both of you fall into a peaceful silence.

From above you could see how active the city was at night. Street lights, industrial plants, and apartment windows illuminating the many gears and giant areas of the city. There wasn't enough light pollution to stop the stars from shining, mixing them made a very nice combination.

"Beautiful..." the ghostgirl said what you were thinking. "Verily, my presence may smother like a dense fog of shadows, yet know this--it is in the depths of my darkened heart that I cherish your willingness to allow my essence to linger in this realm."

"You are most welcome, spirit and seeker of warmth." You said, not wanting to ruin the small moment, tempting as it was to make fun of her.

"May the whispers of luck guide your steps, Savant!" She said in boastful gratitude, soon going back to sleep in the crystal again.

"Thank you, Yumi." Luck was something you and Ayane both were gonna need.
>>
"Greetings once again, Savant Lord." After you entered the house, Risae greeted you politely for the second time today. "Did you leave anything behind?" Her voice was monotone.

"No, I was just thinking about helping Ayane with her stuff." You gave an excuse to see your slave again.

"Very well. I shall announce to my Master and the others that you've returned." A curtsy, and then she was off.

Before Eisho arrives, Ayane is the first one to come by. "Master?" She said upon seeing you she smiles and gives you a kiss. Eisho, Ai, and Kasato arrive soon after.

"Ah, I see." Kasato already guessed what was going on with a hint of smugness when seeing you two close together. Ai figures it out soon after her, and took Ayane aside to tell her how to deal with soreness in the morning--much to the embarrassment of the elder sister.

"Couldn't wait, could you?" Eisho says to you, still in good humor yet clearly a bit tired. He looks to his first wife. "Ai, you know that relaxing resort Aneko and Shizuku always wanted to go to? Well, we're going there tonight." He cleared his throat. "Kits, ladies, we're going on a field trip!" Eisho declared loudly. He gave you sly smile and then whispered to you. "Try not to cause too much of a mess, will you?"

Were they really leaving just so that you and Ayane could have some privacy? ...You were starting to feel bad.

"... Eisho, you don't need to go out for my sake. I could always just take Ayane to a hotel."

"Oh? You'd have us take her luggage after you so generously offered? Now, that's no way for us to treat a guest." Eisho said with a chuckle.

"Don't misunderstand." Ai began to add. "This isn't us showing you charity. We've been planning for this trip before my daughters and sister went missing, but for reasons you could probably guess, we've had to postpone it." Despite what she said, you felt like you were burning a favor with them. Also didn't that mean Ayane was missing out too? Though from how your fox wife's face longingly gazed at you, you could safely say she didn't mind staying the night with you instead.

Ryko said entered the room with a yawn. "Is this a dream?" She said, looking at you.

Ayane went away to 'mentally prepare herself'. Ai, Kasato, Ryko, and Risae--the last of whom carried a sleeping Shizuku on her back, the young girl in turn was clutching onto a small bag--went to get some last minute things and get themselves ready to leave. In that small time frame Eisho talked to you again.

"It's been a difficult and painful road for her. If you'd like to know ask her yourself, it's not my tale to tell." Said he. "Her patience has payed off."

"I'm sure there's some moral to this story. My first wife was pretty bummed at me coming here."

"You know, I just told you today that pregnant wives are moody and clingy." He sighed. "Oh well, it can't be helped."

"Hey, I said I'd make it up her." You say in your defense. You both speak with a little more lightness after that, at least until the end.
>>
"Here's one last little harem-managing tip for you, free of charge." A smug Eisho said. "You should always make sure that your wives' carnal desire is towards you and you alone." His words become a bit more serious. "Only a foolish Master allows his wife-slave to have romantic feelings or sexual wants for anyone that isn't him."

"That sounds like common sense." You replied, remembering Gerty's past issues when it came to her loyalty towards Forthwythe. Yeah, you weren't gonna let your wives fall for anyone except you, no matter who it was.

"You'd be surprised." He gave you a pat on the back. "It's good to know you have a good head on your shoulders, 'kid'." Another smirk.

Soon they left, and you were left standing with your most recent wife.

You can't help but ask Ayane why they seemed so flexible towards you. She said that other than your generosity, she and Ryko told everyone that you were a trustworthy and respectful Savant. You suspected they were also doing this for Ayane's sake as well.

It was funny to see how much you've changed. Less than a year ago you couldn't imagine yourself actually deflowering a chick. A look at the happily blushing Ayane, whom you bridal carried to her room, made you realize you couldn't allow yourself to disappoint her.

"Savant Lord John Doe... my Master. Master, Master..." She tested out the word on her lips. She looks down. "Master, please be honest with me... Am I truly desirable to you?" Though her face was collected, you could hear small pangs of sorrow in her words. "But even if you're just doing this out of pity, I'm still happy you'd-"

"Enough, Ayane. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't feel like it. I will prove your fears unfounded, here and now." You said with finality as you freed her body of her clothes. You made a point to poke her rear with a certain hardened appendage of yours. Her eyes widened.

"Did my body get you like this?" Ayane said with a disbelieving smile on her face. Her tails enveloped you both in their fluff as you started to have your way with the fox lady. "I must take responsibility..."

You searched inside her secret treasures, gently massaging them with your fingers. "Master! Wait... !" She trembles all over and turns a shade redder, falling limp against your chest.

"Ah, Master... I'm ready." Her words might be confident, but you could feel her breath quicken again. Droplets of sweat ran down her face as her eyes showed an unspoken desire.

At first your were gentle with your cute fox hag. She was calm, save for a few winces near the beginning. The trickle of blood confirmed she was indeed a virgin.

As you went on you could sense decades of frustration and desperation surfacing from deep within her, eventually leading the both of you to love each other like wild animals.

===

Last night was very educational in terms of foxgirl anatomy. You found that--like with catgirls--certain parts of a kitsune's ears and the bases of their tails were highly sensitive.
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Ayane very happily let you take the lead in anything intimate, even at the height of her passion she deliberated to you. More than once she needed to take a break. The end result was a very content fox hag that couldn't stand on her own anymore.

That night you'd asked her when her unsafe days were, losing all of her composure at once when you declared she'd bear your children. She revealed that it happened once a year, and her next unsafe time was due in around three months. Apparently foxgirls, due to how long they live, have the more 'safe-days' in their menstrual cycle than almost every other race, excluding elves.

You're awakened in morning by a large sound. Immediately you jump out of bed, activated your Shellstrike Gauntlets, and went there to see what it was.

"We came over early in the morning like you said!" The voice of Herta was on the radio. You pressed the button to communicate, and said you'd be right out. You helped Ayane get presentable, since she's unable to dress herself after last night's intense activities with you.

You went outside, and what greeted you was the culprit of the sound: An airship. And not any just any type of airship, it was your airship.

"Master~" Herta hugged you as you kept staring at the flying vessel.

"Herta, why is this here?" You asked.

"Well, all the ferries were busy all morning and it's pretty much impossible to walk over here by foot, so we decided to bring come here to you!" The goddess said happily. You quietly brought her inside as you began to punish her.

"Wait." You realized something. "You said the ferries were busy all morning. What time is it?"

"Ah~" Herta sighs contentedly, now fully refreshed. "It's around 9:20 AM, Master."

With that, you get yourself ready to meet Hisashi, the rest of your wives helping you and Ayane out.

Before you knew it another airship came by, much like your own. From it came an old looking fox man; Ayane's father.

He had a presence that commanded respect, and greeted you all as politely as any of the other fox people. Though he might've appeared nonplussed, you could tell both father and daughter were happy to see each other again.

You, Ayane, and Hisashi went to speak privately by the roof of the building. Thankfully Hisashi didn't ask why Ayane was constantly using you as support.

"So," Said the bearded foxman. "You're the Lord Savant that wants to whisk my daughter away into the forest, aren't you?"

"As she's my property, I'll take her to where I please." You say to him. "As my property, I'll protect her from all that wish her harm."

"Hm. Well said." After glancing at your airship, he walks around you in a circle, looking you over. "Heh." He chuckles. "Come with me for a drink sometime, boy."

"I'll take you up on that offer one day." You got his approval pretty easily. You think he wanted to see the type of man that saved his daughter, and be willing to marry her at the same time.
>>
>>6154877
>The trickle of blood confirmed she was indeed a virgin.
nice
>>
"Good." Said he, before looking to his daughter and sighing. "Look at you, getting married to a Savant. It feels like yesterday when you cried to me about wetting the bed."

"Father!" Ayane nearly shouted, mortified. "I don't..." She looked at you, hoping you weren't put off.

Fox-dad looked like he was having fun, chuckling more heartily this time. "Make sure you two give me some grandkits, eh? I know how you've always wanted to have a loving Master and a table's worth of little ones, Ayane."

"That's the plan." You say. No point denying you wanted to pump her up with children.

"If I can bear them, and my Master is willing, I'll try. Yet with such an age difference, I can't promise I'll be capable of it..." Ayane was thinking realistically.

"Are you still hung up on that?" Her father scoffed. "Have you already forgotten that your mother was over a hundred when she had you? And I'd say you were born a healthy baby that grew into a fine lady. I'm sure she'd love to have seen you today." He said this as with a kinder voice. Then he turned to you and patted you on the shoulder, giving you a shit eating grin. "Don't let any naysayers call your tastes strange, Savant. Only cultured men like us understand the appeal of women that age like wine."

For the millionth time this week Ayane looked like she wanted to die from embarrassment.

"Now, before I forget." He presents Ayane with a brooch. "This should keep your misfortune down for at least a few weeks. It's not as powerful as the watch, but it should keep a lid on it." Ayane thanked him for the gift.

The conversation eventually ended, and the three of you went down with to where the rest of your wives were.

After eating some of the food Herta cooked for you all, he started talking business. He had an influential position in Mitsubishi-Yasuda. You spoke about how you wanted to sell various textiles and clothing. That's when he presented you with an offer to either purchase them or barter them for something of equal value.

>Decline.
>Sell them.
>Exchange them. (Will offer a choice next update)
>Make another offer? (Write-in)

After some more talking, mostly about the rest of his family, he presented you with a card that would allow you to speak with the Merchant's Guild, and even extended an offer to do more business with you. Mel would comment later that he was interested by the fact that you own a cargo ship.

"I must say, Lord John, you are probably one of the least vulgar Savants I've seen in a while." He said, though you weren't entirely sure if that was meant as a compliment or not.

The rest of the kitsune family would return around an hour after Hisashi left. They seemed sad to have missed him, but still showed hospitality to you and your wives. Ryko was happy to see you again, at least.

The rest of the day was ahead of you.
>>
>See the sights with your wives, try to relax for the rest of the day. Maybe go shopping for a while with them? You could buy some rings since tomorrow was the 'anniversary' of the four that were captured by your clankers. You could look at other items to purchase too.
>Rent a spot and set up shop somewhere.
>Go to the a guild. (Adventurer, Merchant, Artisan, look for another?)
>Try to figure out why so many Westphalians are around here.
>Look for a house to buy.
>Go to the doctor and have Herta get checked for pregnancy.
>>
>>6154944
>Sell them.
>See the sights with your wives, try to relax for the rest of the day. Maybe go shopping for a while with them? You could buy some rings since tomorrow was the 'anniversary' of the four that were captured by your clankers. You could look at other items to purchase too.
Once the sales go through, we can see about buying a house we can use when we have a girl heavily pregnant enough we need a doctor at hand.
>>
>>6154944
>Exchange them. (Will offer a choice next update)
>>6154945
>See the sights with your wives, try to relax for the rest of the day. Maybe go shopping for a while with them? You could buy some rings since tomorrow was the 'anniversary' of the four that were captured by your clankers. You could look at other items to purchase too.
>>
>>6154962
We need money, anon. We need money for stuff.
>>
>>6154877
Herta and cat were virgins too, as for the four goobers I think they were virgins too but not sure. Since this is an Isekai though all love interests are assumed virgins unless specified otherwise.

>>6154944
>Sell them.
Liquidity needed

>>6154945
>See the sights with your wives, try to relax for the rest of the day. Maybe go shopping for a while with them? You could buy some rings since tomorrow was the 'anniversary' of the four that were captured by your clankers. You could look at other items to purchase too.
Get rings for all of them
>Try to figure out why so many Westphalians are around here.
>Go to the doctor and have Herta get checked for pregnancy.
We can genuinely do all 3 at the same time
>>
So they just left for the night? Makes me wonder what would've happened if we picked the other options.

>>6154944
>Give an eight of the textiles to him in exchange for information, merchant tips, and good will.
>Sell the rest for gold.

>>6154945
>See the sights with your wives, try to relax for the rest of the day. Maybe go shopping for a while with them? You could buy some rings since tomorrow was the 'anniversary' of the four that were captured by your clankers. You could look at other items to purchase too.
Relaxing for the day, buying them all rings, and checking out the markets sounds good. Curious to see what they sell here and what we can afford.
>>
>>6154945
>Sell them.
>See the sights with your wives, try to relax for the rest of the day. Maybe go shopping for a while with them? You could buy some rings since tomorrow was the 'anniversary' of the four that were captured by your clankers. You could look at other items to purchase too.
Time to shop for some good rings.

>>6154985
Didn't Catty get raped by Rostchilde?
>>
>>6155006
>Didn't Catty get raped by Rostchilde?
They almost did, but when they tried she bit off his dingaling so they threw her to the goblins.
>>
>>6154944
>Sell them.

>>6154945
>See the sights with your wives, try to relax for the rest of the day. Maybe go shopping for a while with them?
>>
>>6153871
>>6153908
A bit late I know, but I wanted to thank you two and all the other anons here for reading! It's been fun to write the story and think about character dynamics.

>>6154985
It hasn't really been discussed much but yeah it's safe to assume they were all kissles virgins before meeting you (unless you count Cattleya biting Rostchilde's thing off).

>>6154988
>spoiler
First option you'd notice how uncomfortable the bunk room was. After talking with your wives next morning you would've come to the same conclusion of at least getting better mattresses for each bed.
Second would've shown types of inns. You would've needed to make sure none got scammed by the businesses.
Returning to the foxes would've had Eisho still take his family to the resort, but he would've given you the option to come with.
Usually I wouldn't answer questions like this, but these things either already happened or will be different if tried.
>>
>>6155009
Yow, I completely forgot she castrated him. That's definitely not going to cause an apoplectic bigshot nobleman to come after her with everything he has when he finds out she wasn't killed by he goblins, definitely not seeing a future plothook there, no siree.

>>6155422
You've managed a smooth transition from the former QM, and I daresay I prefer the direction the quest has gone in since. Seems a bit less overtly horny and leaves more room for a story and cast.

Side questions. How many fluffy tails does Ayane have - the full set of nine, or a lesser number? I also need a full chart of heights and bust sizes for our harem members for research purposes(TM).
>>
>>6155622
The horny is the point though
>>
>>6155659
I suppose it is in the end, but I'll take regular horny over lewd.
>>
>>6155659
It’s a good balance right now
>>
>>6155622
>Ayane tails
She has 4 (for now)
The mythical 9-tailed fox is still far away for her age and magic range.

>Height/Bust sizes

-Herta
Height: 5'5
Bust: DD

-Cattleya
Height: 6'5
Bust: DD

-Mel
Height: 6'0
Bust: C

-Gerty
Height: 5'9
Bust: D

-Bertha
Height: 5'8
Bust: DDD

-Ruby Rose
Height: 5'5
Bust: C

-Ayane
Height: 5'6
Bust: DD

From biggest looking bust to smallest - Bertha, Ayane, Herta, Cattleya, Ruby Rose, Gerty, Mel.
None of them are flat, though Mel's height makes her bust look smaller than it really is.
I'll confess that I was just mentally generalizing their sizes as either 'big' or 'cute', hopefully this is a good enough chart to convey what I'm going for lmao. I'll hammer out the exact details eventually.
>>
>>6155835
>Bertha
>Height: 5'8
>Bust: DDD
Now I'm imagining her as a busty human poppy, hammer and all
>>
>>6155835
Actually, how do kitsune get more tails here? Is it just an age thing, from ticking off achievements on a list or does it correlate with some abstract measure of magical power?

Damn, I forgot how tall Catty and Mel were and that Herta and Ruby are fun-sized. There's a lot of airbag there, clearly we need a small tiddy girl to balance it out.
Pregnancy might be pretty hard on Ruby given how short and slim she is. She might just become mostly belly by the end.
>>
You had some ideas on what to do.

Your slaves and you--carrying a certain ghost--were heading out to see the sights and visit the marketplace. Ayane leaned on you while whenever you all went anywhere, her lower body was still sore from when you'd taken away her innocence. While knowing that you got her like this was hot, you made sure to help her through it.

Herta was close by, as usual, as you all went sightseeing. None of you seperated too much, not even Ruby daring to stray too far (not without someone to do all the hard work for her, at least).

"A nice day to be out, innit?" Meowed your cat. She was happily munching on some jerky you bought her, sharing some with you.

"It sure is." You said, taking a bite as well.

You'd all finished seeing some tourist attractions. Ayane was now haggling with some stall vendor about the price of some snacks, Herta and Gerty were discussing the meaning of life after the latter offhandedly said that "all women were born only to serve their Master's meat", Mel was writing something in her diary, Rose was trying to make sense of the blueprints you'd given her, Bertha was happily gazing at the horizon--looking like not a single thought crossed her mind.

Many different races roaming around, from elves to dwarves, halflings and humans, and all manner of beastfolk. Different stores and stalls went beyond the eye could see, but a glaring part was missing here... you ask your many tailed merchant wife what was on your mind as you all gathered together and sat down inside a coffeehouse.

"Hm? Slave markets?" Ayane said. "Why would those exist?"

What?

"Doesn't this world run on slavery?" You asked her. You knew that slaves were sold and bought. It was basically a staple of all isekai! Why wouldn't there be a thriving slave trade?

"Slaves are usually bought and sold, yes, but those types of transactions are done privately." She tapped her finger on her chin in thought. "Ah, Master, you must be confusing it slave auctions." She cleared her throat. "Not to say that it's impossible to sell a slave if you wished."

"Such open air places do exist, but it's a distortion of what slavery is." Gerty said. "It's sustained through the trafficking of adults and children. The bandits we've fought can attest to it." As she finished, Ayane closed her eyes. Looks like the painful experience for both her and Ryko still lingered in your fox wife.

"What's the difference between an auction and having an open air market for them? Other than the obvious, I mean." You ask.

"Well-" Ayane was about to respond.
>>
"The difference, my gracious Master~" Ruby interrupted after she sipped her cup of tea. She'd refused to even try any of the coffee. "Is that to sell slaves would have you lose great prestige and social influence, and the slave will be considered undesirable by even the lowliest Baron. Besides, selling slaves can usually only allowed under the supervision of a government or neutral third party to ensure there's nothing suspect happening--as thus Gamus, the God of Laws, hath decreed." Herta made and asserting noise as Ruby said that. "It can be quite the humiliating scandal for both Master and slave alike."

"That is correct. An auction, however," Ayane continued, unshaken by Rose cutting in, "Happens only when a previous Master is either stripped of his position or dead, and there are no male relatives left to care for the slaves. There is a specific place where these are held, at least once a month in every major town and city. They are all highly regulated and overseen intently by all parties involved." You ask about the price, and a healthy woman usually goes for more than 10,000 gold.

"I remember those being kinda empty last I saw them." Mel said.

"It depends on the region and the people there." Gerty explains. "After a skirmish, if the Master is killed then the slaves can either go to their nearest relative, or be sold at an auction. That is, if they're lucky enough to escape or be spared by the enemy."

Cattleya bristled in the middle of Gerty's comment.

"Didn't you say you were gonna live alone in a cottage when your dad died, though?" Bertha asked Ayane. "Why couldn't Eisho take you in afterwards?"

"I did say that." Said Ayane, likely regretting speaking so much about her life to you all. "But I couldn't do that to my sister. You see... we used to fight over Eisho." She revealed. Mel looked particularly surprised. You couldn't blame her, you also couldn't sense any bad blood between the sisters.

"I'm glad you all seem to get along well now." You said. Now you know why it was only last year when she'd moved out of her parent's and into Eisho's household.

"Oh, goodness, it's been more than 40 years since Ai and I buried the hatched." Ayane reminisced with fondness. "Ah, we were all so young back then. I remember the very day I promised her that I'd give up on him." She looked happily at you. "And I'm glad I did so. Since it meant I'd marry you, my hero and Master~"

"You've saved me from trouble so many times." Mel adds, looking at you dreamily.

"My Master saved us all..." Cattleya whispered under her breath with a small smile.

"It's a blessing he even considers us to mother his children." Herta said, looking at you with a mix of pride and lust.

"I am surprised this was even a problem to begin with." Ruby says coolly. "Couldn't you two have shared him to begin with?"

"Ruby," Gerty said levelly. "You of all people should know what it's like to be jealous."
>>
"I only wish to be of service to my Master." Rose replied. "Everything I do is for the benefit my Master Savant, and for him alone. He is the brains behind me, to unravel me at his leisure, and the love of my heart~" She looked at you with passion, and you knew this was a woman that would happily jump off a cliff if you told her to. "Like any sane slave-wife I am fine with sharing such a stud of a Master." She then glanced back at Gerty, smiling thinly. "What do you take me for? A filthy monogamist? Tsk-tsk."

"Within kitsune culture," Ayane said before things derailed further. "The definition of incest extends to having a relative as your Master's wife. Whether other races consider that to be right or wrong, or if incest is allowed, but that is what we kitsunes--of which I am a proud member--consider taboo." You could respect that. Though, for some unexplainable reason, you couldn't help but have a bad feeling at her words.

A flock of harpies flew by the window. You noticed one of them was the same one you'd saved from the bandits. A few letters fell down from her bag, she quickly swooped back and grabbed them all, then entered the cafe with a flurry of wind.

"Letter for John Doe! Letter for John Doe!" She said, before locating your table and immediately handing you an envelope.

"Thanks?" You said. "How did you know-"

"Sorrycan'tstayandtalkgottago! Thank-you and good-bye!" She said and flew away as quickly as she came by.

"How did she find us... ?" Bertha asked the same question you did.

"Harpies are weird like that." Cattleya said.

You opened the letter. It was from Hisashi, saying that he'd give (3,700g) for the sale of textiles and clothing, and to contact him at a flying port--the day after tomorrow or the day after that--to make the transaction.

(You currently have 4,150g)

Since you got some money, why not spend it?

The markets are pretty much what you'd expect from an isekai, but they had a nice selection of items.
>>
First things first: Rings.

You're thinking about getting them for your wives for the anniversary of finding those four adventuring girls. Buying them for each of your wives should be between than 400-500 gold. You could probably turn them into artifacts later if you wished.

>You could (try to) make it a surprise for them.
>Tell them about your plans tomorrow.
>Actually, you'll skip on the ring buying. You can always make more iron rings at home.
>(Write-in)

And then there were some other stores, each showing off different selections.

(You may choose up to three stores to visit today) (Will offer a choice next update)

>A shop that sold charms, wards, and items to deal with mental corruption.
>A shop that sold a variety of seeds and farming equipment.
>A standard potion and item shop. It had the bare necessities for adventurers.
>A store which apparently had some rare materials, crystals, and minerals to sell.
>A gun and general weapon shop with a variety of unique and helpful things.

However, you could see in your wives' eyes that they wanted to spend some more money.

>Give 10(g) to each wife and let them spend it on what they want.
>No, things were fine as they were. You'd resist the puppy faces some of them made.
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6156119
>You could (try to) make it a surprise for them.
Why not?

>A shop that sold charms, wards, and items to deal with mental corruption.
Always good to deal with these.
>A store which apparently had some rare materials, crystals, and minerals to sell.
We're a savant, after all.

And i don't think i need a third.
>Give 10(g) to each wife and let them spend it on what they want.
10g is nothing. With seven wives, that's just 70g.
>>
>>6155847
That wouldn't be too off the mark lmao

>>6156082
>kitsune tails
Both from age and becoming stronger with magic. If there's any faster way to get to nine none in your group know it.
>>
>>6156119
>You could (try to) make it a surprise for them.
One ring on each finger with each wife having their ring on the corresponding finger, with each ring being unique to each wife. Not only is it a cool image, it limits us to 10 wives as fox bro Eisho recommended.

>A shop that sold charms, wards, and items to deal with mental corruption.
>A shop that sold a variety of seeds and farming equipment.
>A store which apparently had some rare materials, crystals, and minerals to sell.
All the stuff we can't really make ourselves.

>Give 10(g) to each wife and let them spend it on what they want.
Like anon said, it's a pittance.

I thought it before and this update only reinforces the thought that calling the wives "slaves" is a misnomer. It's an extremely demanding and heterodox version of the role of a wife (for modernity anyway) but it holds little resemblance to the role of slave.
>>
>>6156156
>it limits us to 10 wives as fox bro Eisho recommended.
Eh...I'm quite fine with the number we got already, though...who else would we even get? That big sea monster girl we helped? There's a bit of an issue of scale there...
>>
>>6156169
So am I but I want a cap regardless. There were anons happy with the number of wives before Ayane came along and I don't want this process to repeat too much.
>>
>>6156119
>You could (try to) make it a surprise for them.
Buy ten rings - one for each wife, plus three spares to bring us up to a max of ten. This doesn't oblige us to take in more (and I'm happy with who we have), but I'd like to keep our options open for anybody who there's a good consensus on bringing in in the future. Definitely not more than that unless there's some very exceptional circumstances.
We should also have the seven rings for the wives we do have customised for them, with a personal inscription and material inlay reflecting them. What that should be for each of them, I'm not sure yet.

>A shop that sold charms, wards, and items to deal with mental corruption.
The fact that this exists concerns me and I'd want to be prepared if we do have to face it later.
>A shop that sold a variety of seeds and farming equipment.
WHAT? SEEDS? JOHN!
>A store which apparently had some rare materials, crystals, and minerals to sell.
Acquire unusual materials.

>Give 10(g) to each wife and let them spend it on what they want.
It's chump change. Maybe even allow them some more.
>>
>>6156156
Support
>>
>>6156185
I disagree with the spares since we would have to buy or make new ones anyway if we do get new wives.

>WHAT? SEEDS? JOHN!
I understood that reference. Really esoteric, this one.
>>
>>6156119
I have a couple of questions QM
1. What type of government is the Central city? It ain’t Westphalian or Eastian but there has to be some type of governance in charge
2. Are we able to claim the land that our mansion is at and the stuff around it at the city officially? I would like some legal documentation just in case
>>
>>6156261
>1. What type of government is the Central city? It ain’t Westphalian or Eastian but there has to be some type of governance in charge
It's more or less an international city-state run between Eastia and Westphalia, overseen and protected by both in a tenuous agreement. They are local types of nobility here (the Mitsubishi and Yasuda fox clans are ones you've come into contact with), and some local bureaucrats, but it's mostly kept together by various influential foreigners. A large chunk of the population in Centria (at least 1 in 3 people) are foreigners of some kind.

>2. Are we able to claim the land that our mansion is at and the stuff around it at the city officially? I would like some legal documentation just in case
You could, but first you'd either need to prove that you're a Savant that's both claimed and has control over the mansion for at least half a year or get the deed for the estate (it's possible 'buy' the estate since it's been long abandoned and is in an undesirable position, but it'll take at least a week of Ruby doing paperwork to finish it up).
>>
>>6156119
>You could (try to) make it a surprise for them.

>A shop that sold charms, wards, and items to deal with mental corruption.
>A shop that sold a variety of seeds and farming equipment.
>A gun and general weapon shop with a variety of unique and helpful things

>Give 10(g) to each wife and let them spend it on what they want.
>>
>>6156119
>Tell them about your plans tomorrow.
>A store which apparently had some rare materials, crystals, and minerals to sell.
>A standard potion and item shop. It had the bare necessities for adventurers.
Buy potions.
>A store which apparently had some rare materials, crystals, and minerals to sell.
Arm up our wives.
>Give 10(g) to each wife and let them spend it on what they want.
I'm fine with granting them more if they want, this is nothing.

>>6156450
>Mitsubishi and Yasuda fox clans are ones you've come into contact with
Is Eisho part of either family?
>it's mostly kept together by various influential foreigners
So is Centria held by Forthwythe and Rostchilde? Or are there more Eastians/Westphalians that we don't know about?
And are there other countries trying to influence this city too?
>>
>>6156258
We can get them engraved and modified later as needed, potentially even at home. I suppose there's no requirement for it but it could expedite it in the future.

Was that silly little Yog moment really eight years ago already? The years man, where do they go?
>>
>>6156119
>>A shop that sold charms, wards, and items to deal with mental corruption.
>>A standard potion and item shop. It had the bare necessities for adventurers.
>>A store which apparently had some rare materials, crystals, and minerals to sell.
>>
>>6156623
>Is Eisho part of either family?
Yes, he's part of the Yasuda merchant nobility. Hisashi and his daughters are all Mitsubishi merchant nobles.
>So is Centria held by Forthwythe and Rostchilde? Or are there more Eastians/Westphalians that we don't know about?
While Forthwythe and Rostchilde have some influence, it's not like Centria will collapse if they both die. Both men have their factions, along with their enemies and allies, in their respective countries and in Centria alike.
>And are there other countries trying to influence this city too?
It's not impossible for countries that want to be part of the agreement and get an in on influencing Centria (and some of the city's markets). But this is hard for them to do because the city is located between the Eastian and Westphalian border.
>>
(You currently have 4,080g) (You've set aside 70g for your slave-wives)

(If you go into debt, Ayane will call her father to take it up by using the money he'll pay you to pay them)

===

The first shop wasn't so much a store as it was an indoor stall with different types of items on display--supposedly warding off curses. Ayane had a sharp look on her face. You knew that she'd purchased different items in the past to cure her Bad Luck, having dealt with scam attempts many times.

"Master," Your fox woman merchant says to you. "It's best to be cautious when purchasing these types of things, trickery abounds..." She would've likely gone on if not for the arrival of a young hafling man and a human girl. They greeted you, and though Ayane didn't seem to recognize them, she still had a polite and practiced smile. Honestly they were sort of overwhelmed as you and your wives looked around and asked questions.

Mental corruption is pretty much what it sounds like--being worse in some cases--and if this was an anime world then you knew how bad it could be. You were thankful that you and Herta had the ability to create artifacts that could guard against it, with Herta even having spells and passive abilities on that front.
That said, corruption was rare enough for many to have never come across it in their lifespans. There were specialized Knightly Orders that had a hand on purging all corruption after the Demon Lord's defeat.

Anyway, you decide to get...

>Some 'stamps' that can placed on any chosen item. They can protect and fight against mental corruption for yourself and each of your wives. (300g)
>An artifact that'll passively get rid of--and protect against--corruption if activated. It'll affect your entire estate if you activate it there. (450g)
>Many items that can help you deal with ghosts. (120g)
>Some magical jewels with one-time-use elemental spells. (90g)
>A magic wand that can dipel any sort of curse (even a curse that was a Skill) for a few hours. Has 3 uses. (400g)
>A charm that's supposed empower fae magic. (50g)
>A few gems that should repel demons. (50g)
>A small book with many weak beginner spells. (600g)

===

The next store was a rather standard farmer's store. The inside wasn't too strange. The three people that owned it, though...

"Dacien, we have customers! Get the seeds from the back."

"What?"

"Seeds! Dacien!"

"What?"

"You've fucked it all up..."

After the men argued and bantered you eventually get a selection.

>Different types of seeds that can be grown into foodstuffs. (70g)
>Many kinds of tree saplings that would bear fruit when grown. (80g)
>Magical farming tools that make manual farming labor easier. (120g)
>Magical fertilizer that's supposed to make plants grow faster. (90g)

===
>>
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The last store is large active. Sadly the rarest items were all out of stock.

"Heya!" A rabbit woman cheerfully greeted you after noticing you and your wives looking around. "Can I help ya?"

She showed you products that might interest you, but what caught your eye was how pricey aluminum is. You ask the clerk why this was.

"What do you mean? Aluminum is a rare natural metal, of course it's gonna cost a fortune!" She responded.

Looks like it wasn't mass produced yet. You and Herta share a knowing look with one another.

>Purchase a few aluminum ingots. (2,000g)
>There were crystals that had mana surging inside of them, and could power a (non-Savant created) machine for a day. They were also rechargeable. Each one costed (500g). Buy more than one?
>Buy various miscellaneous useful minerals and gemstones. They had lapis lazulli, quartz, limestone, etc. (300g)
>Planks of Livingwood were a apparently made from treants. They were like normal wood, except better in almost every way. (400g)

===

Ayane was extremely helpful throughout the shopping, getting low prices for high quality items. You gave your old girl a kiss as thanks.

"Mmm." She savored her reward for a minute. "My efforts were worth it." Ayane said, face flushed.

Shopping was still on the minds of some of your wives.

"... and that is why" Ruby had finished explaining. "I think t would be best if we had 10 gold to spend-"

"If t-that's ok with you, Master!" Mel interrupted with cute optimism.

"Sure." You said, already intending to let them spend something. But seeing all that puppy-eyed begging was adorable. "If any of you needs a little more money, then just run it by me and I'll give it to you."

They all thanked you, with Gerty being particularly grateful for some reason.

All except for Herta left afterwards. None of them would go far--they were still mostly bunched together--and they still had their collars with the radios on them. So you could track and speak to them if there was ever the need.

Giving them the excuse that you wanted to look around still, you were able to break off from them all for a bit. The goddess was still clinging to you.

"Herta," You said. "Aren't you gonna spend your money?"

"...I wanna spend some time with you, Master." She said, smiling softly. Your goddess could be really cute. "Some quality time... I want to be yours..." Ah, so that's what this was all about. Thinking about it, you hadn't given her your third dose of 'protein' today.

As the Master, it was your duty to reward needy slaves for their efforts.

You drag Herta to an alleyway, and make sure no interruptions or nasty surprises are around.

"Master? Wha- !" Her words cut short as you harass her body. Her moans are kept quiet by your deep kiss. "Ah! Yes! Doing it with Master in some dirty alleyway like some cheap whore!"

"Shut the hell up, dumbass." If Herta wanted it so bad, she'd get what was coming to her.
>>
"This is the best~" Herta muttered between breaths. "Master is gonna force himself on me~" She says, voice dripping with lust. You indulge in her fantasies and 'force' yourself onto her.

She might not realize it, but you were being gentler than usual. She was pregnant, and you didn't want to actually hurt her.

"You might be a good for nothing maso-slut." You tell her. "But you're mine, Herta. Always remember that."

"Yesh, Mashter... I'll never forget it..." She replied. It was funny; she probably considered this to be a very tender and romantic moment.

After finishing, you and Herta get refreshed again. She happily goes off to where your other wives are, giving you the chance to get some rings.

And you take the opportunity. It takes more time than you'd like, but you're able to find a good jewelry store for the sort of rings you want.

Although if you considered getting more wives then now was a good time to get more rings.

>Purchase 7 rings. (560g)
>Purchase 10 rings. (800g)

After you're done here, you return to your slaves. They're carrying bags and are animatedly talking with each other.

"Hi, Master! We're... Huh..." Mel starts off cheerfully, but then looks at you oddly. And she blushes at you, eyes lighting up in happiness.
She couldn't of already figured it out, right?

"We're back~" Bertha finishes the sentence and wastes no time flirting with you, something you gladly respond to.

After greeting them (and Mel thankfully not saying anything to the rest), you all agree to go back to the airship. It's past dusk around now, the day passing into night quicker than you'd expected.

Ayane said she had some connections with trustworthy inns and hotels.

Now you'd decide on where you'd all sleep for the duration of your stay in Centria.

>Ayane's connections sounded good.
>The airship was safer. Besides, your wives already had a system there.
>(Write-in)
>>
I'll probably make a confirmation vote in a day just to make sure everyone is fine with what's being bought.
>>
>>6157308
>An artifact that'll passively get rid of--and protect against--corruption if activated. It'll affect your entire estate if you activate it there. (450g)
would this also affect the ghost girl ?

>Different types of seeds that can be grown into foodstuffs. (70g)
>Many kinds of tree saplings that would bear fruit when grown. (80g)
>Magical farming tools that make manual farming labor easier. (120g)

>>6157315
>Buy various miscellaneous useful minerals and gemstones. They had lapis lazulli, quartz, limestone, etc. (300g)

>>6157327
>Purchase 7 rings. (560g)

>The airship was safer. Besides, your wives already had a system there.
>>
>>6157308
>A charm that's supposed empower fae magic. (50g)
Good for Mel
>Different types of seeds that can be grown into foodstuffs. (70g)
>Many kinds of tree saplings that would bear fruit when grown. (80g)
>Magical farming tools that make manual farming labor easier. (120g)
We need it
>>6157315
>Buy various miscellaneous useful minerals and gemstones. They had lapis lazulli, quartz, limestone, etc. (300g)
They will come in useful when we eventually start to create savant-magic machinery for our let’s play of factorio
>>6157327
>Purchase 10 rings. (800g)
Gotta keep ourselves in check. Not financially of course
>The airship was safer. Besides, your wives already had a system there.

Cost of my vote is 1420, most of it being essentials with the gems being for future projects. While having fun with our harem is good, nothing beats magical industrialization
>>
>>6157333
>would this also affect the ghost girl ?
She's a common Specter, so it wouldn't affect her. Though it would harm Poltergeists or Shades, since they tend to have or be associated with "mental corruption".
>>
>>6157308
>An artifact that'll passively get rid of--and protect against--corruption if activated. It'll affect your entire estate if you activate it there. (450g)
The book is nice but expensive, I think we can get a better deal elsewhere of maybe even find one in the estate.

>Different types of seeds that can be grown into foodstuffs. (70g)
>Many kinds of tree saplings that would bear fruit when grown. (80g)
>Magical farming tools that make manual farming labor easier. (120g)
Can we ask them how the fertilizer is made? Or if they don't know, to point us to someone who does? It'd be nice to have but it'd need to be purchased again so I'd suggest either buying in bulk or making it in house.

>Buy various miscellaneous useful minerals and gemstones. They had lapis lazulli, quartz, limestone, etc. (300g)
>Planks of Livingwood were a apparently made from treants. They were like normal wood, except better in almost every way. (400g)
These should come in handy as materials.

>Purchase 7 rings. (560g)

1980g in total cost and leaves us with 2100g if my quick math is correct.
>>
>>6157308
>An artifact that'll passively get rid of--and protect against--corruption if activated. It'll affect your entire estate if you activate it there. (450g)
>A charm that's supposed empower fae magic. (50g)
A permanent feature for the estate, and the latter might be useful for Mel

>Different types of seeds that can be grown into foodstuffs. (70g)
>Many kinds of tree saplings that would bear fruit when grown. (80g)
>Magical farming tools that make manual farming labor easier. (120g)
must resist urge to keep volleying the WHAT? and SEEDS? as we work towards an low-labour farm since I don't think any of our wives are into farming. Ayane might make a pretty bonsai though.

>Buy various miscellaneous useful minerals and gemstones. They had lapis lazuli, quartz, limestone, etc. (300g)
Ah yes, aluminium. The "precious metal" they chose to cap the Washington Monument with because it was so expensive without the Bayer Process. I don't suppose they have any cryolite in that lot? Also, how much we getting?

>Purchase 10 rings. (800g)
As discussed earlier.

This should come to 1,870g, leaving us with 2,210g. Just because we have more money doesn't mean we have to spend it all here.

>The airship was safer. Besides, your wives already had a system there.
Okay, it's not as comfy but I'd rather keep everyone together somewhere familiar and we can work on making it more homey. Perhaps we can also stop by somewhere to get some nice rugs and decor for the interior later?
>>
>>6157345
>Can we ask them how the fertilizer is made? Or if they don't know, to point us to someone who does?
The general idea of magic fertilizer is to mix mana-heavy monster corpses (mostly slimes) into normal fertilizer. It's a (not openly discussed) process mostly done by "monster farmers". They claimed these bags were purchased from the Adventurer's Guild.

>>6157362
>I don't suppose they have any cryolite in that lot?
It's more of a Northrensnjor mineral, so it isn't traded here often though you did buy what you could find of it (around half an ingot's worth).
>Also, how much we getting?
Enough different minerals to fill up a storage room back in the mansion.
>>
>>6157414
Should there still be a tie on the rings by the time you start writing then consider me switched to 10.
>>
>>6157308
>An artifact that'll passively get rid of--and protect against--corruption if activated. It'll affect your entire estate if you activate it there. (450g)
>Many items that can help you deal with ghosts. (120g)
>A charm that's supposed empower fae magic. (50g)
I'm fine with not getting the ghost stuff, but I'd like to ask how they got it. Maybe we can find a way to have Yumi roam without needing to worry.
>Different types of seeds that can be grown into foodstuffs. (70g)
>Many kinds of tree saplings that would bear fruit when grown. (80g)
We can make our own magical fertilizer. Probably.

>>6157315
>Buy various miscellaneous useful minerals and gemstones. They had lapis lazulli, quartz, limestone, etc. (300g)

>>6157327
>Purchase 10 rings. (800g)
Even if we don't get any more wives it's nice to have just in case.
>Ayane's connections sounded good.
Contrarian vote but seriously as long as we're in the same building our wives are we shouldn't have anything to fear.

Should be 1870, 1750 if you don't include the spooky ghost stuff.
>>
>>6157704
Thank you.

>>6157717
>I'm fine with not getting the ghost stuff, but I'd like to ask how they got it. Maybe we can find a way to have Yumi roam without needing to worry.
Savants or people with the Priest/Priestess/Medium/Monk/Shrine Maiden class made a few gadgets, but most of the rest were found from exploring dungeons and ruins.
As for Yumi, there might be items you could now potentially create to make sure she can't cause trouble.
>>
The most selected are votes are:

>Anti-corruption artifact.
>Fae charm.
>Seeds.
>Saplings.
>Magic Farm tools.
>Minerals and gemstones.
>10 Rings.

Which should lead to a total cost of (1870g), leaving you with (2210g).

Is this alright with everyone?
>>
>>6157935
All good
>>
>>6157935
I don't want the fae charm but eh, it's only 50g.
>>
>>6157935
Looks good to me.
>>
>>6157943
Imagine illusionist sharpshooter with fae magic
>>
>>6157935
Hello QM? No curse strikes I hope?
>>
>>6157935
yup
>>
>>6158727
Just having a bit of technical trouble and the usual Christmas season chaos.
Don't worry the update is almost done. I don't plan on letting any curse stop me from writing.
>>
"Aw, really?" Said Mel. Out of everyone she was against sleeping in the airship the most.

"Master has the right idea. It's a defensible position, where infiltrating this vessel would be near impossible with all of us so close by." Gerty on the other hand approved greatly.

"Indeed." Agreed Rose. "Considering that Rostchilde and Forthwythe have their influence extend within this city, it's prudent to remain in familiar territory."

"Honestly it's not that bad." Your cat meowed.

"Easy for you to say, Cat. You got the mess hall." Mel mumbled. "I mean, things could be worse." Her desire to have an actual room with a comfortable bed was wrestling against her optimism.

"Sleeping on the ground is fun. Morning soreness can be addicting~" Herta shared her wisdom to no one in particular.

The others seemed neutral, though you could tell it was disappointing for most of them.

"We can get some rugs and carpets, maybe even some interior design for this place later." You suggested. This seemed to mollify them, save for Mel who was still pouting.

"That reminds me, Master~" Ruby whispered to you in a sultry tone. "I would like it if you would meet me tonight. There's something I wish to discuss."

"Oi, don't go hogging him all for yourself. You've got an entire day tomorrow for that." Cattleya said.

"Don't you worry, I merely wish for a chat with him." Ruby said innocently. You tell her you'll at least hear her out.

"I suppose I should pick a room for myself as well..." Ayane thought aloud.

Each of them either wanted a separate room or to sleep in the same room as you. This was apparently customary for the 'main wives' to do.

"The time has come where a sanctum of my own shall be forged by your goodwill." A haughty Yumi said, trying to make herself known. "All of you may slumber upon the deck, while I shall-"

"Sleep in the drawer again, yes." You cut her off, not before you tapped her crystal. She puffed out her cheeks in outrage as she held her head and pouted. Her annoyed mutterings were ignored by you and your wives.

"Goodness, if it's between the sick bay and the gunroom, I think I'll take the sick bay." Ayane decided with some help of your other wives.

"Take heed, foolish mortals!" She exclaimed. "In a day that has yet to unfold, a sanctuary of unmatched comfort shall be MINE! Towering above all of your humble abodes!" Yumi proclaimed. You gave her crystal a shake. A very dizzy ghost girl soon fell back asleep.

"Has she always been that loud?" Asked Bertha.

"She's been getting better." You say.

"At shouting or in her behavior?" Gerty asks.

"Both." You admit.

Dinner comes and goes, and you all have your rooms to go back to.

But first you go to meet the most dissatisfied with these arrangements: Mel. Since she loved comfort so much you'd give her some tonight.

"Mel?" You say as you enter the room. She jumps, startled--diary in hand--and looks at you. She'd been sleeping in the navigation room. It suited her personality almost perfectly.
>>
"M-Master!" She's both happy and nervous. "Ah! Um, thank you for the fae charm! I bought some stuff to go with it!" She shows what looks like a fairy tale book about, well, fairies, and some small pebbles made of fae dust. She'd also gotten a pair of binoculars. "T-thank you for thinking about me!"

You both end up talking about how to best coax out her fairy bloodline, and potential combinations it could have with her fighting style. She already had the potential to be an very dangerous sharpshooter with her invisibility, illusions, and good eye for detail. Adding fairy power bullshit to the mix would be the best type of overkill.

"Master, uh," She fidgets. "You've give us so much. That gold... Even the gifts you secretly got... Rings, right?" So, she does know. You don't say anything and just smile. "I'm..." She's about to say something, but then changes her mind as she looks away. "I didn't mean to whine back there. I know I was being ungrateful." She deflates. "You can punish me, if you'd like..." It was honestly pretty surprising to hear that. Unlike Herta or Gerty, Mel wasn't able to take punishment too roughly without getting hurt.

"You don't have to worry about that now." You tell her, drawing closer. You touch the side of her freckled face with the palm of your hand. She leans into it with a happy sigh. "I'm here to make sure you're comfortable."

"Oh. Oh! Well, um, I know of a way you could make me very comfortable." She gives you some bedroom eyes before giggling. "Just kidding! Unless... ?" She blushes. She could be silly sometimes, her cuteness really saving her from awkward moments.

You start chuckling. She joins in and laughs harder. You abruptly go for a kiss. She quickly melts in your embrace.

Her body had a very elegant form, gentle and soft curves hidden beneath her dress. Despite her bosom not appearing as prominent as some of the others (a sensitive topic for your beguiler, you'd found), it didn't look terrible on her. Cute, even.

Though she didn't mind showing herself off to you in skimpier wear, the frilly dresses and pajamas she wore on occasion also had their charm.

"Master, can you keep holding me like this? I like it when your arms wrap around me..." She says as she pants.

And as you make sure to love her deeply, you ingrain yourself in her mind as the pillar she can rely on. As usual, when you both finish she blacks out with a very content smile, eyes rolling back into her head.

With a hint of pride you look at your handiwork. Then you make sure she's comfortable. "Goodnight, Mel." You say after closing her eyes and giving her a kiss on the forehead.
>>
Next you'd go to the mess hall to meet with Cattleya. She was lounging on top of her sleeping bag and stretching, before lying down on her stomach peacefully.

Her purchases today were a scratch post and a portable whetstone, the former of which she'd knead with her claws. The latter was apparently because she had some experience when it came to fixing and sharpening weapons. It felt a bit redundant though, considering you were a Savant and Herta was the Goddess of Artifice in the flesh.

She sniffs the air. "Smells like you already had some fun already, Master."

"Believe me, my fun is only beginning." You say, lying down next to her. You begin to scratch behind her ears and massage her shoulders. Your catgirl gratefully purrs.

Of all your wives she was by far the hardest worker. She deserved at least some reward for being the one to carry the most today.

Feeling bold, you decide to lie on top of her for a more 'comprehensive' type of relaxation.

"Oi." Your cat says, red in the face.

"Do you want me to stop?"

"... No" She meows.

That was all you needed to hear. You proceeded to 'massage' her innermost parts with your member. Experience told you that she liked it best when you were going against her toned posterior.

Sharing a kiss with her sandpaper-like tongue, was... really something.

"Thanks, guv." She said with a satisfied purr after you're both done.

"I should be the one thanking you. You're a hard working slave, it's natural that I reward you." You tell her.

"Glad at least someone notices how I work my arse off." She grins, then gives off a yawn. "Bloody hell, you've really done me in. Night, Master."

"Night, Cattleya." You give her posterior a couple pats before departing.

Last you wanted to visit tonight was the self-proclaimed mastermind herself, Ruby Rose. She'd decided her place was in the radio room. It was slightly cramped, but she made it work somehow.

"Master, a pleasure to see you again." She greeted you. There was a small but fancy table with two chairs on each end. A couple cups of tea were on some plates.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting." You said, taking a sip out of one. It was still hot.

"Not at all, Sir. But even if it were the case, I'd remain happy that you'd grace me with your presence." She took a sip out of her own teacup.

"There was something you wanted to talk with me about."
>>
"Quite right. I wished to make a request, my dear gallant Master of mine~"

"For some books, isn't that right?" You recalled her mentioning that.

"It's not surprising that you'd know, Master~" She hides a coquettish smile behind a paper fan, one of the many little trinkets she bought that are supposed to give her more 'presence', whatever that meant.

"You may be one of the most intelligent girls I know, but you're still an open book to me, Ruby Rose." You lean forward and give her a gentle kiss.

"Mmm." She savors the aftertaste of your lips, eyes convey a deep desire even after you break off from her. "You may already know this, but it's quite easy to fall for you, Master~"

"A beauty as yourself deserves rewards as well, madam." Despite having already done it so much today, the madness of creation gave you energy to spare.

"I compiled a list of books I'd like to obtain, Master~" She hands you a list. "I've been looking around some bookstores, you see."

"I see." You say. It's a bit forward, but you stand and pick her up from your chair. Ruby noticing your desire poking against her.

"Ah, how flattering~" She says as you both share another kiss. You thoroughly conquer her mindgames, rocking her world. She meets the same fate as Mel did some hours earlier.

The next day arrives sooner than you'd imagine. You're in the captain's quarters with Herta sleeping by your side.

You just now realize you hadn't answered Ruby's request yet.

>Buy them, it shouldn't be any trouble to get some books. It would cost at most a total of (100g) to obtain them all, though Ayane might get a better price.
>No, you'd rather not do so. At least, not yet.
>(Write-in)

And today was the one month anniversary for 'rescuing' those four party adventuresses.

>Go to a fancy restaurant. Ayane knew of a few places that were both private and high quality.
>Maybe that resort Eisho and his family went to would be nice?
>A cruise sounded good, just like you'd taken Cattleya and Herta to before.
>Take them to the more natural areas of Centria, forests and mountainside where the plateaued city didn't have its grasp on fully.
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6158824
>Buy them, it shouldn't be any trouble to get some books. It would cost at most a total of (100g) to obtain them all, though Ayane might get a better price.
Hmm, what books are they? If they contain useful knowledge, for sure. If it's a whole load of smut, well, most likely not.

>Take them to the more natural areas of Centria, forests and mountainside where the plateaued city didn't have its grasp on fully.
We can share a meal on the deck, observation deck, or set up a picnic. Herta can cook and serve, wearing just her apron as before...
>>
>>6158847
Support
Some technical books and a fun outdoor day should be great
>>
>>6158824
>Buy them, it shouldn't be any trouble to get some books. It would cost at most a total of (100g) to obtain them all, though Ayane might get a better price.
>>Go to a fancy restaurant. Ayane knew of a few places that were both private and high quality.
>>
>>6158824
>Buy them, it shouldn't be any trouble to get some books. It would cost at most a total of (100g) to obtain them all, though Ayane might get a better price.
>Go to a fancy restaurant. Ayane knew of a few places that were both private and high quality.
>>
>>6158824
>Buy them, it shouldn't be any trouble to get some books. It would cost at most a total of (100g) to obtain them all, though Ayane might get a better price.
>Go to a fancy restaurant. Ayane knew of a few places that were both private and high quality.
>>
>>6158847
>Hmm, what books are they?
From what Rose told you, they're books about Eastian and Westphalian science, technology, economy, philosophy, and politics. Leaning mostly towards technology, math, or law; enough to at least fill a bookshelf. Though you suspect there's at least one romance book between them all.
>>
>>6158824
>Buy them, it shouldn't be any trouble to get some books. It would cost at most a total of (100g) to obtain them all, though Ayane might get a better price.

>Go to a fancy restaurant. Ayane knew of a few places that were both private and high quality.
>>
>>6158984
Yeah, no smut. We should be all she ever needs, as per Eisho's advice.
However, we should take a look at that book to see what kind of kinky shit she's into. Probably just flip through it or pay and ask for a summary of it while at the store, without actually taking possession of it.
>>
>>6158984
No curses today QM?
>>
A quick glance out the window showed a nice view of the mountainside wilderness. You only had to look through the opposite end of the room to see the city. The place had a real Victorian feel. Nice music was played through some speakers, chandeliers lit up the interior, the food was fancy, there was even an outside area where you could have some fresh air and a small ballroom where you could dance in.
Ayane really knew how to pick a restaurant.

Your vixen wife was able to use a favor that this establishment owed her (apparently some decades ago she helped this place stay afloat during a crisis by convincing her father to invest in it), so she'd pulled some strings to have a private lunch and dinner for you all without any issues.

"And from there the spiderwebs shall be forged." Ruby was once again bragging about her plans to renovate the dungeon. "It shall take time and sweat, but with Master and my precious companions it shall be completed to perfection."

"That means she wants us to do most of the work while she drinks tea." Bertha said to Ayane. Your foxgirl acknowledged it with some nodding and a polite 'I see'.

"Fufufu~" Ruby giggled. She'd been in a good mood ever since you approved getting those books for her. "What slander! I assure you, I am as much of a hard worker as the rest." Also out of all your wives she also appreciated coming here the most.

"So, Gerty, how has your healing ability been going?" You asked your Holy Knight.

"Better than I'd expected, my Master." She replied. "I can heal superficial wounds and stop most forms of bleeding. Anything more than that is currently above my capabilities."

"That sort of thing sounds pretty useful in a pinch." Berta said. "If you can self heal and fight at the same time then wouldn't that, like, make you super powerful?"

"It would. However, Holy Knights like myself will never be able to fully master Healing Magic." Gerty continued.

"I think you'd be better off leaving major healing to a Priestess or Nun class." Herta's head popped out from beneath the table. Right beneath where you were sitting, to be exact. You literally had to drag and plop her on a chair, and even then she was still prone to cause a scene. On the bright side she seemed to like your forcefulness.

Conversations went on like this even between meals and relaxing outside. You made sure to give special attention to the four that had been captured together. This was their day, after all.

Though there was a noticeable sense of anticipation amongst your wives. You sighed, remembering the conversation you had with Mel earlier today.

===

It was morning still—just after you'd fed Herta your 'protein' and finished giving her daily spankings—when you happened to run into Mel.

"Eep! Uh, good morning, Master!" She seemed nervous. "You look nice, haha... Ah, I'm, um, I have something to confess..." You tell her to continue. "Well, I might've accidentally said you were planning to do something today."

"Mel-"
>>
"I'm sorry!" She looks away. "I was just talking about you and it just slipped out! I didn't say what it was! And most of them already felt like you were gonna celebrate today, since it's, you know, an anniversary, so it's not like I said you bought r-" You clamp her mouth shut with your hand.

Your wives might already know you had something planned, but you didn't want to reveal what it was yet. "Mel, I'm planning to keep that specifically as a surprise for all of you, so I'd like to keep this hidden until later today. Am I clear?" She nods her head.

"Yeah, crystal clea- w-wait, 'for all of you'? Y-you mean you even got me- ?!" You clamp her mouth shut.

"Yes, even for you." You get closer. "You're mine to cherish now, remember?"

"Mmhmm." Her face is fully red now and she was starting to tear up. You decided to give her a hug and a kiss.

When you joined the others for breakfast it was obvious they were nervous.

Ruby was the only one whose personality became confident and smug after you said you'd see about buying her books. In your own mind, however, you made a mental note to skim over each individual one before buying them.

===

You had danced with those that were up for it, despite not really being much of a dancer.

"Opps, sorry Master~" Bertha was far worse than you, however. In contrast to her, Mel was the most graceful.

Herta used her magical chains to produce little figaments which in turn made some pretty lights. Ayane was chatting up a storm with everyone. The rest of the girls were either eating or relaxing. Whenever you saw a slave of yours seem sad or alone you gave her your attention. In this way you were able to make sure you were all happy.

Dusk arrived, and you were ready to enact your plan. It took some finesse and 10 gold coins convince the staff. Some waitresses and waiters carrying seven cloches came by, subtly and gradually setting them on a large table along some good looking food. The natural light of the sunset beamed down from the window, helping form the scene.

Calling your slaves to the large table, you tapped a glass with a spoon. You instructed them, before doing anything else, to lift up the plate covers. They did so, and in all seven of them were rings sitting on cushions.

Your wives are speechless, many covering their mouths with their hand or slack jawed.

Herta looks at it for a few seconds, slips it on the same finger the iron ring is also on, then wordlessly snuggles against your arm. The one you gave her had an intricate butterfly pattern on it, a quick detail you were able to carve yourself.
>>
"Master?" Gerty's voice is the first to break the silence. She glances between you and her ring in confusion for a couple seconds, then starts to blush. She gets up only to promptly fall down on her knees, genuflecting to you.

"I, Gertrude Geiselhaft, swear on my life to serve, love, and protect John Doe with all of my life, both in this earth and beyond, in sickness and in health..." She went on a very passionate speech about how she'd be loyal to you until the end and uphold this honor you've given her. She was really taking the main stage.

"What are you even babbling about, you stupid slut? Do you even hear the shit that comes out of your own mouth?" You tell her, hoping some verbal abuse will get her to settle down. She raises her head, eyes filled with badly hidden joy. "Just put on the damn ring, woman." You say with a smile. She seems to be in a trance, taking your hand and kissing it reverently.

Alright, this was going on for long enough. You take her hand and slip the golden band on her ring finger. It has a gemstone bearing the color of her eyes, aquamarine, and engraved on its band is the image of a spear being wrapped around a chain.

Each of wife of yours had a unique design on their ring, something you'd done as a small last minute addition. Thankfully Lunacy Savantae came in clutch.

"I'll treasure this moment and this item, Master..." She said softly with a smile of her own.

"S-same here!" Mel quickly added.

"I would've never imagined, not in a thousand years, that a man would propose to an old woman like me..." Ayane was on the verge of tears.

The rest of your wives soon made declarations of their own as you slipped their rings on their fingers. Herta, to your amusement, took it off and shyly requested you to put it on her yourself, something you entertain.
>>
You cleared your throat and raise up your glass again. "To a happy life for us all." You said, starting a toast. Your wives soon raise up their own glasses and give a few additional words.

"To Master's glory!"

"To Master's schemes!"

"To Master's prosperity!"

"To Master's reliability!"

"To Master's love!"

"To Master's respect!"

"To our Master!"

The direction the toasting went was a bit strange, though hearing your wives bless and compliment you wasn't something you'd ever complain about. Later it'd be explained to you that this was apparently a tradition you stumbled on. Cheers were made and wine was poured. Herta once again refused to drink any alcohol, and (though more than once she mentioned wanting your 'protein' to drink) settled for grape juice. A few of your slaves (mostly Bertha) were even starting to get frisky with you.

"Ahem." A waitress said, pointedly looking at the warrioress. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that sort of thing isn't allowed in this establishment."

Several quick apologies followed. You realized you'd be in for another long night of lovemaking.

The next day crawled on you all. Hangovers—which were made exponentially worse because of the gentle swaying of the airship—plagued many of your wives. Herta tried to cure them with her purifying magic with mixed results. You're honestly surprised at how poorly some of your women held their liquor. Yet today was the day when you'd sell your textiles to Ayane's dad, so you couldn't afford to laze around.

Speaking of, there were still things you wished to do in Centria for the next couple of days.

(Choose up to three)

>Look for a house to buy.
>Rent a spot and set up shop somewhere.
>Try to figure out why so many Westphalians are around here.
>Go to the a guild. (Adventurer, Merchant, Artisan, look for another?)
>Visit the stores again. (Will offer a choice next update)
>Have the doctors look at Herta.
>(Write-in)

Your wives had found some good rugs and interior decor for the ship.

>You're feeling generous enough to let them have (40g). This should be more than enough to buy rugs, blankets, and decorations.
>Around (20g) should cover the blanket and rug cost.
>No, you'd been doing well as it was. No need to spend money here and there.
>(Write-in)
>>
And roll me a 1d100 with whatever choice you make.

>>6159994
Only the busy holiday curse and the fix some stuff in the house curse. Even then I've still been able to stay (sort of) consistent with my updating schedule.
I know I've said this before but if I ever can't update for more than 3 days for whatever reason I'll make sure to tell you guys and when I'll be back (unless I'm dead or hospitalized or in a coma).
>>
>>6160029
>Try to figure out why so many Westphalians are around here.
>Go to the a guild. (Adventurer)
We have to get the adventurer licence from the guild
>Have the doctors look at Herta.
>Around (20g) should cover the blanket and rug cost.
Not that much gold.
>>6160046
It’s good to hear, holiday season usually entails something in my house breaking. Like my water pipe a few days ago.

On an unrelated note: how many more days until the week turns over to Gertys unsafe days? I lost track of the schedule
>>
>>6160079
>how many more days until the week turns over to Gertys unsafe days? I lost track of the schedule
In around 3 days.
>>
Rolled 81 (1d100)

Can Herta cure hangovers?
We should see if we can diversify our products.

>>6160029
>Look for a house to buy.
We should do this since we're getting all that gold from selling the textiles and clothing.
>Try to figure out why so many Westphalians are around here.
My bet is on Forthwythe being involved.
>Go to the a guild. (Merchant)
Since we were able to get that card.
>You're feeling generous enough to let them have (40g). This should be more than enough to buy rugs, blankets, and decorations.
40 gold isn't that much.

>>6160046
Just a single 1d100 or a roll for every person?

>>6160093
End of 3 days or in the span of it?
>>
Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>6160046
Forgot roll
>>6160093
What are the designs on the other rings?
>>
Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>6160029
>Look for a house to buy.
>Go to a guild. (Adventurer)
>Have the doctors look at Herta.

>You're feeling generous enough to let them have (40g). This should be more than enough to buy rugs, blankets, and decorations.
I'm fine with letting them use the money to make ship more livable.

How did rings get their importance?
Do wedding ceremonies exist in this world?
Is the toasting a Centrian tradition?
>>
>>6160410
>Can Herta cure hangovers?
Not really. Her magic can't actually purify the toxins found in alcohol, or any other type of liquid for that matter. Purification magic isn't her specialty, but she does know enough to manually fight against soul/mental corruption.
>End of 3 days or in the span of it?
Around the end of the 3rd day from now, at least according to what Gerty has privately told you.

>>6160430
Cattleya: A tiger-eye stone with image of a single cat's claw is on the ring's head. The rest of the band is designed like a long cat is holding the stone with it's front and hind paws.
Ruby Rose: On it's head there's a ruby intricately designed like a rose. It's band and shoulders are engraved with the image of an intertwining thorny stem.
Mel: Musical notes and small fairies are engraved around the band. The image of an eight tipped compass star is on the head of the ring, sprinkled with some fairy dust.
Bertha: Engraved are two hammers, designed like her own, that stretch from the ring's shoulders to the sides of the band. A pink gemstone in the shape of a tulip is on the head.
Ayane: The image of a fox tail elegantly wraps around the band of the ring. On it's head you engraved a fox mask you've seen associated with the kitsune race.

>>6160431
>How did rings get their importance?
The origins of rings as intimate marriage symbols started thousands of years ago in the Everlasting Empire when the first Emperor gave them to his wives as proof that they were his.
>Do wedding ceremonies exist in this world?
Only in some strands of dwarfish and elvish cultures. Otherwise not really. The closest thing that's even like that are the toastings a slave-wife would do to in celebration of her Master after she'd been gifted a ring from him.
>Is the toasting a Centrian tradition?
This specific form of toasting is a tradition from the Everlasting Empire. Though Centria, being at the crossroad between Eastia and Westphalia, tends to either acknowledge it more or not all.
>>
>>6160029
I'll back >>6160410

Do we still need more d100 rolls?
>>
>>6160588
You can if you'd like, but everything should be fine thanks to >>6160430 rolling so well.

>>6160592
Didn't mean to post that pic lmao. Don't know how I managed to do that.
>>
Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>6160592
Inb4 I roll a 1
>>
Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>6160029
>Rent a spot and set up shop somewhere.
>Try to figure out why so many Westphalians are around here.
>Go to the a guild. (Merchant)
>>6160597
>>6160601
what was it ?
>>
>>6160696
Just an art piece of a stonework steampunk city, with airships and shit. It was pretty.
>>
>>6160029
>Try to figure out why so many Westphalians are around here.
But why, really?
>Go to a guild (Merchant)
We're in the klub now, make use of it
>Have the doctors look at Herta.
And I want to know what she's cooking in there
>>
Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>6160702
also rolling anyway lol
>>
>>6160601
>Inb4 I roll a 1
You're halfway there lmao

This is also a good time to mention that I might start experimenting with the rolling system sometime in the future, nothing too complicated though. If there's anything you guys would prefer/not want to see just tell me.
But I am planning on keeping the usual best of 1-roll-per-anon for the weekly estate management minigame, at least for now.

>>6160696
>what was it ?
A picture about an airship docking by some sort of castle/tower that I was looking at for inspiration. I must've selected it by accident lmao
I'll probably use it later on in the thread for something, though if you'd like I could try to find it again.
>>
>>6160712
Bo3 is always a golden system
>>
The yet unnamed airship of yours was now parked in one of Centria's most populous commercial ports. It was easy to contact Hisashi, considering he was associated with the Mitsubishi-Yasuda Firm.

Textiles and well made clothes were carried out in boxes by Cattleya, Bertha occasionally helping when her headache wasn't so bad. Your clankers and some dock workers with cranes assisted as well with the heavier crates, but the real mvp here was your catgirl. You were lucky that she was tough enough to power through her hangover without complaint and that she insisted to work when she saw that she was needed. Honestly it was probably from all the 'massages' you have personally been giving her that she's so willing to help out.
Herta was (sort of) helping by holding the fort and piloting the ship.

The products were being moved as you and Ayane spoke to the fox dad himself.

"I trust you, Ayane. And I have no reason to offend such a good-natured Savant." The kitsune patriarch said. "These are merely procedures to make sure everything is in order. It helps calm the nerves of the investors." He was probably referring to how the things you were selling them were all being inspected with enchanted tools.

"I am aware." Said your wife. She was the only one (save for Herta, who hadn't been drinking at all since she'd gotten pregnant) that wasn't feeling the effects of drinking too much. "I merely requested you consider us when there are some rare products." She then faces you. "Master, I believe you called it... ?"

"Cryolite. And bauxite, if you can find any." You said. Both you and Herta devised a nearly perfect get-rich-quick scheme, you just needed resources and machinery. The latter was simple, you were a Savant and Herta was the goddess of creating crap, it was the former which you were lacking.

"Whatever the case, making such an exception isn't just something I can do at the drop of a hat." Hasashi said, almost apologetically. "Northrensnjor is a distant land; their cold northern winters are contrasted by their hot-tempered people. Undertaking a trip like that for some minerals would be expensive, not to mention risky."

"I know you have influence in these matters. And I know that John Doe—a Master whose good fortune and kindness I don't deserve to stand under—may seem like a wildcard with an uncertain future. But isn't the company in that same situation?" She looked at your airship. "I'm not asking for handouts, I'm merely asking that you would notice the importance of allowing a Savant to back your interests." As if to prove her point, one of your clankers came into view, carrying some boxes.

"Fine, fine, I'll see what I can do." He said with a sigh. "It's good to see kidnapping and marriage haven't dulled your negotiation ability." He ruffled her head. "Hoho! Don't forget your old man after you and your husband hit the motherload!"

"Father!" Ayane looked exasperated. "I'm an 85 year old woman! Please stop treating me like a child."
>>
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"You'll still be my little kit, no matter how old you are." He chuckled, but eventually relented in the face of Ayane's (very cute) pouting. Despite knowing this was because of their biology, you were still amazed an old hag like her could be so beautiful and adorable. "Ahem, now where were we," He looked back at you with a practiced smile. "Going forward, I'd like to continue our mutually beneficial relationship. If you ever have anything resources you'd wish to sell us, or if you'd like to purchase from us in bulk, then we'd be more than happy to do business with you."

"We've finished off unloading the cargo!" Your catgirl shouted to you.

"Thank you! Great job, love!" You shouted back. Cattleya seemed to appreciate the acknowledgement.

"Very well" Hisahi clapped his hands together. "Seems like this matter is settled. My people will provide you with the gold in a few minutes." Hisashi said.

(Gained 3700g)

"Now if you will, follow me." Said the old fox man. Ayane looked between you both with confusion. You shrugged your shoulders.

The three of you entered a nearby clockwork tower filled with machinery. Pulleys, cranes, and gears emerged from the walls and ceiling. You wondered why the Centrian City seemed obsessed over clock towers. Sure there was the Steampunk tag, but if there was some practical reason that only made sense in this world maybe you could have your own built...

"Ayane, remember this place?" He said. Your wife seemed to realize where this was, face bearing a slight air of nostalgia. "You and Ai, and a bunch of other rascals used to play around here when you were all kits, and later on that Eisho punk would choose Ai over you in this very room. Do you have any regrets about suffering such a stinging defeat against your younger sister?"

"None whatsoever." She said without hesitation. She turns to you and gives you a kiss on the cheek. "If being with my Master John Doe is the price of losing that battle, then I never wish to win again." She looks at you, face burning a gentle shade of red and eyes filled with longing. You think about how much you must've changed in this woman's life around for her to fall for you so quickly. "Now, father, if that is all, then I'd like to take account of my Master's money." With your permission she excused herself, leaving you and Hisashi alone to speak.

"I must apologize if I overstepped by bringing you both here. However, it is my philosophy to make sure any grievances are aired out before they linger." He cleared his voice again. "I've spoken rather formally to you, Savant, as a potential business associate. But as my son in-law, I shall wish you the best."

"Thank you." You said. He sounded like he was trying to mollify you into friendship.

"No need. By law, you're my son now, it's natural for me to favor you, especially after you saved Ayane and Ryko. You know, my offer to share some drinks is still on the table."

"We can decide on a time once me and my wives get everything sorted out."
>>
"You had a big celebration yesterday, no?" He chuckles. Before you could ask how he'd know he responds. "That ring on my daughter's finger is proof you sealed the deal with her. Don't you think about throwing her away now, you hear?" He said the last part in a joking way, but you could tell it was loaded with the sort of implicit threat only a father could make.

"I wouldn't even consider it." You didn't plan on abandoning your hot fox hag. He nodded his head in approval.

You two resumed talking about business like nothing even happened. Ayane returned near the end of it.

"We're planning on visiting the Merchant's Guild today." You revealed. "I'll give you my answer after I meet them. Do I need to always carry around that invitation or is it possible to become an actual member?"

"Yes, it's possible. In fact, they're taking applications this week and the next for anyone that's been recommended recently. Convenitent timing, isn't it?" He looked at you with a smirk. "I wouldn't waste the opportunity to register if I were you."

This old man might not be so bad.

You both thanked him for the help. You and your wives left soon afterwards.

===

"Gah." Said Ruby. She drank some water from a flask. You weren't surprised she jumped at the first chance to be here in person. "Sir, I must thank you for waking me up. I wouldn't desire to miss such an important event, much less one with my Master around~" She said to you, then gave a sideglance at your kistune wife. "No offense, Ayane, but with my headache I'd be more of a hindrance than not if I tried to help out at the port." Ayane seemed like she had a sharp comment to make, but held her tongue and opted on merely nodding her head understandingly.

"I don't see what the big deal is." Herta said. She'd also been sleeping in, not because she was tired—merely because she found the whole trading scene boring. "Billions should be willing to purchase my creations! I'm a godde-" You place a finger against her mouth.

"Herta, what did we say about publicly speaking of your divinity?" You whispered to her. It was really too soon to tell what the situation would be with the Churches, though if isekai light novels taught you anything it's that they were corrupt, and there was no shortage of people that would take advantage of Herta if they got their hands on her. If it came down to it you weren't gonna let them take her away or kill her for heresy. You had discussed this before with her, but without giving her any direct order.

"That it's a bad idea?" She responded.

"Are you gonna speak about it unless I tell you to?" She shook her head. "Good girl." You whisper again and pet her head. She smiled blissfully while looking at you.

The building for the Guild was tall and imposing, displaying it's wealth with pride. You, Herta, Ayane, and Rose had decided to enter it. You made sure the invitation was still on you.
>>
After getting to the front table, the standard isekai-issued comically busty receptionist greeted you all. "Hello! You're all new faces here, except for you," She points to Ayane. "I remember you! You're Ah-yi, right?"

"Greetings to you as well, Janette. I am Ayane, Ai is my sister." Your fox wife said calmly. The only indication she was at least mildly annoyed was a small flick of her ear.

"Gods, I'm so sorry!" She apologized to your fox wife and scratched her head sheepishly. But then switched her attention to you. "You must be the Master. Can I see your invitation?" You show it to her.

Speaking to the big titty receptionist, whom Ayane seemed to know in passing, you decide to get registered. There was little reason not to. She told you that if you got caught scamming others or dealt with corrupting magic you'd be liable for expulsion.

You asked if you needed to register your wives too. She explained how since they were your property they'd automatically be members of be Merchant's Guild so long as you were (unless you forbade them from being so for whatever reason).

The rest of the day was spent meeting people and building connections. Most of these were smaller merchants and small time business owners or employees of corporations. Though you were also able to find some mercenary groups that offered their services in exchange for gold.

You feel like you've been able to find out more when it came to business, hearing from peoples' experiences. Out of all of these you learned more on...

(Choose up to two choices)

>Trade.
>Production.
>Distribution.
>Markets.
>Investment.
>Speculation.
>(Write-in) (Must be associated with business or trade of some kind)

Later some important looking Westphalian merchants arrived. Unfortunately they didn't seem to be associated with the ships that came by earlier, though they did hear that they'd been selling surplus weapons of some kind, and some loose lipped ones loudly shared rumors of expensive ancient artifacts their countrymen dug up in the colonies, now being held in the capital. Ruby seemed to doubt their claims.
You were very grateful the Westphalian merchants were more concerned with one-upping the Eastian merchants, and vice-versa, to notice you or your wives slipping out of the room.

You and your wives just kept all your ears open, only returning to the airship when it was getting late.

That night, some of your wives came to you with a request: That you help them finish the legal paperwork in order for them to "officially" be your wives.
They said it wasn't really necessary to do right away since it was mostly a formality, and didn't have much legal meaning. But it'd still be a nice gesture for the slaves that worried about this sort of thing.

>You didn't see why not. You'd like to get this done for all of them.
>Those that wanted it could approach you for help.
>It wasn't needed. They were cast out, and you were a Savant that accepted them, so by law they were yours.
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6161199
>Distribution.
>Markets.
Since we've been engaging in manufacturing I say stick to it. What markets are our good in demand in and how can we distribute them to said markets? God I feel like playing Starsector again.

>You didn't see why not. You'd like to get this done for all of them.
Mainly to preempt any attempt at fraud, like a car or house deed. Speaking of which, if we haven't staked a claim to the estate and it's surrounding territories then we should. Although I'd like to survey the surroundings enough that we claim all the land up to someone else's claim.
>>
>>6161199
>Markets.
>Speculation.
The rest we can learn from books or business courses. Which reminds me that there has to be an ACADEMY. Most likely here in the city. We have to find a way in.
>You didn't see why not. You'd like to get this done for all of them.
Just paperwork
>>6161203
I agree with claiming the land. QM already said we could either get it through defacto squatters right (proving we lived there and are a savant) or buying it. For obvious reasons the first option is the best.
>>
>>6161199
>Trade.
>Production.
Same reasoning as above anon. We're making shit and selling it.
>You didn't see why not. You'd like to get this done for all of them.
Why not?

Something that has occurred to me is that we might want to wire up the manor at some point. While steam and clockwork and gas and what have you are great for a lot of things given the conventions of the world, some things are just better done with captive lightning. If we're angling to get our hands on aluminium (producing it in bulk would make us a huge amount of money and put us on the map, for better or worse), having a ready supply of electricity is non-negotiable. We should scout the nearby hills for a good place to set up a small hydroelectric generator (a hydro turbine in a shed is how a lot of rural estates did it before the grid and cheap and plentiful hydropower is how places like Norway and Iceland make so much bank off refining imported bauxite).
>>
>>6161199
>Production.
>Markets.

>You didn't see why not. You'd like to get this done for all of them.
>>
>>6161211
What's your reasoning for choosing speculation? Personal taste? Powergaming?

>>6161216
>>6161219
Why learn about production when we're a savant and one of our wives is the goddess of artifice? It seems redundant to me.
>>
>>6161220
We're a mechanical engineer, not a business runner. My gramps was the co-owner of a small factory and he knew all about the machines but was hopeless at administration or finances.
>>
>>6161220
I thought speculation was about what the merchants/businessmen think where the market is going. Market itself being info on what is currently selling/economic conditions.
>>
>>6161226
This isn't a big operation anon, it's an artisanal business. There's nothing to keep track of besides what we already do.

>>6161227
I suppose speculation is a good choice for more risky ventures, like selling coal to Newcastle during a miners' strike. But I think more safe bets would be wiser at this juncture.
>>
>>6161230
It may be artisanal stuff done out of a shed at the moment but us and our wives only have so many hands and hours in the day. I have Big Plans.
>>
>>6161232
>>6161216
But actually on that note I will replace
>Trade.
with
>Markets
I'm not entirely sure of the distinction between Markets and Trade in this context, but my guess would be Markets would be more for selling stuff and Trade is for wheeling and dealing, which we won't be doing.
>>
>>6161230
Fair enough, I guess the aluminum plan is enough for us to get ahead of everyone itself.
>>6161199
>>6161211
Switching speculation to
>Production.
>>6161232
Agreed. Figuring out mass production for both the aluminum and eventually the clankers is an important goal
>>
>>6161232
>>6161238
And I appreciate that but you're putting the cart before the horse. We're still making stuff out of a shed so let's learn how to best profit from this, not how to profit from how we'll be in the future.

How will we make money if we can't get our goods to market? That's why Im pushing so hard for Distribution.
>>
>>6161242
And I appreciate your reasoning in turn but we don't have to do everything ourselves, we can outsource this stuff more than most aspects of business. Make some friends among the merchants and sell wholesale to them with them handling the marketing and distribution to consumers - we won't make as much money as with full vertical integration but it is otherwise an administrative headache and time sink for us even with training and they can do it even better than we can with a short merchantry course to allow us to focus on what we do best.
>>
>>6161248
>we can outsource this stuff more than most aspects of business. Make some friends among the merchants and sell wholesale to them with them handling the marketing and distribution to consumers
I thought that was what choosing Distribution meant? Making said friends to sell to?
>>
>>6161257
From a semantics point of view I interpret Distribution as the back half of the process involving the selling to consumers part with Markets being the front half process of wholesaling and macroeconomics insofar as the former is about dealing with the individual consumers and vendors who buy them while the latter deals with leveraging the economy and merchantry to shift your stuff in a zoomed-out sense. In that light I prefer Markets since we're at the head of the logistics chain and would be better off delegating the distro part.
Honestly, I'd like a few words on what these options actually mean to clear this up.
>>
>>6161275
>The rest of the day was spent meeting people and building connections. Most of these were smaller merchants and small time business owners or employees of corporations. Though you were also able to find some mercenary groups that offered their services in exchange for gold.
>You feel like you've been able to find out more when it came to business, hearing from peoples' experiences. Out of all of these you learned more on...
Since we're talking to fellow merchants, I interpreted Markets as asking them about their understanding of what goods are in demand or not in what markets while Distribution is about how we could get those goods to said markets. That's what made the most sense to me.
>>
>>6161275
>>6161302
I thought distribution was how to get the goods where they need to be from the production perspective (from mines to factories) and consumer perspective (from finished goods to shelves).
>>
Disclaimer: most economic stuff will be happening in the background since trying to keep track of every detail would be a nightmare.

>>6160735
True that. I'll likely use Bo3 more often.

>>6161237
>Markets would be more for selling stuff and Trade is for wheeling and dealing
Yes, Markets are more for giving you a good idea of what people want with general tips on that front. Trade is for the social aspect of being a merchant (how to get good deals, knowing what a scam would look like, finding good business partners, etc)

>>6161257
>I thought that was what choosing Distribution meant? Making said friends to sell to?
Distribution is about how to sell things while Trade is more personal. Though Distribution is also as social as you could expect, especially if you choose to deal with other merchant networks/make your own.
Honestly you could make friends/connections with merchants no matter what methods you choose, as long as they don't think you're scamming them.

>>6161275
>Honestly, I'd like a few words on what these options actually mean to clear this up.
I probably should've added this to begin with, sorry.

>Trade: Bargains, better deals, defense against scams, business partners, as well as the social aspect of being a merchant.
>Production: Optimizing the use of various materials in order to have a better output. Includes some strategies non-Savant merchants use to semi-mass manufacture/produce goods.
>Distribution: How to best distribute a product to certain groups or individuals, either through your own channels or through other merchant networks. Make a product available for purchase by dispersing it through the market - involving transportation, packaging, and delivery.
>Markets: Different public perceptions on what goods are wanted in what areas. More as a "big picture" than personal relations. This also mostly focuses on the general popular/merchant sentiment in Centrian/Eastian/Westphalian markets and what to do/not do in order to get into said markets.
>Investment: Actions with the intent of earning money/other benefits in the future.
>Speculation: Like investments, but more short term and riskier with (potentially) larger rewards.

>>6161302
>I interpreted Markets as asking them about their understanding of what goods are in demand or not in what markets while Distribution is about how we could get those goods to said markets
That's a good way of putting it, though Distribution can also do additional things.

>>6161313
Distribution does include both, but most merchants/employees here know more about the consumer perspective since they're used to selling more than buying. A few work for big enough companies that own large factories/mines and could share some interesting stuff.
If you're talking about what merchants are good sources of certain goods, then that does include Distribution to a certain extent, but at a certain point it becomes closer to the Trade and Markets choices.
>>
>>6161409
Thanks for clearing it up op, I will keep my choices since they seem the best for what we are doing.
Our contact that is our father in law has the trade and distribution part covered.
>>
The next day came by peacefully. Most of your wives already feeling much better.

Your mind was still on the subject of the merchants yesterday, and while you were a Savant that didn't mean there wasn't anything for you to learn.

Most factories used slaves as manual labor to operate machinery, but Masters and their slave-wives working as employees isn't unheard of. To your surprise assembly lines existed, considering that most machines were a mix of 19th century technology and Savant-made ones. Then again all the steampunk stuff was regularly in use.
Ruby had been floating around the idea of turning one of the dungeon rooms to be a factory of sorts, though when further questioned about what the design of said factory should she'd said she trusted "your intelligence and decision making, Master~" You had the feeling she was just trying to be cute.

You also thought back to the way the merchants had all spoken of what would be considered popular in different countries. Westphalia seemed to be abundant in producing food, favoring high quality, and had a tendency to be vain with luxury items. While Eastia was more concerned with technological innovation and practicality, inclined towards mass production. Both were highly industrial nations—as far as early Victorian era countries went—and were generally matched in resources. You'd also learned that, when operating in either Eastia or Westphalia, one would be wise to pay extra for products while selling for lower prices than usual in order to overcome the stigma of being a foreign business. You weren't sure if this applied to you individually as a Savant that was buying and selling, but you know had a better view of the markets themselves.

On that note, curiosity got the best of you when you wondered what the Westphalians were doing.

From what you, Herta, Cattleya and Ayane could find, apparently there was some trade competition between nobles that have been trying to enter the Centrian market, from showcasing a new mithril-crafted weapons to even auctioning slaves. All for the good of Westphalia, of course. Ruby and Gerty theorized that the King of Westphalia, Robert Boarhewer, was personally sponsoring this in order to gain more clout in the Centrian City. Your four Westphalian-raised wives seemed to agree that it sounded like something he'd do.
Worryingly, a few of Forthwythe's servants were identified as well. It was extremely lucky that your wives hadn't encountered any of them yet.

You'd decided to do something about Rose's book request while the rest of your wives went off to buy things for the ship.
>>
A bookstore owned all of the books you were interested in. You decide to skim through and ask some questions about what you were buying. Luckily for you the librarian, a petite catgirl, was happy to go through these with you.

Out of all of these there was only one which had romantic undertones.

The Baron's Bandit: It was a story about a noble and a bandit chick. She had kidnapped him with the intent to ransom the guy to his family. But as the story went on she started to fall more and more in love with the noble dude until he made her his slave-wife. The bandit gal was surprisingly intelligent, having been a spy apprentice working for some well-off merchant family, only falling down into banditry due to being unjustly accused and disowned before she even had a Master. The twist at the end was that the noble guy was actually planning everything all along, even before they met in person. He used her to steal from other nobles, even his own family (who apparently disowned him right after he was kidnapped), and with cleverness he became a powerful man that could stand up to anyone that opposed him.

You expected there to be lewdness at some point but it was innocent, with the most questionable thing being how, when it was the bandit's pov, she liked getting her ears nibbled by her husband after he did some mindgames on her, and how it was implied that under the sheets he ravaged her and acted like a 'brute', to the bandit's flustered happiness. Despite this, and her lowly bloodline, he treated her like a lady in all other occasions. It kinda reminded you of the sort of relationship you had with Ruby. Huh.

What took you by surprise the most the book's author and co-author: Andrew Boarhewer and his first slave-wife Anne Boarhewer, both Westphalian monarchs from many few generations before Robert Boarhewer's reign. Apparently it was a thinly-veiled secret that Andrew was the Baron and Anne was the Bandit, and this story basically how they were able to take the crown of Westia.

You decided to...

>Purchase all the books for her, even the thinly veiled romance one. However, you wanted an explanation on why Ruby wanted it to begin with.
>Just purchase the ones that were purely academic and technical.
>(Write-in)

After your cat helped carry the books, you, Mel, and Gerty happened to be talking with about some of the things they bought for the ship while aimlessly walking about. It was then that you happened to see some three uniformed people.

"... and then I heard this huge ass mech came in to destroy them!" One of them said, a woman wearing a uniform. None of them seemed to notice you due to the crowds of people.

"Those bandits acted like a tough crowd." Said a man, the only one in the group, and seemingly a higher rank than the rest of them. "They have at least 50 goblin skulls to prove it."

"Mel?" You whispered.

"On it." She responded, casting invisibility and footstep soundproofing spells on the three of you.
>>
"I think they'd of had better proof about a Savant Lord decided to make his home in that bloody cliffside mansion." Another woman responded to the first one as well as the man. "They're probably just sore over losing their camp to some greenskins and blamed a Savant."

"Well, we have some information on that, don't we?" Said the woman that you'd heard speak first.

"If you believe bandit tall-tales." Again the third voice responded.

"I don't know, they seemed pretty sincere..." Said the man.

"Even if they are, do you think Forthwythe would give a shit?" She said.

"Hey." Said the first woman, now wide eyed and looking around. "Do you want to get into trouble with our contractor, cuz?" So they were part of Forthwythe's group.

"Well it's true." She said. "And 'sides, that old geezer ain't our boss. He can suck my Master's cock for all I care."

"Don't involve me in this." The man responded. "Besides, Forthwythe does seem to have noticed something. At least enough to make a weapons order." He stops beneath an airship. "Anyway, we're here. Let's see if that gang did their job." The man took out three recall potions and gave it to them, and they disappeared in a small blip of light.

"Do any of you know these people?" You asked your two wives.

"I knew almost everyone back at Forthwythe's castle." Gerty's disembodied voice said as she slowly became visible again. "And I don't remember these people."

"They sounded like mercenaries, but looked like Westphalian guards..." Mel said.

>You and Mel, the most detailed and perceptive of you, would continue to look around and try to find more clues about these mercenaries.
>Have yourself and Ayane take a closer look at the Westphalian products. There were some interesting weapons there...
>Go back to the Merchant's Guild and see if you can find Forthwythe's paper trail.
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6162335
>>6162338
>Purchase all the books for her, even the thinly veiled romance one. However, you wanted an explanation on why Ruby wanted it to begin with.
>You and Mel, the most detailed and perceptive of you, would continue to look around and try to find more clues about these mercenaries.
What's our position on Forthwythe fellas? Not friendly I imagine but what specific posture should we adopt?
>>
>>6162335
>Purchase all the books for her, even the thinly veiled romance one. However, you wanted an explanation on why Ruby wanted it to begin with.
Seems innocent enough, just a romcom.
>>6162338
>You and Mel, the most detailed and perceptive of you, would continue to look around and try to find more clues about these mercenaries.
How big are the boxes QM? I don’t think the guy is bringing in heavy stuff but most likely infantry weapons, maybe even light mortars. Regardless we need more clankers.
>>6162349
Same with the Rostchilde, neutral until they fuck with us directly.
>>
>>6162355
That's what I was thinking. Mind our own business until someone fucks with us, then take our pound of flesh with interest.
>>
>>6162335
>Purchase all the books for her, even the thinly veiled romance one. However, you wanted an explanation on why Ruby wanted it to begin with.
I don't think it's really harmful, is it? It's a fictional character. Hell, we can even ''play out' the book scenario with her at some later date. That sounds like something she'd enjoy.
>You and Mel, the most detailed and perceptive of you, would continue to look around and try to find more clues about these mercenaries.
Very sus.
>>
>>6162359
That being said I think we should now fast track the ownership papers
>>
>>6162338
>Purchase all the books for her, even the thinly veiled romance one. However, you wanted an explanation on why Ruby wanted it to begin with.
It's pretty transparent that she's thinking of this book in her relationship with us. How about we help her act it out for real later?
>You and Mel, the most detailed and perceptive of you, would continue to look around and try to find more clues about these mercenaries.
C'mon girl, let's get our magnifying glasses out
>>
>>6162338
>Have yourself and Ayane take a closer look at the Westphalian products. There were some interesting weapons there...
>>
>>6162355
Big enough to hold at least half a dozen rifles each.
>>
>>6162541
So nothing major. Last QM said infantry mostly used air rifles but I do not know how strong air rifles are in this world
>>
>>6162576
Stronger than bolt action guns of the late Victorian era, they'll probably surpass modern day airguns eventually.
>>
>>6162661
So by extension you're saying that modern day air rifles are superior to a Lee-Metford? I dunno about you, but I'd rather be shot at with an airgun.
>>
>>6162671
That's fair, I'll definitely have to do some more research about it in the future.
Maybe it'd be better to say that this isekai world's airguns are on a mid-early 19th century level and thanks to steampunk technological shenanigans will probably become a force that's equal to modern day guns eventually.
>>
>>6162695
What's the style of the pneumatic rifles anyway? Do they fire balls? Bullets? Are they breech-loading? Muzzle-loading? Bolt action? Do they have magazines? Single-shot? How many shots on an air tank? I picture them as like a Pattern 1853 muzzle-loader but with an underslung air tank instead of a cocking hammer.
Are there the equivalents to very early automatic firearms like the Gatling gun or shell-based artillery kicking about?
>>
>>6162705
>What's the style of the pneumatic rifles anyway?
Herta created an airgun for you one that was pretty much an 1892 Winchester lever action rifle. It was the main reason why I was (and still am) considering the guns to be late Victorian era for the most part. For now I'll correct myself and say it's (mostly) a mix of 19th century guns thanks to Savants messing with the tech sporadically. Though things are getting closer to being standardized to the mid Victorian era types of weapons (but almost all exclusively as airguns), and will probably fully go into late 19th century stuff in a decade despite the tech already (sort of) existing.
I'll probably have to do some more research on this and iron out the exact details later, but that's the general way things will go.
>Do they fire balls? Bullets?
Bullets.
>Are they breech-loading? Muzzle-loading? Bolt action?
Depends on the gun, though muzzle-loading is starting to lose it's popularity (especially in places like Westphalia and Eastia).
>Do they have magazines? Single-shot? How many shots on an air tank?
Again it depends on the gun. Air tanks also vary. You won't find many single-shot guns unless it's for something fancy like a duel or in old stockpiles.
Generally most guns can shoot from 6 to 20 times, depending on the gun. Although air machine guns exist as well with much more than that, despite being in their early prototype stages or Savant creations.
>I picture them as like a Pattern 1853 muzzle-loader but with an underslung air tank instead of a cocking hammer.
That's honestly not a bad choice and has a very good visual. It definitely would've been widely used not too long ago. Though I think it'd be more accurate to say that currently this world's most popular airguns are closer to the Snider-Enfield or Dreyse needle guns and even early Mauser bolt-action rifles in some parts.
>>
>>6162757
>Though things are getting closer to being standardized to the mid Victorian era types of weapons (but almost all exclusively as airguns)
Not including artillery and other types of weapons of course. I mean, not all weapons are airguns, but basically all guns (that aren't artillery, cannons, crossbows, most types of mortars, etc (though there are probably some pneumatic variants of these weapons too, but you haven't heard of them)) are some variation of an airgun.
>>
Sneaking around looking for clues was pretty fun. Leaving the defenses to Gerty once again, the search for the mercs sent you and Mel from place to place—airship dockyards, to markets, beneath bridges and even above rooftops.

Your wife was also having a good time, pulling a few pranks here and there on people with her beguiler skills.

"Teehee~" Mel said after she'd swapped a Westphalian's merchant's top hat with a soldier's.Her fairy lineage must've been getting the better of her. Of course you stopped her from doing anything that would give either of you away, though the times it'd be warranted were few and far in between.

This was honestly starting to feel like a date.

Looking around and eavesdropping for any tell of those people associated with Forthwythe proved to be a delicate situation. Most Westphalians tended to not know much about the old noble. You'd heard a few rumors around, the truth of which Mel confirmed or denied. You did learn that he taxed Riverdale too much, without giving anything back to show for it. He was pretty unpopular with those that knew actually him, and you suspected most only tolerated Forthwythe because they had no other choice.

There was some more interesting stuff: Like how Forthwythe had been surprisingly merciful on some bandits that came into Riverdale, even letting them go without punishment. Or how some mercenaries and gun runners that were employed through the official Westphalian government were allowed to wear Westian uniforms when within foreign nations, something that explained why the mercenaries looked like Westphalian guards. There weren't many rumors of any new Savant Lords appearing, giving you mixed feelings.

"If he's gonna be a nice guy to thieves then why'd he kick me out because of dad? I mean, what the heck!" Mel looked troubled. You consoled her with a hug, which she returned for a bit too long.

You'd both quietly stalked any suspicious looking Westphalian guards or mercenaries you saw, turning invisible and running into narrow alleyways when things got dicey.

One of these dicey times involved some mercenaries that, despite it only being a little while into the afternoon, seemed drunk enough to think trying to harass your wife in front of you was a good idea. While you were able to successfully scare them off using your Shellstrike Gauntlets, it unfortunately got the attention of the police. You'd ended up needing to run, but thankfully Mel was able to quickly whip up an illusion to hide your identities. You decided to give her a piggyback ride because of her low stamina.

"Master! Over there!" She said, high pitched voice next to your ear. Her light weight was something you appreciated more and more.
>>
You hide with her and see the cops run in the complete opposite direction. You're tempted to radio one of your slaves, but things calmed down enough to not worry them.

"Good job, Mel." You unconsciously pat her head. You see her smile.

"Whew, that was a close one!" Mel sighed with some relief. "Thank you for saving me, Master!" She giggled and gave you a light kiss on the back of your head.

"I've said that you could rely on me, haven't I?" You remind her.

"Yup!" She replied. "And I always will! I just wish I could've been more helpful, but, uh, since you weren't shooting them I wasn't gonna either. And I didn't wanna try using any fairy magic without your permission, so..."

With a swift motion she gets off your back, but then somehow trips and falls upside down as you hear some clothing tear. And, blessing your eyes, the only affected part was her skirt after getting caught on some wire.

"Eep!" She says as you move her to get a closer look. "M-Master! What the heck are you doing!?"

"Just checking if you're alright." You tell her. "So you like wearing bloomers... cute."

"I'm fine, there's no blood and nothing hurts, I'm just in an awkward positi- huh? You think I'm cute?" Her mind seems stop working for a few seconds. "W-wait! People could see us!" She squirms around, blushing. Even though there wasn't anyone other than you two in this alleyway.

"Hm." You take off your coat tie it around her waist, hiding her shame.

"T-thanks. Haha..." Mel stutters and laughs awkwardly. "I mean, I don't mind wearing skimpier clothing if you want me too. I'll leave up all the big decisions up to you, Master." She added, though she wasn't going to push for it. Her cuteness tempted you to let out a little steam with her here and now, much the same way you 'forced yourself' on Herta in a place similar to this, but you stop yourself. Because Mel liked comfort you don't think she'd be a fan of doing it upside down in a cold and dirty alleyway. Also fooling around with Mel normally ends with her fainting, and you don't think it'd be wise to have a passed out wife in this situation.

You make do with a mental promise you'd make her yours tonight and by planting a small kiss on her lips, making her freeze for a second.

"Right." You clap your hands. "Were were we?"

"We, uh," She shakes herself. "We found a lead that from the inn the mercenaries-guards were staying at. They're headed to one of the lesser used ports."

You both went to search there. Your best efforts lead to an old sailor smoking a pipe while fishing for some 'flying fish' that apparently were hidden in the clouds. A woman about his age was also sitting on a rocking chair, reading a book with a disinterested expression.
>>
"Aye, I know of whom ye speak of." He said. "And they talked 'bout a deal with a Westian noble."

"Real annoying-like, they were." The old woman grumbled.

He told you both about some mercenaries that fit your description coming here around a week prior, using one of those"fancy fast Eastian airships". Unfortunately they'd just left.
The woman pointed towards the general direction they went after you asked.

"That's towards Westphalia." You commented.

"Aye, right you are, lad." The man said. You thanked them both before leaving, politely declining an offer to try cloud-fishing, saying you'd consider it next time. You and Mel took a ferry that was passing by.

When you got back to your airship it was much more... decorated. You could tell your wives had been busy.

This would make things more comfortable for everyone.

"Welcome back, Master!" Herta, like always, is the first to greet you. "How did your secret detective mission go?"

"It was fun." You told her, and glanced at Mel, her torn skirt had been exchanged for some pants while you were still out. She'd been pensive about something since being in the ferry. "We found out about some stuff and got into some trouble near the end. But everything should be fine, right Mel?"

"Huh? What?" Mel almost jumped after you said her name. "Yeah! Everything is- Wait," She looked like she remembered something. "Northumbridge! I'm pretty that's where that grumpy old hag was pointing at!" That was farther away from here than your mansion. It would take more than half a day to go there in your ship as it currently was.

"I might be getting along in years, but-" Ayane started to say with a frown before Mel cut her off.

"The hag with the flying fish guy!" Mel said.

"Flying fish guy?" Cattleya said, confused. "Are you feeling alright, mate?"

Mel turned to you with a pitiful expression . "Master, please help!" Now was probably a good time to tell your wives about what you and Mel had found.

"Is that smelly old noble seriously working with bandits?" Bertha commented.

"We don't have enough information to say. Yet him showing kindness towards anyone doesn't bode well." Ruby said. Your wives that lived under Forthwythe all agreed.

"He's either working with them or he wants something from them. Either way, Ruby is right; whenever Forthwythe does anything nice it means he's planning to do something terrible." Gerty added. She seemed to be the most familiar with Forthwythe's personality.

This was all information you could all use, you still had daylight to spare for one last thing.

>Go to seek out some houses for sale. Ayane was able to find a few good deals.
>Take Herta to a doctor. She was practically begging you to be there while she got her pregnancy checked up on.
>Try to do both. Although it won't be as effective as doing one thing or the other.
>Return to the estate. You should have enough time to go back before it gets too late in the night.
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6163776
>Take Herta to a doctor. She was practically begging you to be there while she got her pregnancy checked up on.
About time
In regards to what Forthwythe is doing, I say we do nothing. Whatever he does honestly doesn’t affect us. Just build more clankers/defences and we are solid
>>
>>6163776
>Go to seek out some houses for sale. Ayane was able to find a few good deals.
A doctor's visit doesn't seem useful to me at the moment.
>>
>>6163776
>Take Herta to a doctor. She was practically begging you to be there while she got her pregnancy checked up on.
>>
>>6163776
>Take Herta to a doctor. She was practically begging you to be there while she got her pregnancy checked up on.
Then we go
>>
>>6163776
>Take Herta to a doctor. She was practically begging you to be there while she got her pregnancy checked up on.
>>
>>6163776
>>Take Herta to a doctor. She was practically begging you to be there while she got her pregnancy checked up on.
>>
>>6163776
>Take Herta to a doctor. She was practically begging you to be there while she got her pregnancy checked up on.
>>
Rolled 70 (1d100)

"It's good to see you here. John Doe, was it?" A harpy doctor with owl-like features, named Nicodemus, speaks to you. "And you're a Savant? What an honor, hoo-hoo."

"Yes, that would be me." You reply. Masters owned slaves as their property and as such were in charge of the proceedings, making you the main person responsible for your slave-wives' wellbeing.

This was a rather small private hospital. Ayane, with her many Centrian connections, recommended this place for its high quality and professionalism. And also because people weren't charged for the first time they came here with a slave.

He flips through some papers inside a notebook. "Too many Masters nowadays tend to just send their slaves to get checked in a hospital all by themselves, only caring for quick answers while their wives gain years from stress. It's good to see a considerate Master." He clears his throat. "Usually I'd just have one of my wives or daughters handle this, but since a Savant has gracefully decided to make his presence known, I thought I'd greet him personally."

"You honor me, Nick." You said.

"Likewise." He bowed. "Now, who is the lady here?"

"Her name is Herta." You respond. Your wife wraps your arm around her.

"Same name as the goddess?" He asks. You nod your head. "Hm. Does she have a slave-surname?" From what you understood, a slave-surname was sort of like a maiden name, except instead of being passed down it was usually decided later on in the girl's life by her mother and father, with the latter having the final say. All of your wives had one. It also wasn't unheard of for a Master to give her a slave-surname instead. It was also common for men and women to just have one name. Although slave-wives officially adopted their Master's last name in any case, or if he didn't have one then they'd just adopt his first name as their last.

"Not that anyone knows of." You replied honestly. No surname of any kind was given to her, at least until she married you. 'Herta Doe' would be her name—your goddess liked the idea of it when you'd mentioned that to her some time ago. In her lust filled words: "Kyaah! Master is forcing his name on my own!"

Sometimes the masochistic obsession Herta had for you still surprised.

"I see. Well, that's not too unheard of. Would you like to answer some optional questions? Her age, nationality, and so on?"

You and Herta glance at each other.

"I'd like to keep that confidential." You respond.

"Very well." He jots down something. "And I'm assuming she's human, correct?"

"Yes." You lie. Though it's not technically incorrect to say that she looks like a human, fooling most into thinking she was one at a first glance.

You knew her, inside and out. You knew her body was divine. Without a doubt she's a goddess. Literally.

But you kept all these facts to yourself.
>>
"If that'll be all, we can begin the check-up. Please, have your slave put her hand on the device." He motioned to a gadget that looked like a crystal ball. You remember these being pretty typical in isekai as truth detectors or measuring magic or as beginner's stat-checking. He had gone in exhaustive detail about it at the insistence of your first wife and yourself. Apparently it's based off a Savant-made artifact created with rare magical materials, initially created to tell someone's mana and life force. It was eventually tinkered, and a lesser version was mass produced to check people's general health and women's pregnancy. The only downside was that making a read took a while to finish.

"I'm here, so there's no reason to worry." You tell Herta as you lean closer to her. "Remember," You whispered to her ear. "If you behave, I'll personally reward that maso-bitch cunt of yours." This seemed to give your wife some consolation.

Some cute harpy nurses entered and left, bringing and taking things to and from the doctor as he needed them. A textile cuff was wrapped around Herta's arm to take blood pressure, as the doctor looked between a pocket watch and a strange machine that was connected to said cuff. Odd magical glasses were used to look into her eyes and ears, and both you and your wife were questioned on health matters. Everything was less modern than you were used to, but at least things like bloodletting weren't happening. The doctor scoffed when you mentioned if it was still practiced.

"Mr. Doe, with all due respect, I am not so behind the times that I'd practice such a thing. Now, as for the readings of the kymograph and pneumograph..."

All the while he went from one topic to the next. Unlike other harpies, he didn't seem to have a single-track mind and was calmer than his nurse slave-wives seemed to be. The doctor claimed his constant talking was "in order to keep patients' minds from worrying too much" You suspected he just liked talking.

"A few daughters of mine inherited my plumage. Which is strange, considering out of my 5 harpy wives not one of them an owl. Feathery men like myself are becoming a rare sight." He sighs. "It is truly a sad thing, to see a species slowly get done for. We used to be the third most populous subgroup a few centuries ago, you know? Anyway, back to my 4th daughter's 12th birthday-"

"Doctor, the artifact's results." You say, feeling tired from his rambling.

"It seems to be done, yes. Everything is in order. Quite right." He takes some papers out of a drawer and looks them over, glancing at the crystal ball every now and again. "I'm happy to say that you're both going to be happy parents somewhere between 37-39 weeks from now. There seem to be no complications with the pregnancy itself. Congratulations."

"Master! I'm gonna have your babies!" Herta was so excited and happy that she hugged you. You returned the act, feeling better about getting this over with than confirming what you already knew.
>>
The owl doctor checked and double checked his papers, making some 'hoo'-ing noises every once in a while. Where he was once jolly and rambled on, he was now mostly serious and answered in single sentences. Herta didn't seem to notice, but it disconcerted you.

"Indeed, everything seems to be in order in that regard. Now, while I'd rather share this with Savant Lord Doe in private, due to my hesitation in causing any distress for his pregnant slave, the Bondage Accords require me to inform the slave-wife of any major medical conditions she might be directly affected by."

"What do you mean?" You ask, dreading the answer.

"Savant, I believe your wife is in grave danger." He said. Your blood ran cold. You squeeze her hand. She squeezes yours back.

"How bad is it?" You say after a few seconds, trying to keep your voice calm.

"She has an excessive amount of divine power flowing through her." The owl doctor said. Your first wife seems to immediately calm down. "And before you ask, yes this seems to affect the pregnancy as well, but to a much lesser extent than her." So he's basically saying that your kids will be demigods. Not that he'd know—he spoke like he thought that your wife had cancer.

"Are those all bad things?" You say, still feeling apprehensive.

"Normally? No. Anyone can be under Holy Magic, in fact it's practically always good for you. Unless you're a ghost that's directly hit by a concentrated amount of it," You feel Yumi's presence for a slit second. "Or your very essence is born out of corruption magic, there's nothing to fear. Your wife, however, has an abnormally consistent flow of divine energy. Almost as if it's emerging from her very soul." He adjusts his glasses. "By Artemia, I've hardly seen anything like it." He moves some papers around and looks into the crystal.

"You still haven't answered the question."

"Well, the mortal bodies of humans aren't designed to handle the constant physical stress of divine power in such a tremendous amount. Or any sort of magic, really. It's honestly a miracle she isn't in constant mana-sickness. You should think about training her to be a Holy Knight, even if that isn't her class." It wasn't. Herta's class was simply called 'Goddess of Artifice and Creation'. Pretty straightforward.

"Wait," Herta said. "What do you mean by 'mortal bodies'?"

"I mean just that. If you were one of the gods, or descended from one of them, you'd have nothing to worry about. I, on the other hand, would probably consider going to church once in a while! Hoo-hoo!" He chuckled.. "Ahem. That was in bad taste, my apologies. Now, as for methods to keep it under control-" You don't pay attention to what he says after that, relief courses through you. You lock eyes with Herta, and both from the loving look on her face and the softness in her smile, she seemed to share your feelings.
>>
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"-ohn Doe, Mr. John Doe." You hear Nicodemus, his words piercing through your thoughts. "If I finally have your attention now, I was asking if you'd like what I've told you in written form."

"Sure." You say. He hands you some papers.

Ask any other questions?

>Yes (Write-in)
>No

After that the doctor and his nurses congratulated you both and wished you two luck. He recommended coming back in a few months to check up on the 'condition' of your wife (even though you and Herta knew nothing was wrong), and if you wanted to know if she'd have more than one child since her pregnancy would be developed enough to determine. A part of you felt like he was just saying this so he could get money out of you.
Though at the same time he did send recommend a public hospital if you needed to take any wife into labor.

While most of Herta's anatomical quirks are a mystery to you, and you suspected she didn't know either, and didn't really care before today. She now told you enough to understand her better: She was a goddess that didn't have her full powers. She was strong enough to defend herself with her divine power, maintaining her youthful appearance and health. She'd also live forever, which was a can of worms you didn't want to think about yet. But her blood and spirit, swirling with pure divine energy, was likely what the doctor had seen through the crystal ball.

"Master!" She twirls around and grabs your hand. "I know this was silly, and sort of not needed, but... thank you for coming with me."

"I couldn't just leave you to go alone." You say with a smile.

"Don't worry! I wouldn't of gone there without you, Master~"

While you weren't against 'punishing' her until she couldn't stand anymore, holding her hand as you both walked down the road also felt nice.

>"We should start thinking about preparing for our kids. Maybe set up rooms and make clothes for them..." It's important to discuss, and you want to plant the seeds of this topic in her mind.
>"Hey Herta, how do your divine powers work? Think you could get them back anytime soon?"
>"What's Heaven like?" This whole talk about divinity and gods made you curious. Herta hasn't really talked about her home much.
>Just peacefully walk down the street and appreciate the hand-holding moment you're having with your wife.
>(Write-in)

You had to decide what you'd do tomorrow, especially with it being the start of Gerty's unsafe days.

>Tomorrow you'll fly this ship back to the mansion.
>Stay in Centria and do something else. (Will offer a choice next update)
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6164515
>No
Nothing I can think of
>"We should start thinking about preparing for our kids. Maybe set up rooms and make clothes for them..." It's important to discuss, and you want to plant the seeds of this topic in her mind.
Nothing too serious
>Tomorrow you'll fly this ship back to the mansion.
Bout time

Also, merry Christmas!
>>
>>6164515
>No
All done here I think
>"We should start thinking about preparing for our kids. Maybe set up rooms and make clothes for them..." It's important to discuss, and you want to plant the seeds of this topic in her mind.
This should send her into a right spin
>Tomorrow you'll fly this ship back to the mansion.
I think we're finished in Centria for now
>>
>>6164515
>No
>(Write-in)
Punish her while we can
>Tomorrow you'll fly this ship back to the mansion.
>>
I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas!

I won't be giving these out often, but I'll gift you guys a single crit success to bank on a future roll if enough anons agree to use it.
>>
>>6164515
Backing the consensus.

>>6164764
Merry christmas QM! Thank you very much for the gift.
>>
>>6164515
>No

>"What's Heaven like?" This whole talk about divinity and gods made you curious. Herta hasn't really talked about her home much

>Tomorrow you'll fly this ship back to the mansion.
>>6164764
Merry Christmas, QM
>>
The moment the words come out of your mouth you can see her eyes sparkle. "T-that's a great idea!"

"What is? Setting up a room, getting them things, or..." You place your arms around her waist. "Preparing to have kids?" You tease her.

She smiles and blushes heavily. "Planning for Master's babies... I'm seriously gonna be turned into Master's personal breeding sow..." She whispers excitedly.

After spitballing out a few more ideas, she starts to get fired up about it and proceeds to talk your ear off. More than once she's flustered and tongue-tied, looking at you as if realizing that she was indeed gonna have your children. She proposes that, since you two have Lunacy Savantae, you both make baby toys and cribs for any children you have. Some more ambitious plans involved building an entire wing on the mansion to serve as a hospital and daycare.

You returned to the airship and had dinner with your wives. Everything went about as usual. You were discussing with Mel about how invisibility worked, and potentially increasing the effectiveness of the traps she placed around the mansion. Cattleya, Bertha, and Gerty were talking about theoretical battles, which mostly ended with them strategizing about their respective abilities. Herta and Ayane were speaking about cultures around the world, with Cattleya adding a few interesting remarks. Ruby seemed engrossed in a book about Centrian politics, not paying much mind to her surroundings.

Ruby. Right, that reminded you. You'd wanted to speak to her about that book, The Baron's Bandit.

"Master?" Your Mastermind, Ruby, said while looking at you curiously. You must've been staring at her.

"Madame," You said. "Can we talk later on tonight?"

"Once again? Why, of course. It would be my pleasure~" Said she. She looked at Mel questioningly, but the beguiler merely shrugged.

Dinner was done, and immediately you dragged Herta into a room to 'punish' her.

"You stupid slut, why did you think it was a good idea to waste my time today?" You say. She's lying on her back while you stepped on her precious secrets.

"I-I'm sorry~" She moans out.

For a second you couldn't help but look at her. She really did have a beautiful face.

"Master, I love you." She said unexpectedly.

"Oh?" You replied. "Where is this coming from?"

"Uh-" She suddenly looked flustered. Seriously, is this what she's getting embarrassed by? "I just... you had such an intense look on you. And... this is gonna sound corny, but I felt like I was getting lost in your eyes."

So, she loved you? Well, you could live with that.

She starts to pant. "Master, if you keep looking at me like that... while you're stepping on me... I'm seriously gonna lose my common sense!"

You smile. "I love you too, Herta."
>>
You give her some more 'punishments' until she's satisfied enough to sleep. You're tempted to just cuddle there for the rest of the night, but you still had things to do and people to meet.

You start walking around the ship, finding your wives already asleep. The exception was Mel, whose room you swung by. You found her looking at the fae crystal.

"Hey there, Master. Can I ask you something for a sec?" She looks you over and gives you a smirk. "Hehe, Master, looks like you've had a good time with your first wife."

"Good eye as ever, Mel."

"It's not too hard to figure out." She says. You're pretty sure she's said that before.

Talk about her fae bloodline, and the powers that might come along it. The most impressive of these, that she felt like she could realistically do, would be flight.

You and Mel would keep talking about such things, and decided to have a bit of fun with her as well.

"Hehe... Master? So, you think I'm cute?" She looks at you with some lust and gives a pleasing wiggle. "Maybe you wanna do it still?"

She was wearing the same bloomers from this morning. So, you decided to indulge both of your desires until your beguile passes out from pleasure.

It was getting late at night and you entered the radio room where Rose was sleeping. She'd been patiently waiting for you, another book in hand.

"My gallant Master, how can this lowly slave of yours be of assistance?" She said. That whole 'gallant Master' bit was, to your current knowledge, also a reference to the book you wanted to talk about. But you can see that she's tired, so you'll keep this short.

"I wish to hear the reason why you wanted to get that story."

"Ah, I can assure you it's culturally relevant and highly informative on the historical state of Westphalian culture and politics."

"I didn't even mention what book I was talking about." You call her out with a smile. "But we both know what it's about, don't we, my darling Bandit?"

"... touche, Master." She returns your smile with a cute blush. "I suppose I like to fool myself into thinking that it's cultured." She has an uncharacteristically sentimental look on her face. "I'm not surprised you know more about me than I know about myself... you've probably already figured the story behind me and the book by now."

"It was given to you by a deceased relative, and it was one of the only books you had access to for a while, and you based your web-weaving personality both because of it and your Mastermind class." You were mostly just guessing, but from what you knew of her past and what you know of isekai tropes this seemed the most likely scenario.

"Quite right, Master." She gives you a vulnerable smile. "I truly doubt I could hide anything from you if I tried."

"Still, I'd like to hear it from your own mouth instead, madame. Your voice carries a beauty in it, and I wish to have my ears hear your schemes down to the finest details." You say with a flourish, massaging her shoulders. She sighs in relief.
>>
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"Very well." Ruby places a bookmark between the pages, closes the book she was reading, and yawns. "I shall tell you as much as you wish, whenever you please." She sighs. "It is quite pathetic of me, is it not? Blushing and fantasizing... and yet, my dream Master is right in front of me." She looks at you, the look on her face reminding you how absolute her trust is towards you. You nibble her ear, making her moan in ecstasy. You love her gently and passionately until she can handle no more.

Mentally, you decide from now on to...

>Play out some book scenes privately with her.
>Continue as you were. This was a comfortable zone to stay in.
>(Write-in)

The next day comes by too easily. And as for Gerty, you harass and bully her, filling her with anticipation.

While you cruise above the clouds you notice a distinct a lack of giant naked cyclops women. You wonder what Thea was up to—was she still healing? Perhaps you could visit someday.

There was a quiet in the horizon. For as far as you could see, clouds stretched onto the blue. Herta lounged around the area, happily rocking back and forth as she usually did when she wanted to entertain herself.

"Ayane, I've been told you're a decent midwife." You decide to break the ice with her about this.

"I gained some experience here and there." Ayane said to Gerty, the fox woman keeping herself composed and pretending not to notice you harassing the Holy Knight.

"Where did you-" Gerty's question is interrupted by the radio coming to life.

"Master!" Mel's high pitched voice came through the intercom, her panic ruining the peaceful moment. "I just spotted a pirate ship with a couple of scout gliders!" You took a look outside with your binoculars. Two scrap gliders flew above a cruel looking pirate ship like vultures.

Herta gets up while you command Gerty to get the defenses ready. The Paladin immediately went to get the Control Rod and gather the others to man whatever is necessary with a level voice.

"It's happening again..." Ayane said in a trembling voice. "It's happening again... Master, please forgive me... my luck... it's happ-" You grasp her hand, and she holds onto it like a lifeline. You console her, and she begins to calm down.

"Mel," You say into the radio. "Are they approaching us? How armed are they?"

"They don't seem to have noticed us yet, but that could change any minute. The ship has cannons and tons of saws for some reason. The gliders have at least one gun each" She catches her breath. "If we keep moving as we are, they'll eventually spot us."

"Master, what should we do?" Herta says, some panic in her voice.

>Prepare your airships' defenses. You'll keep your distance as you get ready for them.
>Take the long way around and avoid them. The fight wasn't worth it, now all was left was praying you could evade the sight of their gliders.
>Engage the pirates head on. A surprise attack worked last time against the bandits, their sky counterparts should be no different.
>(Write-in)
>>
And roll me a 1d100, Bo3
>>
Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>6165660
>Play out some book scenes privately with her.
That would fit, no?
>Engage the pirates head on. A surprise attack worked last time against the bandits, their sky counterparts should be no different.
The thing about pirates is that above all, they want a profit. An aggressive enemy is the last thing they want.
>>
Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>6165660
>Play out some book scenes privately with her.
Sounds fun
>Engage the pirates head on. A surprise attack worked last time against the bandits, their sky counterparts should be no different.
Get the fuck out of our airspace
>>
>>6165660
>Play out some book scenes privately with her.
>>Engage the pirates head on. A surprise attack worked last time against the bandits, their sky counterparts should be no different.
>>
Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>6165660
woops forgot the dice roll
>>
>>6165660
>Play out some book scenes privately with her.
>Engage the pirates head on. A surprise attack worked last time against the bandits, their sky counterparts should be no different.
We shouldn't need to pretend to be someone else when we've already stepped out of the pages of her book, but recreating some of her fantasies with her should be great bonding.
Pirates fear the determined enemy. I don't know what weaponry we have but we really need to make or buy ourselves a nice big fuckoff naval gun to stick on the front. That or imagine the effect of a bootleg MRLS filled with white phosphorus, napalm or thermite against a wooden ship. All should be within our capacity to make with some work.
>>
Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>6165660
>Play out some book scenes privately with her.

>Prepare your airships' defenses. You'll keep your distance as you get ready for them.
>>
>>6165660
>Play out some book scenes privately with her.

>Engage the pirates head on. A surprise attack worked last time against the bandits, their sky counterparts should be no different.
>>
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>59

As the your airship closes in towards the pirate's flying vessel you already feel the effects of Lunacy Savantae.

"We attack." You turn on the radio. "Gerty, are you just gonna sit on your ass!? Prepare the damn cannons!"

"Yes Master!" Gerty responds through the radio with greater energy. You can practically see the Holy Knight saluting.

"Wait, really?" Herta says incredulously.

"Master... it's been fun." Ayane gives you a resigned smile, almost like she's already accepted her fate. "Thank you for everything."

"Stop that, you two." You won't allow any defeatism, especially when there's no reason for it. "Think about it. They're pirates, the best case scenario for them is if we just surrender and give them everything they want without a fight. It's the main reason they fly the Jolly Roger. Having an enemy that picks a fight with them isn't worth their time." You recall hearing about that from somewhere in your past life. There was the risk they'd consider it an existential threat and fight till the bitter end instead of retreating. "If worst comes to worst we can just flee using the escape pods."

"Yes... that reasoning is sound." Ayane seems to calm down once more, soft tails against you. "Forgive my nerves. You've fought goblins, bandits, even a Guardian, while staying unscathed. I should have more faith."

"No need to put yourself down. Just trust in me and follow my lead." You smile confidently.

"You've given me a second chance at life. That's the least I could do."

"Being a goddess with unmatched intellect." Herta says with some haughtiness. "Means my abilities are super useful in times like these!" She looks at you expectantly.

You feel conflicted. On one hand, you obviously didn't want to put your pregnant wife in danger. But Eisho's words reminded you that they should always feel useful.

"Use those useless powers of yours cast thunderclouds on them." You command Herta. "If a lazy slut like you can even handle an easy task like that. And remember, as my property, I have a monopoly on your body, so you're not permitted to be in the frontlines unless I command it. Understood?" You hoped this would get through to her.

"Got it!" The more you pushed her around the more enthusiastic she became. "Should I get the spells ready, or... ?"

"Isn't it obvious? Or can that bitch head of yours only think about sucking me off?"

"Kyaah! Getting told off by Master while he's making such a cold face! It's the best~" Herta was happy with your treatment of her. After you gave her a good luck spank she started getting to work.

"Master, I'm not doubting your methods, but is it really alright to indulge her masochism so much?" Ayane whispers to you.

"Have you seen how she acts, love?" You whisper back with a deadpan.

"Fair point." She nods. "Forgive me, 'twas a foolish inquiry on my part."

"Master!" The radio crackles back to life, Gerty's voice on the other side. "They're in our direct line of sight!"

"Fire at will!" You order.
>>
The battle begins with a symphony of blasts. Unfortunately your gambit of having them flee the moment the battle began didn't pay off, yet things were still better than average. Thankfully this flying boat's defenses were able to withstand most of it.

"Master! Requesting permission to send the clankers to guard the starboard and retaliate!" Gerty said as she entered the captain's quarter's.

"Permission granted." You reply. "Use the clanks at your discretion."

"Yes, Master!"

Cattleya was on cannon duty below deck. Bertha took it on herself to manually fire off the largest cannon, getting at least one good shot off. Mel had taken to using her invisibility while observing the other ship. She was able to shoot a person piloting a glider, and planned to focus on offing the pirate captain if she got the chance. Ruby was on comm duty again, checking to make sure communications were still active. Herta, after considerable focus, called down lightning strikes on the enemy airship and surrounded them with storm clouds, creating chaos for them. Ayane closed her eyes every time your airship was struck, but was getting better at maintaining her composure in the heat of battle.

Gerty made sure everything went smoothly, helping when she was needed or and backing off when she wasn't wanted. She personally made sure to put out any fires that started, and was always on standby if any needed to be healed. Thankfully the latter wasn't needed, but the former happened more often than you hoped. It's no exaggeration to say that Gerty was the mvp.

You piloted well, your skill helping you gain an edge against the enemy. You harmonized with Gerty, Bertha, and Cattleya in order to better angle for your cannon-fire.

Both your ship and the pirates' came close to colliding on more than one occasion. The opportunity for them to either board your ship or use the saws they had against you came and passed, with the harpoons they launched being cut off by clankers Gerty controlled and your swift steering. She did a good job on making the robots appear intimidating enough for them not to consider getting close anymore.
>>
The fight went on as you both exchanged potshots at each other. The battle couldn't last forever, and after some more tense minutes...

"They're retreating!" Gerty announced the success.

Many cheers were made. Yet you couldn't celebrate yet, you needed to look over the damage.

"Your cannon is in top shape!" Bertha said with a flirty smile. You didn't know if that was supposed to be an innuendo. "Unlike your cannon it needs to recharge, Master~" Alright that was definitely an innuendo.

"The cargo hold got punctured." Ayane said. "And a couple boxes containing some minerals were broken and scattered. It's a miracle nothing was destroyed." That sounded annoying to deal with, but manageable.

"They've had a right go at one of the engines, guv." Cattleya informed you with a meow. That was a slightly more worrying piece of news.

"A clank suffered some frontal damage." Gerty says as she looks at you straight in the eye. "Feel free to punish me for my incompetence." She says with levelheadedness. It's subtle, but you notice her breaths getting heavier with excitement. Your not surprised, you've been teasing her for most of the day.

The forwarding base you made against the goblins was still available if you wanted to make a quick pit stop. Enough of a clearing was made back then for your BoatMech, it would be easy to land the airship there. But you'd need to improvise if you wanted to actually fix the engine.
The still operational turrets and campsite made this the safest option, yet it would still add at least a few more hours to the return home.

Or you could try to go ahead and keep on flying. You still had extra engines for this sort of scenario, but the damaged one would probably need to be scrapped after this.

There was also the option to fix it mid flight while leaving the piloting to Herta. While you were a Savant, doing this could be argued to be a needless risk. Though if you succeed you'd be there quicker and have a good engine.

>Go to the forwarding base.
>Fly directly to the mansion.
>Fix it mid-flight.
>(Write-in)

With the battle ending in a win many of your wives were discussing how this airship deserved a name after surviving the pirates. A few ideas were floated around, but nothing concrete. The final say was yours.

Give the airship a name?

>The Faithful Victory.
>The Crafty Goddess.
>The Pirate's Bane.
>The Aggression.
>The Bounty.
>The Eagle Eye.
>The Mastervessel.
>Just mark it as "Airship - Cargo Class 00-01"
>Let it remain nameless for now. A better name will be given to it eventually.
>(Write-in)
>>
And roll me a 2d100, Bo4
>>
Rolled 2, 7 = 9 (2d100)

>>6166315
Could have gone way worse
>Go to the forwarding base.
Save the engine
>(Write-in)
Party bus
>>
Rolled 43, 49 = 92 (2d100)

>>6166315
>Go to the forwarding base.
Better safe than sorry.
>The Eagle Eye.
I like this name, 'Eagle Eye'
>>
Rolled 50, 27 = 77 (2d100)

>>6166315
>Go to the forwarding base.
No rush.

>The Vixen's Luck
It's funny and sounds nice.

>>6166327
Never roll again.
>>
>>6166331
Sorry
>>
Rolled 60, 61 = 121 (2d100)

>>6166315
>Go to the forwarding base.

>The Goon's Bane
because we pawn enemy lackeys and also we don't need gooning when we have the real deal in plenty
rolling
>>
>>6166315
>Fly directly to the mansion.
Let's get the week rolling.
>The Nameless.
Cause it hasn't had one in so long.
>>
>>6166315
>>6166805
I'll change my vote for the name since there's a tie.
>The Vixen's Luck
I like all of the names but if I had to choose one that's not The Nameless it's this one. Maybe we can use the suggestions anons made here for any future airships we make?
>>
"You honor me with such a choice, Master." Says your amused fox wife in relation to the newly named airship, The Vixen's Luck. She bows. "Though I fear such a title may place the curse upon this vessel."

"We survived it, didn't we?" You smile. "We'll survive even more."

She smiles back.

"Well I think it's fitting," Bertha blurts out.

"It's not the worst name out there." Said Cattleya.

"Maybe something like The Fairy's Wings would sound cute?" Mel thought aloud. "But it might not fit a cargo ship..."

"I was worried we weren't ever gonna decide on a name for that thing." Herta said. "We've all wanted to propose something to Master, but we ended up just talking and talking and talki-"

"Ahem." Ruby cleared her throat as she grinned. "It's an exceptional name, as expected from an exceptional Master. In my personal opinion, and in the Eastian tradition of marking vehicles, numbering airships to better organize and separate any upcoming designs from-"

"Whatever the case," Gerty interrupted. "The Master's decision is final. We should be grateful he's even considered our opinion on the matter." Gerty said firmly, getting your wives to finally agree to put a lid on the discussion.

From the surprising list of choices that were voiced you realized that you didn't have to worry about naming a ship for the foreseeable future.

You decide to land by the base, setting anchor on the former campsite. Those two turrets are still operational and have done a decent job at keeping the area clear of monsters.

Herta went off to make some food with the help of Ayane, while you and the rest of the girls started to get a makeshift workshop ready outside.

Cattleya, while in the middle of bringing out a workbench, stopped in her tracks and sniffed the air. Both you and Mel could also feel like something was wrong, but couldn't really put it into words.

"Oi Master, there's some goblins nearb-" Just as Cattleya was about to finish that sentence a few bullets whizzed past her, one barely grazing her arm. She hissed, put the bench to its side, and used it as cover.

Soon many gun wielding goblins showed themselves. There weren't as many as before, but they'd caught all of you by surprise.
>>
A turret was attacked by the green skinned monsters, and their mass attack was able to deactivate it.

Despite all of this they weren't a problem to deal with. It gave an opportunity for your slaves' to use their guns and for you to practice using the Shellstrike Gauntlets more.

Worryingly, they avoided many attacks and seemed wise enough to try and pick you off one by one. However, thanks to your and Gerty's leadership and tactics, the goblins didn't amount to much more than becoming target practice.

Though you guys got some scrapes, Gerty was able to heal everyone with no issues. You noticed how she didn't even need to touch anyone to use Low Heal, at most just clasping her hands together in prayer. You asked her about this, and it was apparently the most optimal way to use any form Healing Magic.

"Phew," Mel wiped her brow. "That was a close one!"

"You're telling me." Said your Cat as she cleaned the gore off her claws and gauntlets, muttering something about 'those bloody greenskins' afterwards.

You glanced over the carnage that was left from the battle. "Looks like they're getting desperate."

"Well they should be!" Bertha shifted the weight of her hammer, making it rest at her side.

"Master," Gerty looked at you. "Though you've done an excellent job in leading us against the goblins, they are creatures that learn from survival. The more they survive our attacks the stronger they'll be. I believe we should take the time to eliminate them out as soon as we can." She'd mentioned wanting to exterminate them a few times.

"You're well clued up on them, aren't you?" Asked your Cat.

"They've been behind a great many deaths and sufferings when I was a wandering knight." Gerty responded with pained expression. "I've lost good friends to them. They cannot be allowed to reproduce, for their existence is a plague on this world and an affront to the gods." From what you could see, she didn't seem too fond of goblins either. Cattleya looked satisfied with that response.

"I'm sure all the people you've lost are with the gods now." You said. You honestly weren't sure how the afterlife worked in this world, though. Probably reincarnation and some sort of heaven, if you had to guess. Gerty seemed to appreciate the sentiment either way.

Speaking of gods. "Master! Food's ready!" Herta yelled out as she popped out of the airship. "Whoa, what happened out here?!"

"Goblins!" You yell back, loud enough so she could hear.

After you all eat the rest of the girls either patrol, keep watch over the airship, or—in Mel's case—scouted the area.
>>
You decide to finally fix the engine. It was unanimously decided to bring in the workbench and the materials into the engine room instead of remaining outside. It takes some creative improvisation, but with Lunacy Savantae you were able to start fixing it.

However there is one person that decided to remain by your side.

"Master, is there nothing I can help you with?" Gerty was still standing in front of the entrance. You're tempted to just brush her off, and you know she'd be into that, but looking at your maso-bitch of a wife's pleading eyes awoke your desire to bully her. You stand up and push aside the chair you were sitting on.

"Go on all fours. Being my chair is your job now." You say. It takes her a moment to process your words, but the her eyes go wide and her face turns beet red. Almost reverently, she gets on her hands and knees and does as she's told.

"Aren't you gonna wear something to protect against the sparks?" You ask casually.

"I can take it." She says, voice trembling with excitement. You can tell she's pleased from her heavy breathing, and the redness on her ears tells you a story of how flushed her face must be.

"Suit yourself." You harass her a little more before getting back to work. She makes happy noises all the while.

Around an hour later and you're done. It's good enough to keep on the ship flying, though you did have to cut some corners. It likely won't be able to withstand any further tampering.

Gerty for her part seemed disappointed when you had to get up.

By the time you finally return to the mansion it's dark.

"Home sweet home, I missed this place!" Mel was the happiest to be back. Or maybe she was just grateful she didn't have to sleep on a mattress in a ship's room.

"I don't sense any ghosts..." Herta said.

"I still exist, you know!" Yumi exclaimed from your pocket.

Cattleya sniffed the air. "There aren't any weird smells here."

"Hey! Don't ignore me!" Said a certain ghost. You all proceeded to ignore her.

Your wives are tired, and immediately go back to rooms to sleep. Even Herta, after you graciously provided her with some 'protein desert' to eat and gave her a few affectionate slaps to her rear, was relaxed enough to sleep.

There is one particular wife of yours that has been restless, however.
>>
"Master." Gerty says, wearing little as you were both alone in her room. She gulps. Despite how nervous she appeared you can tell she's been looking forward to this. "If you'll have me, I am ready to fulfill my duty to you as your sex slave."

"I purchased an item for you." She genuflects on one knee as she presents you with a whip. "I'd like you to keep it and use it on me as you wish."

"Where did you get this?" You ask. What sort of weapon would cost less than 10 gold coins? You give the whip a look. It's a cat o' nine tails, not exactly useful for combat. The end tips were dulled and created in such a way that you'd wouldn't be able to draw any blood even if you put all the effort you had in it. And it definitely wouldn't scar.

"From a small market stall in Centria, Master. It's designed to tenderize meat." She says, gazing up at you with excitement. "Please, tenderize me before you use my body."

You almost couldn't contain your laughter at the seriousness of her tone and the words that came out of her mouth. But another part of you was very intrigued. She was a very beautiful woman.

Gerty reaches for your hand to kiss it. You draw it away and slap her in the face. "Who do you think you are, to demand anything from your Master?" You give her an imperious look.

Your Holy Knight loved every second of it.

"Excellent strike, Master~!" She compliments you, and you could practically see her pupils becoming hearts. Gerty bows, head to the floor. "Forgive me for my arrogance! I deserve to be punished for all failures I've done today!" Unlike fragile flowers like Mel or Ruby, this woman could take a beating. In fact, she desired rough treatment more than anything.

You put a foot on her, much to her very obvious happiness.

>By the time you're done with Gerty you'll make sure your family will have at least one new member some months from now.
>No, you'll control your urges and merely relieve her desires. Now wasn't the time to add the amount of children that would be running around the manor.
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6167604
>By the time you're done with Gerty you'll make sure your family will have at least one new member some months from now.
Keep em going
>>
>>6167581
I bought new guns, did you like it ?
>>6167604
>By the time you're done with Gerty you'll make sure your family will have at least one new member some months from now.
pump the bitch. I'm curious if Herta teaches her about the maso way.
>>
>>6167604
>By the time you're done with Gerty you'll make sure your family will have at least one new member some months from now.
A useless slut like you doesn't deserve to get away with just holding a weapon all day like a common guard. You will serve your Master with not just your arms and legs, but your womb as well. Your belly will swell to be as thick and dense as your stupid head is.

A related thought. I think Herta gets off to carrying our children so much (and she'll probably only get more and more into it as her pregnancy progresses) as to have a very high chance of developing a breeding addiction as an offshoot of her masochism, which we should indulge to the fullest. Many of our half-divine, half-Savant children will no doubt grow up to be legends and we should endeavour to have as many of them as possible with Herta - even if we don't find the secret to unageing immortality to match her, our horde of demigods will go on to be the movers and shakers of this world and more = gooder. But that's for the future to consider.
>>
>>6167604
>>By the time you're done with Gerty you'll make sure your family will have at least one new member some months from now.
>>
>>6167604
>No, you'll control your urges and merely relieve her desires. Now wasn't the time to add the amount of children that would be running around the manor

Id rather go in order so Cattleya is pregnant
>>
Remind me, what was the ETA on the unsafe time of the other girls? I'd like to have at least one pair get pregnant from the same time.
>>
>>6167604
>By the time you're done with Gerty you'll make sure your family will have at least one new member some months from now.
>>
>>6167751
If I've been keeping track of time correctly we've got Ruby in about two weeks, Catty in about three weeks, Mel and Bertha together in about four weeks and Ayane in about twelve weeks or so.
A character pastebin might be helpful instead of juggling the cast in memory.
>>
>>6167604
>By the time you're done with Gerty you'll make sure your family will have at least one new member some months from now.
Masochists are best breeders
>>
>>6167751
Ruby's will likely be around the middle of the week after the next one.
Cattleya's is 3 weeks from now, give or take a few days.
Mel's and Bertha's unsafe times overlap, and will probably be around a month from now.
Ayane will have hers no more than than 3 months from now.

>>6167639
>I'm curious if Herta teaches her about the maso way.
Yes (sort of). They've discussed masochism (mostly just agreeing that women should love and submit to their Master-husband) a few times in a philosophical non-lewd 'what is the meaning of life' type of way. Gerty is too dutiful/noble spirited to publicly talk about her horniness (though she does have her tells, and sometimes she mumbles it under her breath. But she's very open about it when talking privately with John Doe).
Other than that, Gerty has mostly been following the example of the goddess.

>>6167803
I'm new when it comes to using those types of sites, sorry if I do things wrong when I post the character refs there lmao. Also I've heard mixed things about pastebin, so I've been conflicted on using it or some other website.
>>
>>6167874
Pastebin purged pornographic material a couple of years back and people are still bitter about that when they would use pastebin to post nsfw writing on the side for their quests. But if you're only posting a dramatis personae and some stats, it's just a basic plaintext editor that shouldn't give any issues.
>>
Why would you ever use pastebin? Just use rentry.org, it's superior in every way. I've never heard of pastes there getting deleted for content, anyway.
>>
>>6167874
>so I've been conflicted on using it or some other website.
rentry is your friend
>>
>>6167878
>Pastebin purged pornographic material a couple of years back and people are still bitter about that when they would use pastebin to post nsfw writing on the side for their quests.
didn't know that happened
>>
>>6167878
>>6167918
>>6167927
I'll look into rentry. I don't want to get taken down because because of the words 'harem slave-wives' or writing down bust sizes or something lmao. I'll probably have main character stats posted either there or in pastebin sometime in January or at the beginning of the next thread.
>>
Gerty is an interesting woman, though it might not seem so. She is strong as she is beautiful, and as noble-hearted as she is obedient. With natural born leadership, the tactician skillset, fighting talent, and military upbringing she devoted her life to realizing her potential as a Holy Knight. Had she been alive when the Demon King invaded she would've been a great heroine.

But now she was here, masochist perversion on full display as she begged on her hands and knees for your seed.

"Please stop teasing me, Master..." She says. "I want it..."

You pull her hair, much like the first time you made her your own. Her face is fully red, and it's obvious her mind is solely occupied by the desire to become yours.

"Didn't we just go over this?" You scoff, acting annoyed.

"Please..." She whimpers. Her eyes glance at the whip you wield, breath becoming heavy with lust.

"In that case, I want to hear you say it." You tell her with a cruel smile. You press down on her more.

"Guh-" Her breath hitches. "I want..." She gains a fire in her eyes as she begins to smile perversely. "I want Master to punish me for being a good-for-nothing knight! I want Master's seed to bully my womb! I want... I want- " She wiggles her body, back arching subconsiously. "I want Master to use meee~!"

You look at her with pity and disgust. And then you kick her, not hard enough to actually cause injury, but to cause her the pain she so desired. You had enough experience with Herta to know when the right amount was. "You think you can get away with holding a weapon all day like some common guard? You'll serve me not just with your arms and legs, but with your womb as well." You spit at her face. "Tch. You useless, slutty, demanding slave... I'll have to punish your lack of respect towards me by making your belly grow as thick and dense as your stupid head."

"Ah~" That seems to really set her off, she barely stops herself from completely giving in to her desire. "Master, make me yours! Breed me like the pitiful sow I am~!"

That was good enough to get you going. You strike her with the whip and she cries out in pure pleasure.

This was gonna be a long night. Not that you were complaining.

===

"That was... wonderfully intense, Master." Your second wife said while looking at your face. It was the next morning and you were stroking her hair.

"I didn't know you had it in you." You softly say to her. "You have way more stamina that I expected." In the end, she still broke. You made it a point to not stop until she could hardly move her body, something she appreciated if the loving look she gave you was any indication.

"It felt like my womb was going to explode." Gerty says with a happy sigh as she cuddles closer to you. This Holy Knight might be cool-headed in battle, but when facing against you in bed she was like putty in your hands.
>>
She weakly lifts up an arm and draws circles around her abdomen, anticipating another battle 10 months from now. A soft smile emerges on her lips. "Master, I know I've said this before, but it is truly an honor that you allow me to bear your children."

"Don't think we're done yet." You say, slipping an arm down her side to squeeze her toned child-bearing hips. "I'm gonna keep doing this to you until you're properly punished." That is, until her unsafe days were over.

She looks at you for a few seconds, a blush slowly taking over her face. She tries to say something, but the words end up incoherent from how flustered she is. Seeing such an adorable expression on an otherwise serious woman makes you decide to go for another round before you get some breakfast.

While Gerty was slightly beneath what Herta could handle, your knight was still tons of fun.

Nearly a week in Centria, and now you're home. It was hard to believe.

Time didn't give any breathers and neither did you give many to Gerty every night. Everyone still had their work cut out for them.
>>
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You:
>Create some luck-based artifacts for the kitsune family like you'd promised them.
>Upgrade and repair the airship with some ingots.
>Use the rest of your ingots and some of your minerals to upgrade the BoatMech.
>Replenish the clankers numbers. Maybe even create some new variants.
>Work out, get some more muscle on your body.
>Tinker up something with the ingots. (A weapon, gadget, or set of armor?)
>Explore the surrounding region. (For settlements, resources, or scrap?)
>Create items that will help dealing with ghosts. (Uses some minerals)
>Forge the giant pearl into a Legendary Item.
>Clear out the remaining goblins.
>Look for the Bandit King's camp.
>Set off to visit Thea. (Bring any of your wives with you?)
>(Write-in)

Herta:
>Look into finding a cure for the Bad Luck skill.
>Create for you some manner of magic item.
>Work on repairing some of the old stone structures.
>Charge up the little jewels with single use spells.
>Either create more of/upgrade the robotic sewing machines.
>Start plans for a daycare/hospital in the estate.
>(Write-in)

Cattleya:
>Collect as much scrap metal as she can find from the estate.
>Plant some saplings.
>Collect some wood from the nearby forest.
>Organize all the minerals, gemstones, and other items you've bought in a storage area.
>Continue processing cotton from the harvesters into textiles.
>Practice with her gauntlets to master their protective capabilities.
>Begin setting the foundations for a separate radio/telegram station.
>Practice her shooting.
>(Write-in)

Mel:
>Work on her newfound invisibility.
>Work on her mana's stamina.
>Work on her physical stamina.
>Practice her fairy magic.
>Practice her sharpshooting and sniping skills.
>(Write-in)

Bertha:
>Patrol the estate.
>Work on her culinary and household skills.
>Continue to sharpen her skills until she's able to defeat a clank that's fighting back against her.
>Process the remaining cotton from the harvesters into textiles.
>Plant some seeds in the garden.
>Collect some wood from the forest.
>(Write-in)

Ruby Rose:
>Make a detailed archive on everything that's happened.
>Optimize the logistics of the manor.
>Go into the glass greenhouse and look into cultivating something beneficial.
>Start plans on how to turn the dungeon into something more useful. (Requires 500lbs of ingots and help of many clankers/others)
>Dedicate her week to reading the books you'd bought her.
>Look for more dyes that could be used.
>(Write-in)

Gerty:
>Have her as a personal guard. She did well when she was one.
>Start looking into upgrading Low Heal.
>Continue to practice leading the clankers.
>Have her do secretary work.
>(Write-in)

Ayane:
>Properly mourn Aneko's death.
>Practice her magical abilities. She hasn't used them much in decades.
>Try to increase her bad physical skills by working out.
>Make an inventory on the costs of everything in the estate.
>Look around for any herbs that can serve as holistic medicines.
>(Write-in)
>>
Happy New Year's Eve and Happy New Year to you all!
>>
>>6168093
>Replenish the clankers numbers. Maybe even create some new variants.
Most important if we want to exterminate goblins en masse/kill bandits/protect against noblemen
>Look into finding a cure for the Bad Luck skill.
She has the best chance
>Begin setting the foundations for a separate radio/telegram station.
Very important
>Practice her sharpshooting and sniping skills.
Sharpshooters are always good
>Continue to sharpen her skills until she's able to defeat a clank that's fighting back against her.
Tanks are also very crucial
>Start plans on how to turn the dungeon into something more useful. (Requires 500lbs of ingots and help of many clankers/others)
Ideally the dungeon will be a clanker factory. I assume aluminum plants and such will require a lot more space than the dungeon has.
>Start looking into upgrading Low Heal.
She is our only healer
>Properly mourn Aneko's death.
I don’t think we have a real choice on this one
>>6168096
Have a happy new year QM
>>
>>6168093
>Create some luck-based artifacts for the kitsune family like you'd promised them.
>Work on repairing some of the old stone structures.
>Plant some saplings.
>Work on her newfound invisibility.
>Process the remaining cotton from the harvesters into textiles.
>Optimize the logistics of the manor.
>Start looking into upgrading Low Heal.
>Properly mourn Aneko's death.
>>
>>6168093
>Replenish the clankers numbers. Maybe even create some new variants.

>Charge up the little jewels with single use spells.

>Practice with her gauntlets to master their protective capabilities.

>Practice her fairy magic.

>Continue to sharpen her skills until she's able to defeat a clank that's fighting back against her.

>Optimize the logistics of the manor.

>Continue to practice leading the clankers.

>Properly mourn Aneko's death.

wanna go for the gobs soon. would alsotrain ayane if not for the mourning option, rip.
>>
>>6168093
>Replenish the clankers numbers. Maybe even create some new variants.
I want to make some heavier variants of clanker. Perhaps a model equipped with a primitive HMG or rocket launcher.
>Work on repairing some of the old stone structures.
Doing maintenance and repairs is like leg day, don't skip it.
>Begin setting the foundations for a separate radio/telegram station.
Ping times of a two days by airship to talk to someone in Centria is unacceptable
>Work on her newfound invisibility.
This could make her a fantastic infiltrator and scout even before she gits gud at shooting
>Continue to sharpen her skills until she's able to defeat a clank that's fighting back against her.
We need at least someone who can do this and Berta has some time to go before she'll be medically excused from combat.
>Optimize the logistics of the manor.
I can't remember/don't know exactly what she plans to do, but it sounds useful
>Start looking into upgrading Low Heal.
We need support, we have too little of that right now. We need skill redundancy too, I'd like to see if we can get Ayane into this later.
>Properly mourn Aneko's death.
This is pressing emotional baggage weighing on her that she has to resolve while it's fresh before we can start bringing her up to speed.

>>6168096
Musta slept too long if it's 20025 already.
>>
It's early in the morning a couple of days later and Gerty is making that adorably embarrassed face after another long night of lovemaking. You don't think you're ever gonna get tired of seeing her flustered, but it was still something you liked to see on occasion.

This was a good way to relax after testing out prototypes for a new clank design. Herta hasn't been often available, being busy with fixing the stone structure—the way she talked about the designs and magical potential of the architecture was very cute. It helped that somehow you're able to understand everything she said—this left Gerty as a great help in relieving your stress.

Your mind wandered to how efficient things were lately. Ruby could be thanked for that: her optimizations, though convoluted, were efficient. She was (surprisingly) working hard to set up systems that made sure everyone knew where everything they needed would be with minimal confusion. You made a mental note to reward your Mastermind by privately roleplaying with her.

While you thought of these things, the two of you remained silent for some time.

"Is something the matter, Master?" Your (currently) second ranked wife asked with concern.

You sigh. "Nothing a simple minded woman like you would care about." You pinch the crowns of her chest, she makes some cute noises. Then you wrap an arm of yours around her neck in a chokehold. She's gets warm and trembles happily.

At this rate teasing her will be a pastime of yours. Stopping yourself from going further for now you decide to talk with her.

"How has your healing ability gone so far, sow?" You say while bearing a shit-eating smile, even though you already knew the answer to that question. This is as relaxing to her as it is to you, maybe even more so for her, since she's been working her butt off every day since returning here to get even the slightest edge on her healing. She'd exhausted her mana pool at least twice a day.

"I-I've been doing well!" She says a little too distractedly. "It's-umf-tough for me to use heal m-magic since I haven't trained it. Reminds me of w-when I practicing fighting as a squire in Riverdale. But there's, hah, tons of progress! Though my healing will never be amazing," To you, who lived without magic most of his life, it was. "I'll keep practicing and get better as long as you want me toooo-" You boss around her body, rewarding all the hard work she's done. "Ooooh~" She jolts. "M-Master!" And then winds down. "Ah... Thank you. That felt excellent."

"Gerty," An idea pops into your head. "A hopeless pig like you should know her place. I order you to squeal."

"Squeal???" Your wive repeats, confused.

"Use that moronic head of yours: What does a sow in heat say?"

"O-oink?" She blushes a deep shade of red.

Seeing her become flustered again while squealing like a pig...

You paint her insides for the second time this morning as you give in to your urges. You'd make sure she'd mother your children.
>>
===

Your mind is clear and fresh after that 'relaxing session' you had with your Holy Knight. However Gerty might be knocked out for a good chunk of the day. Oh well, at least you both had fun.

Going between the Arcane Laboratory and the Machine Shop you now pondered what type of clankers you wished to create.

You played around with the idea of making specialized machines that would be able to fly using propellers like some sort of pseudo-helicopter. Somehow. Either the laws of aerodynamics were different in this world or this was some more Savant-bullshit you were messing with.
They would be useful to guard The Vixen's Luck while she was flying, could patrol the mansion, and acted as decent scouts. While versatile and relatively cheap, they didn't have good defenses and could be destroyed with some bullets or a strong enough punch. The better armored ones ended up being no more than glorified hovering turrets that lacked most mobility. You tested out glider variants, using what you remembered from the pirate glider as a reference, that impressively flew for around half a mile. Sadly airplanes were too advanced to reproduce in this era. You'd heard of some airships that could fly relatively quickly at the expense of cargo space and weaker hulls, but that was neither here nor there.

Creating small fish-like and classic steampunk submarine clankers wasn't out of the question, the same could be said about boat clankers. These would have good synergy with the BoatMech, especially when it came to naval scouting and supporting any attacks you make while in large bodies of water.
You wondered if your mech could be modified to go underwater...

Another idea emerged in a bout of Lunacy Savantae; Armored clankers that acted like a walking tanks. Each iteration would bear a type of cannon or, more ambitiously, a rocket launcher. Thanks to Eastian science, early missiles were now a thing. Though they had various limitations that could be expected from Victorian science, it was still impressive that the tech has gotten so far. Ruby knew a little about rockets from what she'd wrote, and was generally interested in new technology.
You felt like this world's tech system was all sorts of fucked. You also felt like complaining to Herta about it.
Anyway, the strength and defenses of these armored clankers would be unmatched, only coming second to the BoatMech.

There was always the option to just focus on making more of the standard walkers that looked like clockwork toys. These were easy to mass-produce by hand, were reliable and familiar.

Of course you could look into creating a slightly superior versions of the originals. These heavy-clankers would each wield a makeshift pneumatic machine-gun and better plating.

Hybrid versions could also be built, but they'd likely be lacking in both specializations. Basically becoming a jack of many trades and the master of none.
>>
While you did create other prototypes, they were tedious to make.

Sadly there weren't many more scrapped machines in the estate you could tinker with and turn into robots, so ingots and other materials would be needed. At least this meant that they'd be higher quality than the last batch, especially since you aren't gonna use scrap.

While you didn't have all the time or resources in the world, thanks to your high perception and the production tips from the merchants you could replenish your robotic forces by at least a couple dozen more by the end of the week with some variety to boot.

(You have 1000lbs of ingots)

(Choose up to two variants) (You may choose two of the same variant if you wish)

>Aerial Clankers (uses 100lbs)
>Naval Clankers (uses 150lbs)
>Armored Clankers (uses 300lbs)
>Standard Clankers (uses 150lbs)
>Heavy Clankers (uses 200lbs)
>Hybrid Clankers (which type?) (cost varies)
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6168915
>Armored Clankers (uses 300lbs)
>Standard Clankers (uses 150lbs)
Standard clankers have proven to be very effective against all threats so far. Only things that takes them down is sustained fire by a large group of enemies, the armoured clankers will deal with that problem. It’s best to use them like tanks with the regulars acting as infantry cover,
>>
>>6169065
+1
>>
>>6168915
>Standard Clankers (uses 150lbs)
>Heavy Clankers (uses 200lbs)
The regular clankers are great and we always need more of them, but we also need something that can really dish out the hurt from range and damage more powerful threats. I'm also having a mind for what we're going to do when the heavy hitters among our wives are too orbicular to go into combat.
>>
>>6168915
>>Armored Clankers (uses 300lbs)
>Naval Clankers (uses 150lbs)
>>
>>6168915
>Aerial Clankers (uses 100lbs)
>Armored Clankers (uses 300lbs)
>Standard Clankers (uses 150lbs) x2
>Heavy Clankers (uses 200lbs)
I liked the idea of aerials for scoutting and the armored and heavy as stronger hitters to help our regular bots with the uncommon enough treats that they can't take out.
>>
>>6169278
Uh, anon.....
>(Choose up to two variants) (You may choose two of the same variant if you wish)
>>
>>6168915
Kind of surprised no one is really gunning for the Aerial Clankers since we could use them in the air, above the water, above the land. Since rockets and early missiles exist they could do some serious damage. If they are that fragile I suppose the best time to use them would be at night so they are harder to see and hit, or make them smaller and faster.

>(Write-in)
A Cavalry Clanker for running down and outmaneuvering enemies. Though I suppose if it took the form of a wheel or ball that would be fun too.

A Spider Clanker for attacking or defending an estate, cities, buildings, forts, dungeons, etc. Some nets or oil slick or sticky goop. Crowd control, infiltration, and mobility

The Warcrimes Clanker that puts out some kind of very unpleasant steam against anything living. If a whole army of them could pump out an entire fog that would be a fun way to move troops and cause confusion.
>>
>>6169065
Supporting.
>>
>>6169537
I want to get aerial clankers up soon cause they sound extremely useful but replenishing the regulars and adding some hard hitters sounds more urgent to protect the estate. Maybe some naval clankers would be nice to protect the port too, but defending against bandits, goblins, and the noble asshole sounds like the priority.
>>
>>6169537
Aerial is good but compared to what we need right now they have to wait. As for arming them I was assuming (or I would have suggested) we would be making something like SNEBS so that they could lob them and AOE from a safe distance away. All the options are good and eventually I want to phase out the regular clankers for the heavies but it will take time. Also I like the ideas for your custom clankers.
>>
>>6169282
oh, fuck, my bad
>>6168915
>Aerial Clankers (uses 100lbs)
>Armored Clankers (uses 300lbs)
going with the scouts and a spearhead for our army, then
>>
Bertha enters the machine workshop, mostly just to watch you do your thing. You didn't mind, you're just done with the finishing touches on one of your armored clankers. It was a true work of clockwork and gears, an air of indestructibility would follow it. You fashioned cannons and missiles on them, increasing their attack power exponentially. However they still could use bullets if needed, though they were not as versatile on that front as the original clankers were.

"Master~" She says, pressing her massive honkers against your back. "It's not healthy for such a relentless and manly stud to stay cooped up in a workshop for so long. Let's take a little... ]intimate break~"

You sure as hell aren't gonna reject a beautiful waifu coming onto you so strongly. Especially one that's been giving her all. You end up relieving Bertha's frustrations and hunger with a thoroughness that leaves her knees shaking.

"Ah~" Bertha smiles, satisfied after the deed. "Gods, you're pretty good you know~?"

"You're pretty good yourself." You understate. Her body is really good, complimenting the flirty personality she has when with you almost perfectly. "I don't think I could get enough of those curves."

"Thanks! I've worked hard to keep my bod' in good shape!" She brightens up considerably. "You know... I was having trouble with those dumb tin cans, but I finally beat one up today! So, I sorta needed this..." She got a little angry in the middle there. You'd heard of her struggles when sparring with robots. It was a shame that it ended with the clank being destroyed, but you were proud of your warrioress for finally defeating a difficult enemy on her own. She's really grown since getting captured by you—she might one day become strong enough to kill an entire squadron on her own.

"I knew you could do it, darling." You kiss her again. She happily accept the reward and leans into it.

"Mwah..." She pants out. "I've been looking forward to this... But I still think I can do better. At fighting, I mean. Although, I wouldn't complain if you ever wanted to do it with me~" She winks at you. "Anyway, I heard you made some better clankers? Maybe I can beat them too..." She seems to finally notice the armored clank you were working on. "... Master, please don't tell me that's the next step up from a regular clank." She said, discouraged just by looking at it.
>>
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"Try 'a dozen steps above it'. You could always try to fight an armored clank, but I wouldn't if I were you." You say while looking it over. "It's specifically made to defend against blunt, piercing, explosive, and slashing attacks. Bullets are hardly any better." Speaking about the new clankers' functions makes you feel proud of yourself. "I have iron-bound versions of the original clankers that should be stronger than the scrap metal ones, but not by much."

"I think I'll stick with those for now." She giggles, then looks back at you with a blush. "You know, I'm happy to have a Master that's not only loving, but considerate and smart. And also man enough to finally respond to my advances..." Bertha mumbled that last part. You could imagine the assertiveness she has in her intentions combined with her natural bustiness could've intimidated most men. Honestly, you might've been intimidated too if it weren't for that perverted goddess helping you get over your fear of intimacy.

"I'm flattered," You say. "But still, I'm a Savant. I can't say I'm smart when it's pretty much in my DNA to build cool robots and shit."

"I don't know what a 'Dee-Ehn-Ay' is, but even if you weren't a Savant I believe you're intelligent enough to make great things."

"You're gonna inflate my ego if you keep saying things like that." You chuckle. Though you can't help but remember how you used to be fascinated with making things back on earth. Not that you actually did much with that fascination. Hell, if you actually weren't allowed to bring Herta, you'd have gone with a bog-standard crafting/creation cheat skill. Before you get too sentimental, you draw in your currently lowest ranking wife for a hug. She takes this opportunity to deeply sniff you a few times. It was a little strange, but you still let her enjoy herself. Besides, having your body appreciated by a beautiful woman was hardly a bad thing.

===

"Thank you for coming here, Master." Ayane says somberly. For much of the week she'd been making herself scarce, only seen picking flowers in the greenhouse and making food every so often—she kindly asked to be left alone for a while, a request you and your wives respected. From the choice of ingredients she picked, you suspect she was making something asian. "You honor an old has-been like me too greatly." She bows respectfully to you.

"You are my property and my wife. Why shouldn't I care deeply for what is mine?" You say, feeling a soft smile creep onto your mouth. Your wife responds with a blush and a smile of her own. You wipe a tear from the corner of her eye.

A melancholy quiet envelops you both for a few seconds after that.
>>
You're both sitting on pillows in front of a small Japanese altar. A picture of the deceased, Aneko, is smiling kindly in the center of it. The niece, whom you expected to look like a teenager, actually seemed much more mature. Candles and incense were being burnt to either side of the framed photo, their pleasant aroma filling the room. If your knowledge of Japanese traditions was right, this altar was supposed to be a way of honoring and remembering the dead. In front of the picture, there was a small bowl of (what you think is) some sort of Japanese food, confirming your earlier suspicions.

"Aneko, this is your uncle—my Master and savior, the Savant named John Doe." Ayane says, breaking the silence. She slowly turns to you. "Master, this is my niece—Aneko Mitsubishi-Yasuda."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." You say, inclining your head slightly. "I'll be in your care." You weren't sure if her spirit could hear you or not.

"... Master, once again thank you for being here with me." Your kitsune says. "I can't stress enough what this means to me."

"Always. You're as precious as any slave-wife of mine, Ayane." Your constant compliments seem to have touched her, and she blushes after suddenly giving you a small kiss.

"Ah." She wants to go on, but then turns back to look at the altar. "Forgive your auntie, Aneko. I've had such an emotional month that lead to my current happiness. I'm sorry for taking so long to remember you properly. I'm..." Ayane turns back to you. "I'd like to talk with you about her if that's acceptable, Master."

"Sure. I'm all ears."

"Thank you. Aneko... She'd be 28 years old by now." That was surprising, but at the same time not really. Kitsune aging was weird. Ayane grins, recalling the past warmly. "I helped Ai give birth to her. She was like the daughter I never had." This was gonna be one of those tragic backstories, wasn't it? Well, you were ready to help your cute fox wife get through this. "It was the worst storms in over a century, we couldn't go to the hospital or call for a midwife. But we all kept calm, and I offered to take on the role as a midwife for the first time in my life." She closes her eyes. "It almost ended in tragedy, but I managed to pull through thanks to my mother's teachings." She goes back to smiling again. "Aneko was probably one of the ugliest babies I've ever seen." She chuckled sweetly.

Ayane speaks about her niece in exhaustive detail. From how she would babysit her, to how she watched her grow up, how she would occasionally teach Aneko about trade, the promising she had as a merchant, even sharing some embarrassing childhood stories about said niece.

"She'd be quick to fall in love with you, Master." She says with some amusement. "After realizing what a rare catch you were, she would've dedicated her life to seducing you until she became your slave-wife... if you could consider her attempts as 'seduction'." Ayane said that latter part of the sentence sheepishly.
>>
"I can't say if you would've liked her or not." She continued. "Aneko was ruthless, ambitious, rude, candid, and sharp-tongued. But she had a loving and soft heart, and would always try her best to do what was right." Ayane seemed to reminisce fondly. "I was much like her when I was a teenager—true feelings always hiding behind an insult." Sounded like both the teenage Ayane and the late Aneko were typical tsunderes. "Mind you, I ultimately realized it was a foolish way to live. When I heard that Ryko didn't help Aneko out when in that cave... I wasn't surprised. Ryko and Aneko were much like Ai and I were when young. We cared about one another and tried our best to be friends, but our personalities always clashed. Those attempts at friendship were halted after we started fighting over Eisho. Thankfully it was only temporary, but..."

"Ryko shouldn't be blamed for anything. She's just a little girl." You said, remembering Ryko's tears when reuniting with Ayane. "And Aneko wasn't responsible. Neither were you. Only the goblins were."

"Indeed. Sometimes that's just how the cookie crumbles." Ayane looks down. "I can only imagine what she and my sister are going through right now. It's fortunate Eisho is good with these sorts of things."

Once again, there is a small window of silence.

"This food," She motions to the bowl. "It was one of her favorite meals." She giggled once more. "All sense of etiquette went out the window when a bowl of sukiyaki was in front of her." Her smile became more brittle. "It was funny, since I've always hated sukiyaki. I suppose that was one thing we were different in at that age. I've always hated..." She clenches her teeth. "I hate... I hate thinking about what happened to her. Bile rises in my throat whenever I do... She didn't deserve to die like that. She wanted to have children and a husband. I thought I was sacrificing myself when I had them escape with the Lucky Watch. I thought..." Ayane closed her eyes and hugs you tightly. "... she would've lived longer than me." She softly cried onto your chest. Not really knowing what to say other than reassuring her that it wasn't her fault, you tried your best to calm and comfort her.

Eventually she falls asleep on you. You decide to go to cuddle in bed with her. The softness of her tails, acting both as pillows and blankets, make it all worth it.

A few hours later she wakes up again. After profusely apologizing for her uncharacteristic emotional outburst, she slaps her own face with her two hands and makes a promise to you:

"As long as I live, I swear to dedicate myself to you and do my best in appreciating this second chance at life you've given to me."

It's simple, but in a way it's inspiring.

She looks much better. That defeatist and self-destructive aura she tortured her mind with practically vanished. In it's place was an calm, collected, and persistent devotion towards you.

You feel like you've both bonded and gotten stronger emotionally.

===
>>
It was night, but you weren't able to sleep yet. A certain ghost girl could be held responsible for that.

"Ah, so you find yourself ensnared by the memories of the wandering spirits, hmm? Fear not, for I, the eternal specter of the Wailing Sorrow, shall lend you my ghostly might!" A trapped spirit said boastfully.

"Yumi, what the hell are you talking about?" You ask her. She's been going on about spirits and ghosts for a while now.

"The corridors of fate opened their doors to me, and I chanced upon your whispers of the ancient matron's tragic saga." She extened her arms and poses dramatically. "Alas, the fleeting specter of her niece's life was snuffed out too swiftly, like a candle extinguished by the tempest's breath, is it not?" You think she's trying to appear wise and foreboding, but her miniature size and voice just make it look cute.

"Snuffed it may be, but I harken the essence of your folly." You reply in her language. "Dare not to tread upon the realm of past shadows, lest the wrath of the Savant Master befall thee." You warn her not to step out of place and do something she'd regret.

"Fufufufu!" She laughs. "You would threaten the power and glory of the name called Yumi? It is you who should fear to dare- WHAAAAAH!!!"

You start spinning the crystal like a top. After she gets properly dizzy, and you get properly entertained, you stop. Her eyes practically have swirls in them.

"Ugh..." After a few minutes Yumi gets better. She shakes her head, trying to get herself situated again. "Like I was SAYING!" She practically screams. "I was gonna offer to check if that fox turned into a ghost! As a thank you for taking me to see Centria!"

"How would you-"

"Know about Aneko? I have ears, dummy! Well, I had ears. But I can still listen to what people are saying! And that little fox girl you rescued was talking to me about a dead kitsune called Aniki or something that got raped by goblins."

"I was about to ask how would you be able to tell if Aneko turned into a ghost or not." You've honestly not really thought about spirits that much, other than what Herta told you about their different types.

"Dying the way she did usually means you'd turn into a vengeful ghost, or a poltergeist, or a shade." You're not sure if that's accurate or not. Again she acts with a flourish. "Ah, dear Savant! If thou dost inquire how I possess such knowledge, I must reveal that we spiritual beings, clad in shadows and whispers, possess arcane methods to unveil one another's essence when around an altar!!!"
>>
"Can you keep it down?" Herta said from beside you. She'd been sleeping like a rock lately, so you're surprised Yumi's silliness could wake her. You were also worried she was pushing herself too much.

"Silence! I find myself in discourse with your spouse and Master, delving into profound matters that echo with the whispers of the astral spirit of his niece. Sort of!"

"Darling, you want to check up on Aneko's soul?" Herta looks at you with tired eyes.

"Not particularly. Yumi's been the one talking about that." You respond to Herta.

"I could always just make a prayer to check up on a soul." Herta yawns out. "But it'd take lots of mana and there's a chance it doesn't work..."

"You worthless goddess. If there's a chance it won't work why would you bother suggesting it? Did your bitch-brain stop working already?" You admonish Herta.

"Ah~" Herta seems happy from your scolding. "I love you, honey~" She contentedly goes back to sleep.

"You two are weird." Yumi comments. You give her crystal a few shakes in response.

>Yumi's offer to help was a rare one, even if it came out of her own arrogance. You'd see what the ghost girl could do. Under your supervision, of course.
>Have Herta pray. Though a part of you fears she might be overworking herself with this...
>Let sleeping foxes lie. You think Ayane has suffered enough, there was no reason to chase after something that might be best left alone.
>(Write-in)

===

The next day came and went, the sun slowly setting over the horizon after another day of work. You'd been overseeing Cattleya's work, 'rewarding' her when necessary. She was nearly finished now, and the foundations for connecting to other telegraph lines would be available.

But your mind currently isn't on that.

You sigh, thinking about yesterday's events.

"Heya, Master!" A voice startled you. You turn to look at a rapidly appearing woman with freckles. She was around as tall as you were, had fairy blood in her veins, and was a decent beguiler. "What're you looking so sad over?" Mel asks, curiously.

"It's peaceful." You responded. Things are going smoothly. A little too smoothly. You expected there to be monsters or bandits to attack, but none came. It was disconcerting.

"You feel it too, don't you?" Mel said to you. "Like something's gonna happen."

"Yeah." You said. She looks at the distance to the sunset. Riverdale lies somewhere in the horizon. Whatever plans Forthwythe, Rostchilde, or anyone else might have, you can only wait and brace yourself.
>>
And roll me a 2d100 with whatever choice you make.
>>
>>6170151
>Let sleeping foxes lie. You think Ayane has suffered enough, there was no reason to chase after something that might be best left alone.
Let sleeping dogs lie
Also good to see other wives are happy. Not rolling after last time.
>>
Rolled 1, 66 = 67 (2d100)

>>6170151
>Yumi's offer to help was a rare one, even if it came out of her own arrogance. You'd see what the ghost girl could do. Under your supervision, of course.
She's spent enough time in our pocket, time to progress the ghost girl plot thread.
>>
Rolled 44, 18 = 62 (2d100)

>>6170151
>Let sleeping foxes lie. You think Ayane has suffered enough, there was no reason to chase after something that might be best left alone.
If it becomes an issue, we can deal with it later. But for now, she's just achieved something close to closure and this is a wound that doesn't need reopening this soon.

The comment about the storm does make me think, what are we going to do with the airship if a powerful windstorm rolls around? It's not like we can just shove it in a hangar like a car and I don't want to open the curtains in the morning and see it in a tree.
>>
>>6170151
>Yumi's offer to help was a rare one, even if it came out of her own arrogance. You'd see what the ghost girl could do. Under your supervision, of course.
>>
Rolled 94, 92 = 186 (2d100)

>>6170152
forgo
>>
File: Iruru grin.gif (1.12 MB, 498x281)
1.12 MB
1.12 MB GIF
>>6170397
nice
>>
Rolled 99, 54 = 153 (2d100)

>>6170151
>>Let sleeping foxes lie. You think Ayane has suffered enough, there was no reason to chase after something that might be best left alone.
>>
>>6170151
>Let sleeping foxes lie. You think Ayane has suffered enough, there was no reason to chase after something that might be best left alone.

>>6170233
>>6170399
You sure you can be so happy?
>>
>>6170406
The first is a crit fail but the second is still good at least
>>
>>6170406
Aneko died violently, and that gives her karmic weight like our character, if she's a ghost and still around, then she can't reincarnate. Aneko deserves better than to be stuck here when she could be given another life. We can always tell Ayane the truth, and that's certain to give her greater peace of mind than just living with it.
>>
>>6170406
>You sure you can be so happy?
yes, this wasn't a roll under after all
>>
>>6170151
>Yumi's offer to help was a rare one, even if it came out of her own arrogance. You'd see what the ghost girl could do. Under your supervision, of course.
Damnit, I wish i voted soon i wouldn't have missed all this stuff. Just think about it anons, just letting it alone isn't gonna stop her from being a ghost. Do you really want to have her be forced to haunt some creepy rape caves or some shit for who knows how long???

We don't *need* to tell Ayane right now. It's just a theory. We should go check the place with Yumi to see if it's true. If it's not, there's nothing to say, if there is, then Ayane would want to know.
>>
>>6170413
>>6170631
>>6170716
I like how my ambiguity got me 3 different responses and only one of them was about what I was referring to.

>>6170822
That's a good point, alright I'll switch
>>6170406
to
>Yumi's offer to help was a rare one, even if it came out of her own arrogance. You'd see what the ghost girl could do. Under your supervision, of course.
>>
>>6170822
You have convinced me, also need to break the tie.
>>6170151
>>6170212
Switching to
>Yumi's offer to help was a rare one, even if it came out of her own arrogance. You'd see what the ghost girl could do. Under your supervision, of course.
>>6170862
Be more clear
>>
>>6170891
Is that a request or a response? Because I wasn't complaining, I found it funny actually. It was you who got it right by the way.
>>
>>6170899
A request mostly and yeah, first thought was the crit fail. Couldn’t be anything else in my mind
>>
"I could've just prayed, Master." Herta pouts. "You made me take the day off just to come with you already. I don't get why we're using the instinct of some delusional specter when a vastly superior goddess is offering her powers."

You'd tried to keep this between you and Yumi, but after finding out it would require Yumi to be freed from her prison, Herta was included in these plans. And if there were any other hostile spirits, you mentally justified Herta's as invaluable.

Also, she'd overheard you and Yumi talk about going to the goblin cave and very loudly insisted on coming with.

"Hey! Who are you calling delusional?!" Yumi shouts. "I am the wailing sorrow, the condemned servant, the eternal-!"

"Both of you, that's enough." You say. Things were starting to become loud and stupid, so you sought an end to this. "Herta," You began by first addressing your first wife. "I'd take your offer any other day. But right now you're tired from using all that mana and repairing the structures, and you're just barely keeping up from taking the morning off. Right?" She reluctantly nods her head. "I don't want you to overwork yourself."

"But I can still-!"

"I know you find working for me rewarding, and it pleases me to know that even a lowly, incompetent goddess like yourself is willing to serve my every wish. But isn't there something else you should consider?" You remind her by placing a hand on her stomach. She's confused for a moment, but then her eyes widen. "Do you understand why you should take it easy now?"

"Y-yes!" She says, slightly panicked.

"Good girl." You pet her head to reassure her. You wish she'd been this understanding back at the mansion, it took you some promises of punishing her later just to make her stop whining...

"Taking care of Master's precious package inside me while being treated like an animal..." She smiles perversely. "Is the best~"

"Are you for real?" Yumi deadpans. Interestingly, her rudeness seems to merely annoy Herta.

You start to get ready and are about to leave, carrying the goddess a large chunk of the way. At least it was good exercise. You brought with you some clankers, and even an armored one to test it out against low level monsters. As expected they did pretty well.
>>
Near the forwarding base (you consider officially naming the place with how many times you've used it) you feel a mana presence. It was for half a second, but it was still enough to make you and Herta nervous. You get your Shellstrike Gauntlets ready and motion Herta to prepare herself.

"You'd better show yourself." You warn as the gauntlets turn into a shotgun.

"Eeep! W-wait, it's me!" A high pitched voice says wildly. Almost instantly the form of Mel reveals itself. "Don't shoot!" Her hands are raised.

"Mel? What are you doing here?" You cautiously lower your [Custom Special] as you look her over. It was your beguiler wife alright.

"I'm not stalking you!" She says a little too desperately. "I was just, uh, curious why you brought the specter with you when you said you wanted to test out the clankers." Well, you aren't surprised, Mel is a very attentive woman. "I thought you were gonna see how well a ghost could possess a machine, and I wanted to help just in case it went bad." That would've been an excellent idea to do too instead of just trying to sneak out with Herta by your side and Yumi in your pocket.

"Hey, I'm not just 'the specter', you foolish quarter-fae!" Said Yumi, outraged once more. "We are here on a ghost seeking mission! And I am the terrifying force known as-"

"Mel, I'm impressed." You interrupt the ghost's tangent. And you continue on despite Yumi's further protests. "I could only sense where you were for an instant, and even then I wasn't sure who it was. You've been practicing pretty hard, haven't you?"

"Weeell, hehehe~" Mel bashfully looks away and smiles at your compliment. "I've been working off of what you last taught me, and I've thought about your recommendations... w-what I'm saying is, thank you for letting me rely on you in this too, Master~"

"No problem." You give her a genuine smile. "You've been making me proud."

"You're gonna spoil me you if you keep on cherishing me like that, haha~" Mel blushed. "Not that I mind."

"That's a natural response!" Herta zealously gives speaks her mind. "It's completely understandable for any woman to be instantly overwhelmed by Master's sheer presence!"

"Eh? I mean... sure?" Mel seemed a bit confused.

"I like to imagine Master completely enveloping me whenever he orders me around!" You can see sparks shine in Herta's eyes. "His every command being like he's pushing me down and tearing my clothes off and-!"

"Anyway since you're here, why don't you join us?" You suggest. "I can explain on the way." Someone as inquisitive as Mel would likely figure everything out if she just went back. You wanted to avoid worrying Ayane if you could help it. And having someone that can perfectly hide everyone wasn't a bad thing. "Also please lower your hands now."

After sharing the situation with her, she readily agrees to not talk about any of this if you find nothing. You really hoped she'd learnt from last time and wouldn't let this slip out like with the rings.
>>
At the entrance of the cavern you and your party stop. You frown. Ideally, it would only be you and Yumi coming here to doing a quick check up and then leave soon after. The clankers would serve as a distraction if anything bad happened. Yumi had told you earlier that this was your first step in becoming her 'disciple', so you suspected she wasn't overly fond of Mel and Herta intervening. You guess the opportunity to form a stronger bond with her would have to come in the future.

"Alright," You take out the ghost's crystal. "Do your thing."

"Hmph." Yumi crossed her arms and looked away from you as she puffed up her cheeks in annoyance. "Don't wanna." While you were tempted to bully this bratty ghost girl, you knew it wasn't the right time.

"Yumi." You tapped into your inner chuuni. "Unleash your arcane might and unveil whether Aneko's spirit lingers in this realm of fleeting life."

She smiles from within her crystal. "O Savant, shatter the shackles of this gleaming crystal confinement, and unleash my spirit at the mouth of the boundless cavern!"

You do so. This wasn't the first time you'd released her from the crystal. That privilege went to yesterday afternoon.

===

"It's been a while since I've stretched my limbs." Yumi said while floating around. "You've chosen wisely, Savant! It's not everyday I feel merciful enough to offer my wisdom and powers!"

You'd decided to give her a chance to roam. Not enough to keep her out of sight, and you still had the crystal on hand just in case. But, oddly enough, she'd been content to simply boast in front of you and make a few objects levitate.

"I'm putting a lot on the line by trusting you." You warned her again. "If-"

"Yes, yes. Punish me if I say anything to your fox slave, and exorcise me if I try to harm anyone you care about." She repeats with an annoyed roll of the eyes.

"At least you understand it now." It's good that she can confirm it with you.

"Fufufufu!" She laughs evilly. "Foolish mortal that you are, do not place upon me your own lack of understanding! But," She gets a smug look on her face. "Since I am in such a good mood, I shall let it slide this once."

"You weave praises too great for me, o magnanimous Yumi." You put on some airs. "Truly, a tapestry of words welded with care."

"Well said, Savant!" She smiles happily and moves her face closer to yours. "When the day comes that I purge you all and claim this estate as my abode, you shall suffer the least against my wrath." She floats up and laughs like a villainess. "Should you wish to learn my ghostly arts, you're in luck! I am willing to take a disciple, for-"

"Masteeeer!" A moody Herta kicks open the door. "I just sensed malicious spirit energy-" She takes notice of an astonished Yumi

And then proceeds to shoot a bolt of concentrated divine power at the ghost girl.

===

It was only through your quick thinking that you were able to calm things down. That unfortunate situation lead to what was currently happening.
>>
You were initially banking on your relationship with Yumi and her weakness to chuuni delusions to keep her in line. But while she'd been threatening you and your wives less and less every time you'd spoken to her, it was nice to have Herta around just in case the specter got any ideas.

The ghost's eyes begin to glow, and she makes tons of embarrassing and probably unnecessary poses. She doesn't go into the cavern itself, however.

After half an hour of waiting Yumi speaks again. "Alas, the tendrils of the unseen fox spirit elude my grasp!"

"Oh well." Herta said with a shrug of her shoulders. "Guess there's nothing there! Let's go back home."

"John Doe," Yumi said. "I beseech thee! Let us venture into the shadowy abyss of the cave, for I sensed something afoot. But fear not, we shall merely delve just a heartbeat beyond the threshold, to unveil the mystery once and for all!"

Well, if you're near the entrance of the cavern, it should be fine to look in a little. What's the worst that could happen?

...

A lot of bad things, actually.

"Master, we need to leave! NOW!!!" Herta is serious after sensing corruption magic.

"AAAGH!!!" Yumi shouts while clutching her head after an unseen spirit attacks her.

"What are those things?!?!" Mel takes some steps back when noticing the Poltergeist and undead goblins.

"Oghlurk finally find puny goblin-killers. Oghlurk expand powers..." Only your ears hear a familiar voice. It mockingly whisper his plans within the cavern's walls.

You'd all been jumpscared by a Poultergeist—they were beings composed of all the negative feelings and memories of the dead. You, your wives, and Yumi proceeded to enact a Scooby Doo chase scene with the eldritch horror as a special guest. Your rifle didn't have any effect against it, though the Shellstrike Gauntlets might've had magical properties you didn't want to risk a the cave coming down on you all from the explosion. Mel's invisibility was critical in helping escape. And you would've considered her to be a benefit, except...

"Why did you use illusions while we were there?!" Yumi exclaimed, back in her crystal again. Apparently illusion magic, unlike invisibility magic, was like shining a spotlight on those it's used on mana-wise for a ghost's eyes.

"I panicked, alright!" Mel said, clinging to your back. You'd ended up needing to save her a few times and suffered more than one close call.

Two of the standard clankers had to be sacrificed in order to ensure everyone's safety. As you were all leaving there was a cave-in anyway, making the entrance inaccessible. It's almost like the place was giving you the middle finger for daring to step foot there again.

You felt like any future expeditions in this cave would be more difficult.
>>
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After making sure you weren't being followed, you all rest and recover by the forwarding base. Herta discussed sensing some corruption magic being present in the cave. Yumi probably needed to recover; while she didn't show any of the symptoms of corruption magic, she refused to leave the crystal for any purpose until she was at least a few hours under the purification of the anti-corruption artifact back at the mansion. Everyone here agreed to do the same.

But first you all discuss the main objective.

"So, do you think Aneko is part of one those things?" You ask in general.

"Verily, the agony of fate whispered upon the winds—'tis highly probable..." Yumi gives a non-answer.

However, Herta shakes her head. "We never were able to find her, right?" But looks more pensive as she says the words.

"I guess it's possible she's hiding somewhere deep in the cave." Yumi shrugs. "I would've probably been able to confirm it if it weren't for these two dummies you brought along, Mas- Savant." She corrects herself.

"Yumi, what do you make of this?" Deciding not to comment on her verbal slip, you ask your resident ghost girl her thoughts.

"The echoes of countless souls elude my grasp, save for an imposing entity that looms with palpable might. Like a force of nature, he resonates with an enigmatic power. Dare I say, he may have caught a glimpse of the Savant Master and myself as we lurked in the shadows..." Yumi recounted. She glared at Herta. "Let us thank the Goddess of Artifice for bestowing upon us the unmistakable mark of her divine essence, illuminating the identity of our souls to any within that cavern."

"I'm sorry, Master!" Herta exclaims, nearly on the verge of tears. "I thought it was a good idea to bless us before we went in, but it just made it obvious I the same first-wife from before..." You harass her with some light physical punishments and verbal abuse, calming her down.

"Could anyone translate what the ghost girl said in Common?" Mel says. "I'm feeling a little out of it after that whole experience, and it's taking a lot to keep myself from passing out because of mana fatigue." She catches her breath. "Sorry."

"She couldn't really sense any individual souls, other than the Poltergeists." You clarified. "Except for this big guy that seemed to be really powerful for some reason."

"Alright. Sorry again, haha..." Mel says with a weary smile on her face. "I knew you'd save me, Master. You always do..." She kisses you on the cheek and is out like a light.

"About that 'powerful guy' Yumi talked about, you think... ?" Herta looks at you, worried.

"Yes. The orc." You confirm.

Oghlurk was practically daring you to attack him. This wasn't something you could just sweep under the rug.

When you arrive home you call everyone for a meeting—save for the still unconscious Mel—to share your misadventure. Yumi seems to have recovered just fine, if her dramatic retelling of events was anything to go by.
>>
"Being in the same area as so many tortured souls... I had a feeling that would've been her fate." Ayane sighs. This wasn't news you wanted to deliver to her, but since this was big enough to affect everyone it wouldn't be fair to keep her in the dark. "Thank you for telling me, Master. Despite this, I will not falter." She looked at you with a warm determination, but underneath the table her hand clasped yours for support.

"So Aneko doesn't exist anymore? That's messed up." Bertha says.

"I don't think that's how it works, mate." Cattleya begins to reply to the warrioress but is interrupted.

"Corruption can merge people in that sort of way..." Herta mutters unhelpfully.

"The souls that make up a Poltergeist will disperse once it's defeated. There's two types of Poltergeists: the kind made up of spirits and the kind made up of emotions." Yumi clarifies. "The spirit-types aren't really conscious when they're like that, so you can tell your fox girlfriend to stop worrying, Savant."

As she went on to explain what she knows about Poltergeists, Mel comes by. Still tired, but as optimistic as ever.

"Master..." Ayane looked pleadingly at you. She wants her niece's spirit to be at peace.

"I know." You reply to her.

"On the bright side, we don't know if she was in there or not! Who knows, Aneko's probably in heaven by now drinking wine and stuff." Mel said, trying to brighten the mood.

"About the zombie goblins," your Cat changes the subject. "Does anyone think they'll get on well with the proper goblins?"

"From what I've read, no." Ruby said. "But we can expect more undead to emerge in this region regardless of what we do in the future."

"Yeah," Herta added. "Undead tend to at most be neutral with other monsters at best. The last time undead worked together with anyone was when the Demon Lord united all monsters against the living."

"I've been able to purge a nest of undead before." Gerty says confidently. "If we destroy the source they will eventually stop appearing."

"Wait," Bertha said, looking at Yumi cautiously. "Does that mean ghosts are evil too? Since they're undead?"

"WHAT!" Yumi shouted from her crystal. "I am NOT a filthy corpse or a mindless skeleton!"

"Depends on who you ask." Rose responded with a shrug. "I've heard some ghosts and skeletons are rather noble hearted. Yet I doubt a Poltergeist or a Shade would be willing to talk things out over biscuits and tea."

"I don't remember that many ghosts appearing after getting rid of goblin villages." Gerty says, bringing the conversation back. "This sounds like the product of dark magic..." She stands up, only to bow headfirst. "Forgive me, Master!" This again? "I was the one that insisted we leave the orc. I will not make any excuse for myself for such a blunder." She says with a tinge of lust. Though at the same time seeing a beautiful woman desire you so much felt pretty nice.
>>
"I shall think of a suitable punishment for you." You tell her, and her face reddens. You turn to the rest of the table. "Is there anything else I should know?"

"I found something pretty nice, guv." Cattleya responds happily. She speaks about a patch of magical fertilizer that she'd stumbled on. To everyone's amazement she places a bag on the table and takes out a mana crystal from it. You congratulate Cattleya and promise to give her a massage later.

"Ahem," Ruby tries to get everyone's attention. "The artifact is operational in the most ideal place to affect the entire mansion, including the basement and dungeons. All thanks to yours truly, my gallant Master~" Ruby says. You're actually pretty impressed she's been so efficient about it. You kiss her on the ear to show your appreciation, something she readily accepts with a blush.

Even here you could feel the purification of the artifact. It's anti-corruption power was an interesting thing, not having magic in itself but merely being something that gradually negates and reverses any corruption. No divine power, or any magic for that matter, was present in it. It was solely a tool that destroyed corruption, whether mental or physical, and nothing else.

The positive news was that while Cattleya was working on the telegram/radio station foundations she was able to find a mana crystal and some naturally occurring magical fertilizer. Both of these were extremely rare events, and even more fortunate was getting a good amount of it. With this you likely didn't have to worry about food for a good while, possibly never if you choose to study it, though this risked wasting it. If spread around properly you could easily double the orchard's and garden's sizes.

>Use it now to expand what you have.
>Use up most of it now, while keeping a smaller portion to research.
>Save it for later either use when you plant the saplings and newer seeds or to research.
>(Write-in)

The mana crystal had many uses, for instance you could upgrade the BoatMech to shoot an elemental projectile or use it to harden the estate's walls.

According to Herta that goblin cave was in the early stages of corruption. It wasn't powerful enough to cause ego-death or the like, and probably would never be, but it was still a long term issue.

Not much could be currently done about the goblin village, even the BoatMech was in danger of being destroyed by the orc and his minions if you brought it there now. But you could decide on where to focus on.

>Continue the patrols as they are. It was more important to protect the estate, especially with the fear of bandits and Forthwythe's forces coming this way.
>Do as you did before and have the clankers clear out a route to the collapsed cavern.
>Have Gerty send squadrons of clankers to kill the goblins that remain and any undead. (Interrupts Gerty's Healing Magic practice)
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6171480
>Save it for later either use when you plant the saplings and newer seeds or to research.

>Continue the patrols as they are. It was more important to protect the estate, especially with the fear of bandits and Forthwythe's forces coming this way.
let's focus on the bandits for now
>>
>>6171480
>>Save it for later either use when you plant the saplings and newer seeds or to research.
>>Do as you did before and have the clankers clear out a route to the collapsed cavern.
>>
>>6171480
>Save it for later either use when you plant the saplings and newer seeds or to research.
Don't have anything specific I want to use it on right now.
>Continue the patrols as they are. It was more important to protect the estate, especially with the fear of bandits and Forthwythe's forces coming this way.
It's a problem for Future Us. Present Us has our own problems that are more pressing.

I guess that 1 was for the results of the cave and the 92 for the radio shack. I don't know if QM is accepting Bo3 or some other system.

By the way, what sorts of accents do the various girls have to help in mentally voicing them? Obviously Catty is a London Cockney and Ayane and Yumi are some flavour of Japanese, but I'm less sure of the Forthwythe Four and Herta. Given they come from Westphalia I assume the Four are some variant of British (if any of them are Scousers, they're getting shot on the spot), but on account of her name I can't help but imagine Gerty as having more of a High German accent even though that would mean she'd be unacceptably associated with Eastia. Herta is a total mystery.
Also, speaking of Japan, what is its analogue round these parts? I'm going to go out on a limb and suppose it strongly resembles the dying days of the Tokugawa Shogunate or the early Meiji era. We should pay them a visit if we ever manage to go on a proper holiday.
>>
>>6171480
>Save it for later either use when you plant the saplings and newer seeds or to research.
Good for now
>Continue the patrols as they are. It was more important to protect the estate, especially with the fear of bandits and Forthwythe's forces coming this way.
Keep em close
>>
>>6171558
>I don't know if QM is accepting Bo3 or some other system.
I mostly just take them as they come, 1 roll for every anon and roll over with crits/crit fails overriding (though crits will override crit fails if both happen when I ask for a roll), unless I specify otherwise. But I'm thinking of slowly switching to a standard like Bo3 and Bo4.
>By the way, what sorts of accents do the various girls have to help in mentally voicing them?
Herta mostly has a General American English accent.
Mel's accent can sound British (especially when she's shouting) but otherwise she has a light brogue.
Ruby Rose has an accent that's somewhere between transatlantic and old Victorian-styled RP English, mostly leaning into the latter.
Bertha tries to speak RP English but slips into Welsh and Cornish accents.
Gerty tends to speak in a 'formal military' type of English which, though lacking a defined accent, has some mixed British English influence that leans on RP English. Mel has described Gerty's accent as sounding 'fake, but not forced'.
>on account of her name I can't help but imagine Gerty as having more of a High German accent even though that would mean she'd be unacceptably associated with Eastia
From what you know Gerty's parents both have Eastian blood, but she herself was raised in Westphalia as far as she can remember. She passionately follows Westphalian customs and culture.
>Also, speaking of Japan, what is its analogue round these parts? I'm going to go out on a limb and suppose it strongly resembles the dying days of the Tokugawa Shogunate or the early Meiji era.
From what Herta glossed over, and passing conversations you've heard from Eisho's family, they seem to be scattered communities in the continent coming from some large islands in the sea called Oceanippon. There's also a myth that they once came from floating islands in the sky many generations ago. Ayane hasn't visited Oceanippon much, staying in Centria for most of her life, but last she heard her homeland is still recovering from a civil war that ended some years ago.
Sailing to them isn't impossible, but it would take at least a couple week's time if no stops are made in between.
>>
>>6172241
what's rp english and what about cat's ?
>>
I did it again with posting a pic by accident. Meant to post it with the next update, guess my brain went in autopilot lmao

>>6172301
Cattleya has a Cockney accent. RP English (Received Pronunciation English) is basically upper-class British English, the type aristocrats and the wealthy in the UK use.

On a side note; Ruby tends to have a very smoky and elegant contralto. Gerty does her best to speak clearly and accurately. And Mel's voice tends to be high pitched.
>>
>>6171480
>>Save it for later either use when you plant the saplings and newer seeds or to research.
>>Continue the patrols as they are. It was more important to protect the estate, especially with the fear of bandits and Forthwythe's forces coming this way.
>>
It was late at night, and Ayane requested to meet with you privately in her room to speak about something important.

That 'important' thing she wanted to 'talk' looked like it was actually an excuse for her to lust over you, if her hands on you are anything to go by.

This wasn't an entirely unexpected development, but you were surprised she wanted to 'do it' after finding out her niece was probably part of an eldritch horror.

"..." She didn't say anything at first, before moving towards her bed and beckoning for you. "Master, let us lay together." After you do so, she stops and looks away guiltily. "I'm..." She looks at you confidently. "I wish to help in fighting Oghlurk."

"Oh?" You say. "Is that why you're acting like this?"

"No." She responds with certainty. "I know you've had a long day, and I've just wanted us both to feel loved and comforted."

"Alright. What are you even planning on doing?"

"I wished to practice my magic and physical attributes." She looks down, ashamed. "Over the years my skills have become lacking, save those that were useful for my Merchant class."

"I'll think about it." You put an arm around her. "Hey, there's no shame in supporting from the backlines or the home front. Just because you're not physically there doesn't mean you aren't helpful. The same applies if you want to avenge Aneko."

"You have a beautiful way with words." She looks at you with a warm smile. "I would've never thought I'd fall so thoroughly in love with you, so young and energetic, Master." After a few heartbeats you both begin to kiss passionately.

"Ah," Said she, breaking off from you and getting up to approach the little altar of her niece. "I'm sorry, Aneko. Please forgive your auntie for being such a perverted old woman..." She flips down Aneko's picture. You sort of understand the sentiment, you wouldn't want a picture of your dead family member watch you make love. She returns to you. "I'm sorry for bothering you with my selfish requests, Master."

"You know you don't need to force yourself to do this, right?" You say, hoping you aren't shooting yourself in the foot with this. "I'll still love and comfort you, especially after everything that's been going on."
>>
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"I am aware. Though hearing you say such out loud is a truly nice feeling..." Ayane smiles happily before blushing deeper than she already had been. "It makes me feel young again."

You kiss her neck. "You're beautiful to me, Ayane."

"Master..." She moans out. "The consideration you've shown us... despite being mere slaves, you've treated us rather well." She pauses for a second, breath turning heavy. "However, I shall confess to not minding if you were to ever take me by force~"

There's hardly a reason to deny each other right now. Ayane's loins once again invited your hips. Her body was desperate for yours, and it was easy for you both to lose yourselves in your passions. You noticed most insecurities about her age had long melted away because of your burning desire for her.

The next morning came by, and you responded to Ayane's request by...

>Allowing her to focus on her magic and physical capabilities. (Will lock and begin Ayane's weekly actions into practicing her magical and physical skills. Lasts for 2 weeks)
>Personally helping her to get stronger, both magically and physically. (Both of them will increase their magic and physical abilities. Will lock Ayane's and John's action for the next week, further choices will be given once it's done)
>Reassuring your fox wife that she is still important to you, come what may. (Will have the usual actions for Ayane in the weekly minigame)
>(Write-in)

===

Cattleya purrs relief. "You give a right proper massage, guv~"

"I've always been good with my hands." You say before kneading out another knot in her back. She meows out happily.

It's true that you've actually always been talented there, both in precision and focus. This has only increased with the time you've been a Savant in this world.

"No doubts about that." Her muscles relax further with another moan. "Blimey, you're a proper diamond. Making me right feel like I'll melt, you are."

Though she was talking about your personality, that wasn't the only part of your body that felt like a 'diamond' right now. You take a moment to appreciate your catgirl sex slave. Tall and fit, she seemed almost amazonian. Remembering the fact that you'd dominate her every time you both started to fool around got you in the mood.

It seemed like you weren't the only one; Cattleya's flushed face, content smirk, and half-lidded eyes all conveyed desire. Her tail waved in anticipation, and that gloriously toned catgirl posterior shook pleasantly for you. You began to tease her, red marks done by your hand proving that you've claimed her body—soon the both of you getting ready for the main course.
>>
Until you heard something in the distance. Cattleya's ears folded back. The distinct sounds of gunfire and of an armored clanker shooting it's arm-cannon were there. The lack of an explosion made you think it was the 'capturing net' version of the cannonball. But before either you or Cattleya could react, a harpy—partially tied up and speeding like a bullet—crashed into the room through your window. She was the same one that you'd freed from the bandits and had met once again in Centria.

"Letter for the unknown Savant Lord! Letter f- ACH!" The courier harpy's little jingle was stopped, courtesy of Cattleya's fist.

"Fookin' hell!" You cat said, extremely annoyed. You couldn't blame her, getting blueballed like that sucked ass. "Go n' interrupt right when the good bit was starting, don't you!"

"Letter for... John Doe... ?" The harpy looks around, slightly disoriented. She cartoonishly shakes her head, getting her senses back. "Two letters for the Savant Master of the Abandoned Oceanside Manor!" She then glances around rapidly at the room, head turning in quick bird-like motions. She ends up staring at your crotch. "Whoa! Big!!!" She flies dangerously close to your face. "Sorryforbreakingintherobotswereaggressiveand-!" She doesn't finish her sentence, having to avoid yet another attack from your miffed catgirl. You're basically forced to pin your cat down so she doesn't unintentionally(?) gut the feathered woman.

At this point a few clankers and the rest of your wives were now gathered here. The harpy woman was being held in another room as a 'guest', many clankers guarding her. You and Cattleya had unhappily clothed yourselves. You're tempted to just keep going with your cat and multitask, but after hearing who the sender was...

"Forthwythe is demanding that Master to become his subject via direct and personal annexation." Gerty summarized the first letter with bitterness.

"The Bandit King asked us to leave as soon as possible, lest we suffer by his hands." Ayane did the same for the next one with a neutral expression.

"Is it weird I'm mad Forthwythe didn't mention us?" Bertha said, referring to how there wasn't a single reference to the four that came from Riverdale.

"He probably thinks we died." Mel responded with a shrug.

"At least this basically confirms they're working together." Herta says.

"What does he mean by 'direct and personal annexation'?" You asked.

"Ahem," Rose cleared her voice. "You would work for Forthwythe in perpetuity. All of your wealth and property would be given to him. The latter would include any slave-wives in your possession, as we are your property."

"Yeah, fuck that." You responded. "You mentioned in the past that I have a better claim to this place than he does, right?"
>>
"Indeed you do." Ruby agreed. "He has no legal basis for it, other than the right of conquest, while we've been able to cement ourselves here and are active. According to Westphalian law—and due to you being a Savant—we should have priority over any unclaimed and abandoned land we live in. The fact that he even sent this instead of invading is further proof of this, besides the obvious trap becoming his subject would be. Besides, I doubt he has the blessing of King Robert or the Boarhewer dynasty."

"What makes you say the Westphalian King won't involve himself, madam?" You ask politely.

"The same reason that practically any nobles would not wish for it, my gallant Master. Forthwythe may be a fool, but even he knows that if a noble isn't capable of securing his region from bordering threats, then the Royal Army becomes involved. And the Royal Army has a tendency of not leaving after they're done, gradually choking the powers and status of a said noble until it becomes nothing altogether. Besides that, the Forthwythes have long acted independently of the ruling monarch for generations."

"Nonetheless I don't want to underestimate Forthwythe." You counter. "Especially after he's giving us this 'warning'."

"I thought Forthwythe would've just tried to invade." Bertha says.

"You wouldn't be wrong." Gerty says with a level tone. "While he's clever in some ways, he tends to brute force his way through things if he thinks he can get away with it. However, I agree with our Savant Master that we shouldn't underestimate an enemy." She must be thinking about the orc boss and the goblin cave.

Ayane sighed. "It's a shame we don't know much about the Bandit King's plans or whereabouts. Only saying they would strike at any moment."

"On the bright side," Mel said cheerfully. "the bandits gave us time to prepare!"

"It's a proper laugh, innit?" Cattleya added derisively.

Ruby distractedly examined her fingernails. "Master, if you're truly worried, I shall simply begin the paperwork for you to 'purchase' this estate. Yet I can't fathom that man actually putting any effort in this regard."

>You'd take that precaution. Have Ruby set up the paperwork so you could 'buy' this estate. (Will lock Ruby's next weekly action)
>No, it didn't seem necessary.
>(Write-in)

There was also the matter of the harpy you've caught. She asked if the Fastwing Corporation (a private Centrian postal service) was allowed to send and receive letters to this place. She also requested that you make the clankers less aggressive against any potential couriers.
>>
Will you approve of having the mansion officially be active on their map for further deliveries? (You will make a small mailbox for them if yes)

>Yes.
>No.
>(Write-in)

After some interrogation you were able to figure out that the letters were given to her from a middleman, so it wasn't as if Forthwythe and the Bandit King had personally given them to her or to the postal service. You get her promise that she wouldn't tell: "If I did, I'd get killed! By you, by them, by my Master, by the company! Probably all at once!!!" She seemed way too enthusiastic. Cattleya once again assured you that most harpies were like this.

She also claims that for (20g) a year you could get newspapers and as well as other benefits.

"What sort of benefits?" You ask.

"Dunno!" She replied.

Cattleya muttered something about 'money extortion'.

>Despite supposedly being a well known Centrian courier, you don't trust her. You'll keep her here for the time being.
>Send her off. (Pay for the subscription?)
>Write some letters with your wives, each elaborately insulting Forthwythe and the Bandit King. Have the harpy send them to each man. (Costs 10g)
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6172667
>Allowing her to focus on her magic and physical capabilities.
I'd have John do it too, but he's gonna have to spend the next days prepping his army and building defences.
>You'd take that precaution. Have Ruby set up the paperwork so you could 'buy' this estate. (Will lock Ruby's next weekly action)
Better safe than sorry.
>Yes.
>Send her off. (Yes)
Must...resist...turning...harpy...into...wife...already...have...too..many...
>>
>>6172632
>Personally helping her to get stronger, both magically and physically. (Both of them will increase their magic and physical abilities. Will lock Ayane's and John's action for the next week, further choices will be given once it's done)
bonding time
>>6172659
>You'd take that precaution. Have Ruby set up the paperwork so you could 'buy' this estate. (Will lock Ruby's next weekly action)
>>6172667
>Yes.

>Send her off. (Pay for the subscription)
only 20g a year. if the benefits are okaish, we can keep it.
>Write some letters with your wives, each elaborately insulting Forthwythe and the Bandit King. Have the harpy send them to each man. (Costs 10g)
pic rel
>>
>>6172632
btw nice pic for cat.
>>
>>6172632
>Personally helping her to get stronger, both magically and physically. (Both of them will increase their magic and physical abilities. Will lock Ayane's and John's action for the next week, further choices will be given once it's done)
I think this is best for both of them. Ayane and John getting fitter and learning magic as bonding? Sign me the fuck up. Neither of them are going to invade right now so we don't quite need to drop everything and go into panic mode. Don't forget to set aside some time to give Ruby lots of frequent and unprotected loving as well because it's her unsafe time this week if I've kept track right.
>You'd take that precaution. Have Ruby set up the paperwork so you could 'buy' this estate. (Will lock Ruby's next weekly action)
Give us a legal leg to stand on.
>Yes.
They already know where we are and everyone else seems to know where we are too.
>Send her off. (Pay for the subscription?)
Yes. We know remarkably little about this world's current affairs and I would like to know what's going, plus so we can read the newspaper over our breakfast like a proper distinguished gentleman. Ironed paper and smoking pipe optional.
While it could be entertaining to send out some insults, I'd rather just leave them on read until they get impatient rather than baiting them to come now.
That said, if we do send some letters, we should only send a couple of them from just Catty and Herta to Forthwythe insulting his weight, his face, his laziness and his recent bout of dicklessness to put him in the maximum rage while hiding the fact that we have his former wives so he comes charging in half-cocked while not expecting to face his own former girls and preferable before the Bandit King so we only have to deal with one at a time. Even it would be hilarious if Forthwythe and the Bandit King attacked at the exact same time and it turns into a huge three-way clusterfuck

>>6172679
She is cute but I fear we'd struggle to keep up with the speed that her thoughts get up to on that smooth grey matter of hers with that manic energy getting exhausting after a while and she's still got a fulltime job beyond the estate too.
>>
>>6172667
>>6172745
Anon almost mirrors my thoughts.

The only thing I have to add is that we should survey our surroundings before setting up the paperwork so we can claim all the land up to our closest lawful neighbours' territory.
>>
>>6172798
I'm not sure what land we have a rightful claim to. Would we only get a claim on land we're using? On the former boundaries of the estate last time someone lived here? Or as much as we can draw a line around on a map?

Also speaking of borders, we should post a few clankers on the distant edges of the estate overlooking the roads and trails in and out of our lands as pickets to give advance warning of any invaders.
>>
>>6172632
>Allowing her to focus on her magic and physical capabilities. (Will lock and begin Ayane's weekly actions into practicing her magical and physical skills. Lasts for 2 weeks)
Go wild
>>6172659
>You'd take that precaution. Have Ruby set up the paperwork so you could 'buy' this estate. (Will lock Ruby's next weekly action)
Squatters rights
>>6172667
>Yes
Everyone already knows
>Send her off. (Pay for the subscription?)
Yeah
>Write some letters with your wives, each elaborately insulting Forthwythe and the Bandit King. Have the harpy send them to each man. (Costs 10g)
For Forthwythe just kindly inform him that we will bring the law into this if he continues to harass us. For the bandit king, making a drawing with the bandit king portrayed as a basedjack, and us as the chad.
>>
>>6172679
We already have the Demi-human wife slot filled. Also she has a job and we only marry people who we can make work in our fields and factories
>>6172798
>>6172817
I assume that we can claim what we are living on and the immediate surroundings. The rest will probably require a surveyor so we can claim everything up to the next legal property.

As for dealing with the mob villains, first step is to obviously construct some defences such as trenches and barbed wires for our clankers to hunker down in. Next I would like to create some primitive MLRS (basically just a firework launcher) to have some type of artillery support.
>>
>>6172881
Razor wire would be beautiful, but it requires a lot of metal of which we only have less than a quarter tonne of (we can make some wooden chevaux de frise as anti-cavalry obstacles) and so would ammo for a primitive MLRS - rockets capable of having actual battlefield utility are pretty big fuckers and we'd need them in large numbers. I think we'd be better served investing in some light artillery guns with canister shot and a few machine guns.
>>
>>6172931
I will concede on the razor wire, can’t do much about that and the wooden Cav obstacles will be good enough. As for rockets we do have savant powers to hopefully make up for it, if not then even regular fireworks can be useful. Not for damage but disorienting which will be pretty good against bandits. I do know our armoured clankers are equipped with cannons so canister shot for them seem like an amazing idea. Keep in mind I am assuming a minimum of 200 people coming in from bandits alone here.
>>
>>6172667
>Personally helping her to get stronger, both magically and physically. (Both of them will increase their magic and physical abilities. Will lock Ayane's and John's action for the next week, further choices will be given once it's done)
>You'd take that precaution. Have Ruby set up the paperwork so you could 'buy' this estate. (Will lock Ruby's next weekly action)
>Yes.
>Send her off. (Pay for the subscription?) (Yes)
>>
>>6172941
That said, some heavy rockets could be useful to have around as unguided short-range anti-air missiles. If either of them brings in an airship, we might be in trouble but firing off some rockets with an incendiary warhead could make short work of that particular problem.
>>
>>6172659
>>You'd take that precaution. Have Ruby set up the paperwork so you could 'buy' this estate. (Will lock Ruby's next weekly action)
>Yes.
>Send her off. (yes)
>>
Using her sway of having the Merchant class, and leveraging the fact she was both the daughter of Hisashi Mitsubishi and that you are a Savant Lord, Ayane was able to convince the scatterbrained harpy to answer some questions.

"Undead have been appearing already?" Your Fox confirmed.

"Tonsofbadguys!" She repeated. "Sawtheminaclearing!" So the forwarding base was likely overrun. Damn. "My Master told me to watch out before landing!"

"Ah, so you do have a Master." Ayane said with a businesslike smile. "I thought I heard you mention it earlier. Some saying that you were still under the ownership of your father, or that most of the harpy couriers were daughters of yours."

"Nope! Dad died! Few sisters! No children! Haven't even layed an egg!" So harpies lay eggs...

"Is your Master not planning to have kits—children—with you?"

"Huh? No?" She looked at Ayane with confusion, head twisting in a way only a bird could manage. "He's my big brother! I can't have eggs with him! That'd be weird!" She preened a wing in record time. "I'm still young and tons of guys want to own me!" She stretched her wings. "I'll get a real hubby one day!"

"I see." Ayane's smile remained composed and diplomatic.

You all said your goodbyes to the harpy. At Ayane's insistence, the feathery woman revealed her name to be 'Astra the Postal Harpy', but she was often called 'Cyan' by others on account of her feathers. Harpies had a strange naming system, since 'The Postal Harpy' was literally (one of?) her birth name(s).
Cattleya succinctly explained it as: "Harpies being bloody weird." And recommended to not think too deeply about it.

Your wives returned to their duties, the exceptions being Cattleya and Ayane who both remained with you.

"Not too long ago her comments would've shaken me." Ayane says calmly. "Yet today I know that there is one man that gladly takes pleasure in my body." She caresses your face with a hand.

"Oi, hate to break this up," Cattleya cuts in the tender moment. "But you've already had him this morning and you'll get loads more when you start training. So don't start hogging the Master already, mate." She says. "If anything else keeps Master from shaggin' me, I swear to the gods..." Your cat mutters under her breath.

"Go on ahead, then~" Ayane giggled. "Don't let me interrupt the passions of youth~" She stifled a yawn. "Besides, I must rest and prepare my magic—the foreknowledge of Master's demands shall bring my dreams pleasure~"

She returns to her quarters, leaving you and your feline alone.

"Now that that's out of the way," You grab her waist. She gasps out a meow. "I think it's time we wrapped up your reward."

"Oi, Master~" Your Cat purrs as you both undress each other. An impatient smile twisted itself on her face, only melting into a more blissful expression once you began to rub down her toned body—both inside and out—for all the work she's done.

===
>>
You, Ruby, Gerty, and Ayane, along with some clankers as guards, went out to survey the land; at the very least you wanted to get a bigger claim over the estate before Ruby began the paperwork.

"This is rather prudent of you, Master." Said a now rested Ayane. She still carried herself in a composed manner, but flanked close to your side and would have a tail of hers brush against hand every so often. You saw it as her looking forward to practicing with you. "Fortune smiles on your head, Master."

"Indeed, Master's wisdom knows no bounds~" Ruby flattered you in a beautifully seductive tone, her arm linking with yours. She was wearing noticeably less than usual, enough to please your eyes as they wandered down her body. A couple of days from now she'd have her unsafe days, so she was doing what she could to make herself more attractive and 'charm' you. "I wouldn't be surprised if he could take the land from here to Riverdale~"

"Riverdale is around 100 miles to the west, Ruby." Gerty reminded.

Ruby glanced at her companion and frowned disapprovingly. "That is no reason to lack drive. You won't rise up from 4th place with that attitude." She looked back at you adoringly. "Besides, I'm certain it's only a matter of time before these unclaimed lands are all yours, Master~" She looked certain of it. "From Westphalia's and Eastia's borders to here: I'd be willing to survey the region myself." You didn't even know how far this place was from Eastia.

"You'd make that journey again?" Gerty questioned. "Through the mountains and the canyons and the marshlands? Without complaining about the filth or the work you'd need to do?"

Ruby stayed silent for a moment, and then smiled again. "If my Master commands me to do it, I'll place my trust in his words~" Gerty seemed surprised by Rose's declaration. To be honest you expected her to wave it off. "And I am certain he'd find a way for me to be as efficient as possible without getting a single stain on my body." And there it was.

"Madame," You said. "I recall your enthusiasm was much less than this last we'd spoken about surveying and claiming land. I won't complain about your change of heart, but what caused this development?" While her body wasn't as voluptuous as Herta's, the way she made herself look was elegant. You entertained the thought of thoroughly punishing her until that cute, smug look was wiped off her face. But experience has made you wise to her ways and you easily perceive her desires. Not to mention when you didn't fool-proof her plotting she often ended up foiling them on her own, often remaining wide open for you to 'correct' her until she fainted.

"The answer is quite simple, my gallant Master~" She said, still smiling. "I have more faith in your schemes than my own spider's web."
>>
The walk continued, and you all ventured closer to the woods. Mostly to check if what Eulia said was true.

You saw some movement come out of the forest. A few clankers started to attack an assortment of skeletons and other ghouls that lumbered towards you. An armored clank launched a missile at them. Though it missed by a long shot, the explosion was still able to disorient them enough for the rest of the clankers to mop them up. None of you had to even lift a finger.

"How annoying." Ruby said, purposefully pressing her supple tiddies against your side.

"I'm still confident we can claim most of the shorelines and up to the forest's entrance, bare minimum." Ayane calculated.

"Ah!" Gerty seemed to realize something. "Master!" Gerty asked for your attention. "I'd like to inform you of an action you could take!"

"Finally got that head of yours working again, I see." You said, and she relaxed "Go ahead."

"Eliminating the corruption will grant us the acknowledgement and respect of an many Knightly Orders and many Adventuring Guilds. The results will lead to our claims being cemented and even extended to touch with our neighbors."

"Are you sure?" That was easily more than 200 miles.

"I'm almost certain, Master."

"You're 'almost' certain?" You frown and click your tongue. "And why didn't you tell me about this earlier? Are you that clueless, or is understanding common sense too complicated for an absent-minded sow like you?"

"Forgive me for my uselessness, Master!" Gerty seemed pretty happy.

You asked her further about this, and came to the conclusion that this might actually be a huge bureaucratic mess to deal with if you wanted the Adventurer's Guild and/or any international anti-corruption Knightly Order to back you.

What you found interesting about Guilds and Knightly Orders was that some of them acted like the Red Cross back in your old world. Sort of. Not really. Many of them were local in nature and had influence only in their respective provinces, but enough overlap happened when existential threats like goblins or corruption appeared.

Later that day Herta shared some good news with you.

"Master, I have some great news! I finished repairing the structures!" She said enthusiastically. "We can set it to either shoot a giant laser, create mist, or strengthen the mansion's structure!" There was a proud twinkle in her eye.

That is great news. And extremely convenient too.

"Don't get ahead of yourself!" You pinched her cheek and copped a feel of her butt. "How come you weren't able to make it do all three at once? You useless goddess! You should feel lucky I'm even keeping an airheaded goddess like you around as my breeding sow."
>>
"Kyaaah!" Herta moaned out in pleasure. "Master is being too rough with meee~!" She was extremely happy as you 'forced' her to 'make it up to you' with her body. You show her some more 'affection' for a job well done afterwards.

When you're both done, you had some pillow talk about the uses of the stone structures. As convenient and overpowered as they might sound, Herta said the effect of the stone structures could only be switched once a year if you didn't want them to become unstable or break. Another downside was it could take at least an hour to charge up, needing a mana crystal to operate quicker.

Shooting a giant laser was basically what you'd expect. A giant laser, reminiscent of Thea's power, could be shot at any target in sight. This would be extremely useful to destroy any enemy airships or sea vessels. One shot could be made per day.

Creating mist sounded less useful, especially when so many already seemed to know where you lived. But it had the interesting property of allowing anyone you choose to not be affected by the mist, and thus practically blind your enemies while your allies could see perfectly. Unless they had a really big fan or some enchanted item that let them see despite any fog or mist or darkness.

The defense of the mansion's structure was pretty straightforward. It made the mansion almost indestructible for as long as the stone structures were still standing. For around half a few hours every day a barrier could also be formed around most of the estate, protecting against projectiles and also making any magic stop working for any intruders and anyone you deem hostile.

She also theorized a giant portal could be created to another location, but only if the same structures were copied in said area. This would require many more mana crystals to power it.

What would you set the stone structures to?

>Lazer.
>Mist.
>Defense.

Use the mana crystal for the stone structure?

>Yes. There was an imminent invasion, you couldn't risk it.
>No. You'd save it to upgrade the BoatMech or The Vixen's Luck. Maybe there was some future use for it you had yet to realize.

You thought about what the next week would bring...
>>
Herta:
>Create machine guns, light mortars, and some primitive rocket launching systems.
>Look into finding a cure for the Bad Luck skill.
>Create for you some manner of magic item.
>Change the stone structures to something else. (Defensive Barrier, Offensive Beam, or Hiding?)
>Charge up the little jewels with single use spells.
>Either create more of/upgrade the robotic sewing machines.
>Start plans for a daycare/hospital in the estate.
>Start building a hangar for the airships.
>(Write-in)

Cattleya:
>Dig some trenches around the estate.
>Collect as much scrap metal as she can find from the estate.
>Plant some saplings.
>Collect some wood from the nearby forest.
>Organize all the minerals, gemstones, and other items you've bought in a storage area.
>Continue processing cotton from the harvesters into textiles.
>Practice with her gauntlets to master their protective capabilities.
>Build the walls for a separate radio/telegram station.
>Practice her shooting.
>Start building a hangar for the airships.
>(Write-in)

Mel:
>Make more traps as another line of defense for the estate and the port.
>Work on her invisibility. Though she says she can't do much else without working/practicing on her other stats.
>Work on her mana's stamina.
>Work on her physical stamina.
>Practice her fairy magic.
>Practice her sharpshooting and sniping skills.
>(Write-in)

Bertha:
>Make some simple cheval-de-frises out of wood.
>Patrol the estate.
>Work on her culinary and household skills.
>Continue to sharpen her skills, this time challenging an armored clank.
>Process the remaining cotton from the harvesters into textiles.
>Plant some seeds in the garden.
>Collect some wood from the forest.
>(Write-in)

Gerty:
>Find and/or create 'safe zones' within the estate: Highly defensible positions that allow better mobility.
>Act as a military instructor, getting both you and your wives ready for combat.
>Have her as your personal guard. She did well when she was one.
>Start looking into upgrading Medium Heal.
>Continue to practice leading the clankers.
>Have her do secretary work.
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6173981
>'Astra the Postal Harpy'
*Eulia

>>6172682
Catty can be like that lmao
Finding the right pics to express what I'm writing is much harder than I thought it'd be lol
>>
And roll me some 1d100
>>
>>6174061
>huge bureaucratic mess to deal with
For Forthwythe. Won’t look good on him if an independent cleans up the place. Pretty sure if we wipe out the bandits it would have the same effect too
>>6174068
>Lazer.
For AA and just obliterating a giant section of an opposing force
>Yes. There was an imminent invasion, you couldn't risk it.
No risks
>>6174070
>Create machine guns, light mortars, and some primitive rocket launching systems.
Priority
>Dig some trenches around the estate.
Absolutely necessary
>Practice her sharpshooting and sniping skills.
As we saw from when she stalked us to the cave, her hiding abilities are fine now. We just need to get her sniping skills up and she is golden for now.
>Make some simple cheval-de-frises out of wood.
Keep them from getting close to the firing lines. Don’t think bandits have Cav but who knows.
>Find and/or create 'safe zones' within the estate: Highly defensible positions that allow better mobility.
These bandits are about to get their shit kicked in.

As for what the bandits will be coming with other then the typical medieval assortment, they will have rifles as we saw at the port. Don’t think any artillery but maybe some light mortars.
>>
Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>6174070
>Mist
The laser is really shiny and attractive, but the mist would be so helpful on the ground and one shot per day is a big gamble if we miss or there's more than one target. It can hide traps and ambushes, disorient enemy troops and destroy enemy communication and coordination. We can use rockets as bootleg SHORAD.
>Yes. There was an imminent invasion, you couldn't risk it.

>Create machine guns, light mortars, and some primitive rocket launching systems.
These are the bread and butter of industrialised defensive warfare. Also include some incendiary rockets for the anti-airship role.
>Dig some trenches around the estate.
They'll be coming home by Christmas. Make a line and a fallback line, the clankers can help dig.
>Make more traps as another line of defense for the estate and the port.
Minefields before it was cool. In the mist, they'll step all over them.
>Make some simple cheval-de-frises out of wood.
In the mist, cavalry would run right into them and even ordinarily, they're a very effective deterrent. Never underestimate the power of a cavalry charge on a 19th Century battlefield.
>Find and/or create 'safe zones' within the estate: Highly defensible positions that allow better mobility.
Festoon the whole place with sniper nests, pillboxes and observation hides.

though speaking of xmas, do they have an equivalent around here? What's the current date and season anyway?
>>
>>6174068
>Lazer.
I was torn between it and defense, but considering the zombie boss and the possibility of bandits bringing something heavy, this seems better.

>Yes. There was an imminent invasion, you couldn't risk it.

>>6174070
>Create machine guns, light mortars, and some primitive rocket launching systems.

>Dig some trenches around the estate.

>Practice her sharpshooting and sniping skills.

>Make some simple cheval-de-frises out of wood.

>Find and/or create 'safe zones' within the estate: Highly defensible positions that allow better mobility.
>>
Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>6174142
Almost forgot
>>
Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>6174083
I will also roll and redeem myself
>>
"My dear, this is too much for me..." Ayane spoke through clenched teeth. "I feel like I'm at my limit."

"Don't worry, love. Just bear with it a little more." You tried to say reassuringly.

After concentrating more she was able to muster up enough energy to shoot a small, slow-moving ember from her right hand. It lazily floated for around a few feet towards you before fizzling out.

While spells were neither a skill nor an ability of yours, watching it in use could help you understand it better. Who knows, perhaps you could manage a few weaker spells one day.

You and Ayane had begun your training yesterday, but this morning was when you were starting to get serious. This was the third fireball she'd thrown today. She wasn't gonna break her past records anytime soon, but it was a start.

A kitsunes' natural talent with flames had many uses—setting her hands on fire was nothing for her. Ayane also claimed she vaguely remembered a few defensive spells.

Magic wasn't powerful in this world. The best way to use it was through enchanting, but that didn't mean spells were useless. Mel's illusions and invisibility as well as Gerty's healing were a testament to that.

Recently your Holy Knight was able to increase her healing magic from Low Heal to Medium Heal. She said that she might not be able to get higher than that, though she had yet to perfect healing herself while mid-fight.

Right now you and Ayane were working on strengthening your mana. Your fox was rusty in spellwork from decades of non-use, but that wasn't anything that couldn't be fixed with practice.

She put a hand against her forehead and staggered.

"Ayane!" You rushed over and helped her keep her balance. "Are you alright?"

She catches her breath. "I'm fine. Merely caught off guard. It's been years since I've used all my mana so quickly."

"You did great, dear." You say as you gave her a small kiss and scratched her ears.

She blushed and leaned into your hand, a content grin on her face. A hag like her had no right to be this cute.

Next up was physical training.

She didn't seem fat or unhealthy at first glance—but the years of inactivity took their toll on her, making her have abysmal strength and mana stats. These were probably the worst out of all of your wives, despite the fact that kitsune are naturally more inclined to have high mana. Thankfully this could be reversed with enough effort.

Stretching took a while. You needed to help her out with most things, her age truly showing in moments like these. But one thing was clear; her body was stiff. Not that pressing against her back and butt or grabbing her legs to help her do a split were bad things. In fact, Ayane seemed to get more motivated the more 'personal' you were with her.

Just like with Mel, you went about doing exercises with your old girl. While not lacking enthusiasm, reality soon set in and she wasn't able to do anything for more than a few minutes.
>>
In the end you both decided to go on intervals, with the intent to gradually build up both of your staminas. But even when she took a break, you made sure to keep on going until you were tired.

"Ah, the boundless energy of young men. It makes me want to cheer for you, Master~" Ayane seemed to like the show you were putting on.

"Your being here is enough to cheer me up, darling." You said between breaths. You imagined your kitsune wife in a cheerleading uniform. Honestly not a bad idea, though it might fit Bertha's personality better.

Anyway, that's how things went on. She joined you again, and you were both able to find a nice balance.

And when you 'personally' were able to help her out...

"Master. Down there," Huffed a panting Ayane. "You're poking me."

"Yeah." You responded intelligently. "What did you expect? We're basically rubbing our bodies against each other." And she felt soft.

"Hmm." She smiled. "I'm glad." You both promptly began to make out.

A little break wouldn't cause any harm.

Not just that, but this was also a good way to work up a sweat.

After you were both done, a sudden bout of clarity helped you reflect that the two of you were extremely close. Not just physically, but emotionally too. You'd comforted Ayane at her most vulnerable—remaining a pillar for her to lean on, like Eisho recommended—and basically made her dreams come true.

"Phew," Ayane sighs happily. "That was quite nice, was it not?"

"Yeah, it sure was." You say. "But we aren't done yet. We still need to cool off and stretch again."

As you began the idea of leaning on one of these with Ayane over the course of the week entered your mind. Perhaps finding a harmony between the two would be nice.

>Physical strength.
>Magical powers.
>Keep going as you were.
>(Write-in)

Near the end of said cooling off you were both interrupted.

"I've been looking for you, Master~" A smoky contralto came by. "I bring food and refreshments for you, my manly stud~"

And indeed she did, a bunch of drinks and snacks were on a small cart. While this looked pretty appetizing, you doubted she made a single thing.

Ruby had decided to up her game, and was even going as far as to try and buy your favor by bringing you food and helping you out with smaller day-to-day things. And, from what you've noticed, she's made an effort to 'subtly' insert herself in any activities you did.

Rose's antics were cute at first, but it was now starting to get on your nerves. You already knew the message—despite her never admitting it aloud—'I want to have your children'.

She probably was just bothering you so that she could get ravaged tonight. While you weren't against doing that, you had a method planned out to really get in her head. If you chose to take her, you had a plan brewing that would make sure things would be on your terms, not hers.
>>
"Thank you, madam. And while I don't mind the company-" You began, yet were interrupted by Ruby's giggling.

"There's no need to say another word, Master~" She winked at you. "I realize how much you've been working for us, and I wanted to be there to cheer for you all the way." She then turned to your fox slave. "Please don't take what I'm about to say the wrong way, Ayane, yet try not to hold him back. Will you?" Ruby Rose said with a kind smile. "We both wish the best for our Master, don't we?"

"Indeed we do." Ayane smiled back politely, unfazed. "I will try harder next time. And I wish you the best of luck in bearing Master's child."

"... That is much appreciated. But ultimately Master has the final say in that matter, which I shall trust in and abide by no matter what he decides." Ruby seemed a little surprised by the blessing, but seemed to appreciate it.

You gave Ayane a kiss and a squeeze before she returned to her quarters to fall asleep.

===

You had met with your Mastermind once again. You noticed her room was gradually getting more elaborate as time went on.

"Ah, Master," Ruby said, pretending to only half notice you, her gaze at the many papers scattered across her desk. "May I help you?" You could see her hide a smirk. She likely thought that everything was going according to plan.

"I just wanted to talk about how you're doing with the paperwork." You gave your excuse.

"Very well, I have quite a bit already done. I'll get the rest of them for you." She got up.

You noticed a subtle difference in her actions and appearance, dressing in a way that really made her curves stand out while she swayed her hips teasingly.

With her preoccupied you decided to finish the first part of your plan and set a hidden item on the tea table.

Over the course of the week you'd created a convoluted scheme with a few 'layers'.

The first part: Not noticing that Ruby was doing much differently, at most thanking her with a kiss. You made sure Ruby could see through this layer, and made her believe you were planning a surprise dinner for her. The second: Subtly and lightly playing out some scenes of The Baron's Bandit in front of Ruby without her knowledge, which subconsciously should leave her wanting for more. The third: You were freely intimate with your other wives while Ruby was around. This last one was undeniably risky, but you made sure to never shove it in her face.

Even if this were to fail, you could at least count on Ruby appreciating the complexity.

"Master~" Said Ruby, bringing some paperwork. "I have everything here, my spider's web is ready and waiting for you~" She looked like she was expecting you to take her bait.

"Thanks. Now, let's get started." You kept your tone professional. She seemed to get more disappointed as time went on, with the both of you only discussing legal terms and double-checking everything.
>>
After being done you thanked her and got up, taking a few steps towards the door. The expression Ruby had on her face managed to be both hilarious and heart-wrenching.

A beautiful meal suddenly was revealed on the tea table, accompanied by romantic candlelight. With what you've learnt about magic—with Mel's illusions as a reference and the practice with Ayane this morning giving you better context—you were able to use your Lunacy Savantae to secretly enchant the plate with a one-use spell, hiding the food in plain sight. With a flourish you smoothly turn around and approach her again. Grasping her hand, you then pulled her towards you.

"W-when did you-" She stuttered, stunned, while looking at the dinner. With your free hand you lifted up her chin to face you.

"Madam, it is a shame," Now for a gambit: You directly quoted from the The Baron's Bandit, and could only hope that she remembered this part. But to be fair, it was one of the most famous and touching portions of the book. "For your mind to soar with such grandiose intellect—bringing envy from those above and below."

And so, you gave her the choice: Continue her smug act or surrender and find out what you had in store.

She gladly chose the latter.

"A-alas, my gallant Master. That I w-would shine too brightly, and too close t-to the sun, f-falling down from the heavens and taking you d-down with me." She finished the Bandit's lines shyly.

"Such is their loss. Their curses now vain; For even as you fell, you were a shooting star." You said with with a clever smile, and proceed nibble her ears. For your efforts Ruby Rose's face was now as red as her namesake's.

Food forgotten, you gently lift her and place her on the bed. She meekly lets you take the lead.

>Your passions were both embraced in full, and you made sure she'd feel loved by you.
>You elected to withhold, merely satisfying her desires and whispering sweet consolations. Herta and Gerty's children would already be enough of a handful.
>>
>>6175088
>Your passions were both embraced in full, and you made sure she'd feel loved by you.
Cats unsafe days are next, followed by Mel and Bertha. Only point of contention here is that Cat is supposed to be third wife (willingly gave up second), so by getting Ruby pregnant now this may fuck things up as her next unsafe day will obviously be after everyone elses. I will vote this for now
>>
>>6175076
>Keep going as you were.
initially I'd focus on magic, but considering her physical prowess rn, let's keep doing both
>>6175088
>Your passions were both embraced in full, and you made sure she'd feel loved by you.
>>
>>6175088
>You elected to withhold, merely satisfying her desires and whispering sweet consolations. Herta and Gerty's children would already be enough of a handful.
>>
>>6175131
+1
>>
>>6175106
>>6175140
anons, there's the >>6175076 vote as well
>>
>>6175076
>Magical powers.
>>6175423
Thanks
>>
>>6175088
>Keep going as you were.
We will not be squishy wizards.
>Your passions were both embraced in full, and you made sure she'd feel loved by you.
I'm sure there's a section in the book where they have many children together and live happily ever after.

>>6175106
On the contrary, I think we'd be better off doing things as we are and getting them all pregnant as close to simultaneously as possible (poor Ayane's going to have to wait). Other than Herta having the privilege of going first by dint of being the first among equals, considering they all seem to be eagerly anticipating bearing their beloved Master's children asap, asking them to sit and watch the other wives get bumps before them as their own fertile windows pass them by on the basis of maintaining a pecking order that isn't shaping up to actually mean very much in practice beyond a title doesn't feel fair. Rather than focusing on who gets to go before who for rank's sake, I'd prefer the next 8-10 months to simply focus on a shared bonding experience to bring them all closer together as sister-wives as they experience the joys and challenges that the babies growing in their bellies will bring together and mutually support one other through their pregnancies, birth and child care.

Also, QM questions. Do felid and canid beastfolk generally give birth to single children or litters and do their gestation times differ from humans? What's the typical length of a full fertility cycle in humans here? And does being a Savant confer any heritable offspring traits?
>>
>>6175088
>Keep going as you were.
Like anon said, no squishy wizards. Only /fit/ ones.
>Your passions were both embraced in full, and you made sure she'd feel loved by you.
I agree with this assessment >>6175478. Should there be any trouble, Im sure we could get some hired help.
>>
>>6175478
>Do felid and canid beastfolk generally give birth to single children or litters and do their gestation times differ from humans?
The amount of children they have depends on the type of beastfolk; canine/feline have around four, meanwhile a kitsune has one or two. But there's always exceptions to this rule; sometimes a catgirl might have one child and sometimes a kitsune might have quintuplets, as unlikely as those two scenarios might be.
Most have pregnancies that last anywhere between five to eight months, but again there's exceptions to this (as well as certain outliers like mice and elephants). Both Cattleya's and Ayane's gestation will likely last a little more than 7 months if everything goes well.
>What's the typical length of a full fertility cycle in humans here?
On average the menstrual cycle in this world is longer than in our world, lasting from over a month to a month and a week.
>And does being a Savant confer any heritable offspring traits?
In general most children of a Savant will be good at building and have better focus.
It's probable that a Savant's children will also be Savants. This doesn't necessarily mean that Savants are solely a hereditary thing, since there's always a tiny chance a Savant can be born randomly. While Lunacy Savantae primarily affects males, it's not completely unheard of for a female to have it. Also as a side note, any kids John and Herta have are practically guaranteed to be Savants.
>>
>>6175670
Considering we are gonna be having a lot of children, how exactly does inheritance work here?
>>
I keep accidentally posting pictures that are meant to be for the update, my bad.
Though it might've been good to delete the last post, since I can better clarify some points I made there.

>>6175745
Human inheritance from parent to child is pretty much like real life.
When it comes to Savant genes you only know what Herta read to you when she spoke about the lore. You pretty sure she hasn't really payed attention to or even given much thought about that sort of stuff. Now with a baby on the way she seemed to wonder more, but concluded that any kid you'd have with her would be a demigod or at the very least a really powerful human.
As for beastfolk, you know that the first mixed generation tends to look like the beastfolk parent. If generations keep getting mixed down the line then the beastfolk offspring will look more and more like from the species they're mixing with. Though it's also possible to have a hybrid if two mixed parents have kids with one another, but at that point fertility will be pretty low with them and their children will likely be infertile.
You aren't particularly sure about the specifics of inheriting magic, but you've heard that children can have the same capabilities as their parents in most regards. Though it is debated whether this is from the parents teaching them or inherent magical ability being passed down by blood (however you know for a fact that fairy magic and certain kitsune fire magic can be used if you're related to fairies or kitsunes respectively).
As for classes, for the most part they get the same class as one of their parents. Sometimes children have a hybrid class based on the parents' classes. Hybrid classes will never be as good at either specialization from the classes they're based off of and almost never get passed down, unless the other parent's class is unique and literally cannot be passed down (such as any God/Goddess class) then the hybrid class is guaranteed to pass down to the child.
>>
>>6175781
Very interesting, but I was referring to wealth and property inheritance. Still good to know our children will have a head start on the rest
>>
>>6175803
lmao
On that, the ownership of the estate and wealth will be passed down and divided between any male sons in any way you want it to go if you pass away.
Westphalia and Eastia, depending on their regions/provinces, both have different laws regarding Wills and types of property/inheritance taxes. Any Adventurer's Guild or Knightly Order that recognizes you will also (most likely) recognize what you've decided to do with your property and whom you've decided to give it to.
>>
>>6175670
Taxonomically, foxes are canines and have litters so I suppose kitsune are the exception to their peers.
I suppose this means Catty might actually be the first of our wives to give birth or shortly after Herta while Ayane won't have to wait as long to join the motherhood party as I thought.

This also means we must continue to make more and more children with Herta to create a massive brood of mad scientist demigods raised by eccentric parents in a science lair. What could possibly go wrong? Imagine the shenanigans at the (very large) dinner table in ten or twenty years time.
>>
Ruby Rose is a very smart woman.

Intelligent enough to understand the many complexities of the world, her mind only comparable to her elegance. Said intelligence—which she flaunted around like a weapon—was nothing short of terrifying.

Yet she had glaring weakness—her very love of complexity.

Your Mastermind, as she was so proud of being, was self-assured to a fault: Always considering every possibility and accounting for any unknowns, she was capable of devising intricate schemes with ease. And it was this ability that often lead her to inaction, having others work while she watched from the shadows and 'wove her spider web', smugly claiming the credit for any success. That is not even to mention her bad habit of over-complicating everything—usually leading to her plans blowing up in her face or going up in smoke. Sometimes both at the same time.
With your help, however, she was able to enact any scheme with tremendous success.

Ruby was snobbish, selfish, spoiled, and ruthless. Honestly she could be kind of a bitch. Her getting on your nerves with her antics wasn't an unknown occurrence, also exhausting your other wives with her bossiness (except for Herta, who either didn't notice or didn't care about the many plots Ruby directed against her to usurp the position of first wife). But you grew to love and care for Ruby deeply—as you did with all of your wives. The others in turn tolerated her, some even showing respect for her intellect.

Despite her personality, you felt Rose deserved to have a good life. Her background could be guessed accurately by some anime tropes you knew; The mother that died from illness when Ruby was still young, a comic-relief of a father, and a (sort of) rags-to-riches story that she seems on the cusp of. She generally suffered from unfair adversity in her childhood, becoming a shut in that fantasized over fiction... That last part was something you could more or less sympathize with.

There would've been a realistic chance for her to become a villainess, or at least the high ranking slave-wife of a major antagonist. If there were someone to keep her from doing stupid shit in that scenario, she might even be a threat.

Thankfully she was under your command now. Indeed, to her, you were a dream come true and a desire she long craved: The clever gentleman that, while treating her like a lady, would regularly outwit her and end up ravishing her body in bed.
Her trust in you was greater than any of your other wives, always believing that you had some master-plan ready. She once even said you had her wrapped around your finger.

You thought of this as her moans became more fierce and her eyes began rolling to the back of her head in pleasure.

This elegant, cute, and smug slave-wife of yours... You decided that she, too, would mother your children.

===

"Gallant Master of mine," Said she from the bed, looking at you lovingly. "Seeing your face so close to mine gives me joy."
>>
The morning came and went with Ruby still passed out. When she woke up later in the afternoon she was in high spirits.

"Likewise, madame, it's good to see you with such a radiant face. I worried I might've overdone it." You admitted with a smile.

"It's natural for me to be happy. Especially after last night~" She smiled sincerely. "When your seed schemed it's way through my insides after your brilliant ploy~" You blinked a few times at her choice of words—clear reminders that this was her fetish. Well, you didn't mind that much, giving her a small kiss. She tried to get up with your help, but gave up after a few attempts. "I think you might have to carry me."

"Madame," You smiled. "You misunderstand. We're still not done here."

"Ah." She said with a small voice. You were impressed at how quickly her face could turn such a deep shade of red.

When you were done showing her how much you loved her, you decided to go and meet with Ayane to finish today's practice with some exercise. That was the schedule you decided after some discussion with her: Magic in the morning, and physical exercises in the afternoon.
You could still feel the effects of yesterday's workout; Your body felt more limber and some magical potential surged from you.

On the way you happened to run into a very happy Gerty.

"Master!" Said she, eyes shining as she saluted. "I've seen how you've instructed Cattleya to dig a 'trench system' for us!"

You had indeed made your Cat dig around the mansion according to your specifications. With the help of the magical farm tools, she was able to do nearly twice as much work with half of the effort. The only thing she took issue, though her tone was more amused than anything, was with the act itself—saying that she felt more like a doggy than a moggy.

"Yeah, are there any problems? Or are you just wasting my time to be a lazy bitch again?" You asked with a cruel tone.

"Forgive me for my incompetence!" Her eyes flashed with happiness. "Though it may not mean much from a lowly sex slave that can just barely pleasure her Master while lewdly wiggling her filthy body in front of him like a bitch in heat," She catches a breath. "I wanted to commend you for your tactical wisdom. Master," She enthusiastically steps closer to you. "If these 'trenches' were applied in a grander scale, and added the use of digging machines and clankers, this could change the nature of warfare as we know it!"

"So, you did just come here to do fuck all." You scoffed. Seems like Gerty was familiar enough with war that she realized the implications of building trenches. Though from what you've read in the news, giant pieces of walking artillery and airships were the norm for serious warfare, so you weren't sure how effective trenches could be. "But your praise is acceptable. Though I wouldn't be surprised if you're too stupid to understand half the things you're saying."

"Forgive me- Ah~!" She starts to apologize again, but you strike her behind.
>>
"Don't just stand there! Get back to work, you stupid maso-bitch!"

"Yes, sir!" She saluted once more, and with newfound energy she went outside again.

As you continued to go towards Ayane's room, you happen to overhear Herta and Bertha talking about their jobs.

"It's, like, a ton of work though." Said the warrioress. Despite her words she seemed to be as talented with woodwork as she was with sewing. "If we didn't have that magic axe machine thing, it would've been way too much." Once again those magical tools you bought while in Centria were doing their jobs. You're glad you made that purchase.

"When I build stuff, it doesn't feel like work." Herta says. "It just feels fun to do! Sort of like how you use your hammer or sew. Actually, how come you like doing those two things? Maybe it could give some perspective?"

"I like sewing cause it's relaxing. And hammers are fun! I don't mind carving the spikes and stuff, but moving giant logs everywhere can get a bit tiring... I mean, sure, doing hard work can be rewarding, and it feels good not to be useless. But there's a limit, you know?"

"But working hard for Master is the best!" Herta says, seemingly forgetting about how difficult it was for her to work the bellows. "Especially when he-"

"Yeah, 'when he gives a reward so forcefully afterwards', right?" Bertha says.

"I was gonna say 'when he insults and steps on you', but that works too."

"Hey there, ladies." You decided to join in the conversation. "How's everything going?"

"Awesome!" Herta said enthusiastically. "I've just finished a few more mortars! They're clunky, but they work pretty good."

"Good girl." You pet Herta on the head. She smiles perversely while muttering something about being your pet.

"Master," Bertha said. "When this is all over, can we use the rocket launchers for some fireworks?"

"I don't see why not." You replied. It really shouldn't be an issue.

"I'm gonna go back to working on the guns!" Herta said. You saw her off with a kiss and a appreciative spank.

"Master, you're way too lewd sometimes~" Bertha giggled. "I'm not complaining, though~" She gives you a kiss that goes on for a little too long.

"I heard what you were talking about earlier." You said after it was finished. "If moving the logs is too much, I'll be glad to send out the clankers."

"That'd be appreciated." Bertha grinned. "I might sound greedy, but, like, I wanna get another reward~" It turned into a seductive smile. "Don't worry, it'll only take a minute. I know you're still giving your foxgirl some nice eye candy~"

"Alright, but make it quick." You said, having an idea of what she wanted. She immediately gave you a hug, and you could hear her taking deep breaths at the nape of your neck. At this point you'd gotten more or less used to her wanting this sort of thing from you.

"I should've waited until you're done working out." She complained under her breath.
>>
"Hey, how about we meet again when we're done? I wanted to privately talk about the positioning of the chevaux-de-frise with you." You said. Bertha brightened, then went back to do her job with greater enthusiasm.

You and your fox slave were able to make some progress. Ayane said she felt stronger already, though she was still pretty tired from the exercises and your 'personal training', nearly collapsed a few times, fainting on her bed when you were done.
You'd also extend said 'personal training' with Bertha later on, much to the hammer warrioress' pleasure.

===

The day after the next, in the middle of your magic practice with Ayane, the radio came to life.

"Master!" From it Mel spoke. "There's some movement in the forest!" You hoped Mel still had that rifle you modified for her.

"Looks like it's time." You stated, then turned to your fox wife. "Ayane, we'll get back to it later." She nodded.

You give out your orders. Ruby Rose helped on the radio while Gerty coordinated everyone to get into defensive positions.

"What's the status?" You ask.

"There was at least 100 bandits in the woods fighting some skeletons and ghouls." Mel says. "I think 200 more were on the plains beyond the hill? These guys are super well armed—they just tore through the goblins like nothing." At least that settled the goblin issue. You hoped. "Wait- Is that- ? There's an airship they're going into! How did they- ?"

"Guv!" Cattleya also got your attention from the radio with a meow. "There's some cavalry circling a few miles away."

"I see them too." Mel said. "I can't tell how many there are from this angle, though... probably 200? 300?" Mel said with uncertainty. "Sheesh, were'd they get all those horses? And there's even more bandits behind them setting up camps..."

"Uh, Master?" Herta's voice also joined the chorus. "I think there's another pirate ship. Not a flying one, just a regular ship in the distance at sea." Well that might be a problem. You hoped the port wouldn't be damaged.
Well if worst came to worst you still had The Vixen's Luck on the rooftop, ready to be escaped in.

"Master," Mel said again. "Should I come back and get ready to shoot or should I keep scouting?"

Some choices presented themselves to you...
>>
>"Come back here." Her sharpshooting skills and invisibility, combined with the trenches and the 'safe zones', she'll pick off any that come close to the estate with ease. She was an important part of the defense plans.
>"Keep scouting." Her invisibility and illusions should help her hide as she updated you all on their movements from behind their lines. You wanted to know if the bandits from the forest would reinforce or not, and if there would be any other surprises.
>"Find their leaders and kill them." While as good of an opportunity as any, this was doubtlessly very risky and had a large margin of failure. The probability she might get captured or suffer injuries was higher than you'd like.
>(Write-in)

As for the laser...

>Use it to destroy the airship. You'd take the BoatMech to personally fight against the sea vessel.
>Use it to destroy the ship at sea. You'd use the rockets and the armored clanker's missiles to fight against the airship.
>(Write-in)

While Gerty controlled the clankers' tactics, you gave her the strategy she should follow. The clankers would generally...

>Meet and attack them aggressively.
>Stay on the front lines and near the trenches.
>Pull back if the fighting becomes too heavy and focus on defending.
>(Write-in)
>>
Roll me some 4d100s, Bo4.

>>6176118
Kitsune tend to be a special case due to their long lives and large menstrual cycles. Most of them still consider themselves to be canine beastfolk though, at least from Ayane's experiences.
And at this rate there will probably enough children to make a few sports teams.
>>
>>6176241
We're lucky Cattleya is English instead of
Scottish, else she'd account for a whole ass clans worth of kids.
>>
Rolled 53, 61, 93, 14 = 221 (4d100)

>>6176221
>"Keep scouting." Her invisibility and illusions should help her hide as she updated you all on their movements from behind their lines. You wanted to know if the bandits from the forest would reinforce or not, and if there would be any other surprises.
Though if she's such a sharpshooter and can turn invisible then how would assassination be so risky?

>Use it to destroy the airship. You'd take the BoatMech to personally fight against the sea vessel.
Although would they still attack if everybody else was dead? Pirates wouldn't want to risk picking on someone who can fight back.

>Stay on the front lines and near the trenches.
Plus set up in any good ambushing spots, play into the homefield advantage.

>>6176241
>Roll me some 4d100s, Bo4.
Does that mean 4 of us roll 1 d100 or 4 of us roll 4d100s? If it's the former than just take the first from this set.
>>
Rolled 91, 3, 74, 6 = 174 (4d100)

>>6176221
>"Come back here." Her sharpshooting skills and invisibility, combined with the trenches and the 'safe zones', she'll pick off any that come close to the estate with ease. She was an important part of the defense plans.
I've got plans for her later that she needs to be back here and well rested for.
>Use it to destroy the airship. You'd take the BoatMech to personally fight against the sea vessel.
I know I talked game about using the rockets, but I've also got plans for them to save them for.
>Stay on the front lines and near the trenches.
All our preparations so far have been about maximising our defenders' advantage. Meeting them on the open field is foolish, especially if they have cavalry. Let them come to us and bill them for the price of a mile.

So, I've got a plan cooking. They've just arrived and are setting up camps, which means they're unlikely to attack today - more likely early tomorrow. We can use tonight to play merry hell with them for maximum asymmetric goodness under cover of darkness. Mel can take a mortar and fire a bomb at their camp, disappear, reappear and fire another from somewhere else to harass them all night long at minimal risk to her, causing a few casualties but more importantly making sure they spend all night at attention and on edge without getting a wink of sleep and are exhausted and strung out in the morning for the attack. At the same time, we can mount a number of rocket launchers on the airship and basically use it as an improvised bomber to launch a single massive rocket attack in the middle of the night from a range hopefully beyond where they can pick up on the airship to blow up as much of their camp and force as possible - they can't even retaliate properly with no air assets of their own. This should soften them up nicely for the main attack.

>>6176241
Why settle for a football team when you can make your own football league?

>>6176252
She can settle for a whole ass gang's worth of kittens instead
>>
Rolled 77, 48, 19, 23 = 167 (4d100)

>>6176221
>"Keep scouting." Her invisibility and illusions should help her hide as she updated you all on their movements from behind their lines. You wanted to know if the bandits from the forest would reinforce or not, and if there would be any other surprises.
Obviously prioritize her safety but otherwise we need her to keep tabs on the enemies so we can zero in the artillery
>Use it to destroy the airship. You'd take the BoatMech to personally fight against the sea vessel.
In case we need to escape, that airship needs to go, but wait till it loads up fully so we can get a giant chunk of their force. If it falls on their camp it is going to hurt morale a lot.
>Stay on the front lines and near the trenches.
She needs to lead the defence.

The plan is simple, get Mel to tell us the enemy movements, zero in the artillery, they die. If some live, they die at the defences. Keep it simple stupid. I hope my rolls don’t suck
>>6176241
I really hope it doesn’t get to the point we can’t remember our kids names, that would be pretty depressing.
>>
>>6176268
Wouldn't it be better for Mel to play spotter while someone else uses the mortar?

>>6176277
Anon thought the same thing.
>I really hope it doesn’t get to the point we can’t remember our kids names, that would be pretty depressing.
Things are looking like a Rimworld playthrough in more ways than one so there won't be too many characters to keep track of I think. I wonder if a naming convention would be good though? Names starting with A for the first pregnancies and so on, both humorous and convenient!
>>
>>6176260
>>6176268
>>6176277
91, 61, 93 and 23 for rolls so far
>>6176281
No idea what the range of our rockets and mortars are, but if they are planning on staying the night there I am 100% down to move them up just to hit them while they are sleeping but I think the update says those 200 infantry are loading up into the ship so we may be able to get all of them in one go with the laser. The Cav may also attempt to set up a camp but the defences in place are basically a death trap for them so we don’t have to worry that much. Let’s hope the armoured clankers got their canister shot
>>
Rolled 68, 5, 91, 18 = 182 (4d100)

>>6176221
>"Keep scouting." Her invisibility and illusions should help her hide as she updated you all on their movements from behind their lines. You wanted to know if the bandits from the forest would reinforce or not, and if there would be any other surprises.
since both groups seems to be apart for now

>Use it to destroy the airship. You'd take the BoatMech to personally fight against the sea vessel.
boatmech will have better odds

>Pull back if the fighting becomes too heavy and focus on defending.
I assume defending is shifting to the trenchs if shtf
>>
>>6176281
Perhaps, though we need most of our wives to be rested and ready for battle tomorrow rather than running around all night harassing the enemy. We could probably spare Ruby, but would you trust her with a mortar? That said, perhaps we should take a moment now to do some ranging tests with the mortars, rockets and artillery to help us pre-sight them both for tonight and on the battlefield tomorrow. Question for QM - how are we doing for ammo and what sorts did we end up making?

We should end up with around a dozen children from our wives' first set of pregnancies (any potential future wives excluded), which is well within the realm of "able to remember". However, that number is going to keep growing - Herta is probably going to want to go for round two basically as soon as she can, Ayane's going to want more kids (though her long fertility cycle will limit this) and it's likely some of the others will as well.
>>
>>6176260
>>6176268
>>6176277
>>6176291
seems like only our last roll is lacking. good odds overall
>>
>>6176293
23 ain’t the worst but I wonder which one that affects. Regardless, I am pretty sure that airship and everyone in it are dead
>>
>>6176260
>Though if she's such a sharpshooter and can turn invisible then how would assassination be so risky?
She's basically going into where they're gathering and building camp without any knowledge of what she'll find, who their leaders are, probably having to deal with them chasing her down even if she succeeds, alerting them, or in the worst case scenario alerting them while getting captured.
While her attention to detail can help in identifying their leaders, this is also a high stress situation for her so she might make some mistakes.
And keep in mind that simply bumping into someone else might be enough to dispel invisibility magic.
>Although would they still attack if everybody else was dead?
That would depend on how dumb their captain is and if they have a means to communicate with their ground/air allies.
>Does that mean 4 of us roll 1 d100 or 4 of us roll 4d100s?
4 of you roll 4d100s.
I should've probably said "4 of you roll 4d100s".

>>6176252
>>6176268
I wouldn't be surprised if a few dynasties are made lmao

>>6176277
>>6176281
If it gets to that point you'll probably find a way to remember all of their names thanks to your wives' efforts.
>I wonder if a naming convention would be good though? Names starting with A for the first pregnancies and so on, both humorous and convenient!
If anons vote for it, then I'll gladly allow you guys to decide on the kids names according to a naming convention.
>>
Sorry for making two posts, 4chan thought it was spam for some reason.

>>6176290
>No idea what the range of our rockets and mortars are
Rockets can move in a (sort of) straight line for (optimistically) over a thousand yards. Missiles even more than that and are faster but have worse accuracy.
In theory the mortars could shoot from the mansion to where the bandits are, but it's optimistic to think they'll hit anything you want them to hit.
>Let’s hope the armoured clankers got their canister shot
Some of the cannon variants are loaded with that.

>>6176292
>how are we doing for ammo and what sorts did we end up making?
You have cannonballs (both explosive and canister shot), missiles, rockets, giant bolts (for the BoatMech's ballista), 'shells' (basically just cannonballs for the mortars), and tons of different bullets for all of your guns.
You're doing pretty well ammo-wise and could probably go years with the stockpile of bullets you have. The least ammo type you currently have are mortar shells since they just came into production earlier this week along with the mortars.
>>
>>6176317
>Rockets can move in a (sort of) straight line for (optimistically) over a thousand yards.
Pity the Cav
>but it's optimistic to think they'll hit anything you want them to hit.
Then it’s good if we let Mel stay out as she can instantly help us correct our shots.
>>
File: 1729971518516233.png (7.36 MB, 2013x1520)
7.36 MB
7.36 MB PNG
Rolled 14, 73, 95, 81 = 263 (4d100)

>>6176221
>>6176241

>"Keep scouting." Her invisibility and illusions should help her hide as she updated you all on their movements from behind their lines. You wanted to know if the bandits from the forest would reinforce or not, and if there would be any other surprises.
It'd be great if she'd been taught skills befitting a forward artillery spotter, or I'd suggest she scout for supplies depots to drop mortar strikes on, but obviously too late for that now and we don't have radios or telepathy anyway. At least we'll know where they are and what they're bringing.
>>6176260
>Though if she's such a sharpshooter and can turn invisible then how would assassination be so risky?
They're comparable to the victorian era aren't they? They probably haven't mastered ballistics physics yet, so she wouldn't be able to do the absolutely ridiculous long shots that would keep her out of engagement range.

>Use it to destroy the airship. You'd take the BoatMech to personally fight against the sea vessel.
Kill the air asset, we don't want it acting as fire support when they run the trenches.

>Pull back if the fighting becomes too heavy and focus on defending.
Attrition! Attrition! Attrition! Tactics does not win wars, logistics does, fighting to wound and dragging out the conflict is far more effective than fighting to kill.

Damn do I wish we'd had the time to build a fully fledged Star Bastion
>>
>>6176328
>Then it’s good if we let Mel stay out as she can instantly help us correct our shots.
I don't think that will help much here since their CEP is huge and they won't land in the same place every time. You move it to land a hundred metres to the east and it lands two hundred metres to the north instead.
>>
>>6176396
Star Bastion town for ourselves sounds great, considering we are seaside and have a port, plus future aluminum industry, we could even attract people to stay here and become pseudo lords.
>>6176422
True but bombarding them at night when they are at a fixed location is still worth, if not for kills then for reducing their effectiveness and morale.
>>
>>6176316
>who their leaders are
I think that's rather easy to find out with observation of behaviour.
>probably having to deal with them chasing her down even if she succeeds
Which being invisible makes trivial.
>And keep in mind that simply bumping into someone else might be enough to dispel invisibility magic.
That would require her not relocating after her shots.
>That would depend on how dumb their captain is and if they have a means to communicate with their ground/air allies.
Doesn't really matter, crews have mutinied for less and cutthroat pirates won't follow a leader they believe is going to get them killed. Should we show them a decapitaded head and tell them their friends are dead, would they risk it?

>>6176396
>we don't have radios
Yeah we do? Do you mean a portable radio, like a walkie talkie?
>They're comparable to the victorian era aren't they? They probably haven't mastered ballistics physics yet, so she wouldn't be able to do the absolutely ridiculous long shots that would keep her out of engagement range.
This would be a better reason if musket sharpshooters weren't a thing, unless they have open sightlines at night of over 275m or 300 yards then she can take a shot from the woods and flee before they can retaliate. And the victorian era did have rifles and modern "pointed" bullets so IF we do too then it's even worse for them.

>>6176531
So let's make a summary of the plan:
-Take down the airship once it's fully loaded up and still over their camp.
-Bomb them the entire night
-Bomb them some more if they approach together and ambush with clankers if they approach seperated.
-Sit back and shoot them from our trenches if they try to run the gauntlet of no man's land.
Am I missing something?
>>
>>6176543
>Yeah we do? Do you mean a portable radio, like a walkie talkie?
The clankers have them, but we didn't make any for the girls specifically to carry around did we?
>>
>>6176545
I forgot their collars have radios so it's even better than I thought.
>>
>>6176543
Basically that’s it. Though we aren’t leaving our defences even if they are separated, obvious exception being to move the mortars for more accurate shots.
Also, if they are planning on staying the night then by the next day we would have recharged the laser shot, so if the pirate ship has not been dealt with, there it goes. Otherwise we are blasting the largest concentration of troops we can.
>>6176550
Mel has one doesn’t she? How else could we talk to her?
>>
>>6176550
Guess we can spec her into a SOWT after all.
>>
>>6176531
The port will be vital for our industrial future considering we're eventually going to need to draw up some oceangoing bulk freighters to ship in large volume, low cost (airships just won't cut it here). Having a walled town could box us in fairly fast, perhaps it would be better to distribute a line of small artillery/AA forts and blockhouses in a perimeter further out in the estate and a couple of coastal or offshore gun batteries.

I'm not arguing against the bombardment (I proposed it, after all), just that we'll probably have to do it from closer range to make it effective.

As a separate topic, I want to remain within the defenses primarily because of the cavalry. In this historical period, light cavalry are still dominant skirmishers and can cut down groups of infantry caught in the open with great effectiveness. Sallying to meet them is just asking for it and not worth it.

>>6176316
We're going to need to found a proper titled House Doe to keep all our descendants under one family umbrella and play the, ugh, politics game. It's going to be unavoidable if we plan on making some big waves, which of course we do.

Just with Herta alone, considering she's unageing with a Goddess' guarantee of good health and a raging pregnancy fetish, we could have in excess of fifty demigod-savant children by her by the time we get too old for this and then there's adding in Catty's future litters, Ayane's desire for a number of children and any more that our human wives decide they want plus any future wives we add to the harem (if we do) and the counter may well need a third digit added to it someday.

-----

While we're on the topic, I want to consider how we're going to treat our wives as their pregnancies progress. We can't treat them like they're made of glass, no matter how tempting it might be - remember what Eisho said, we have to make them feel useful at all times, even if they might not be able to do everything they're used to to the same degree. That means going to lengths to keep them doing what they're good at and like doing for as long as practically possible, particularly regarding our more active girls, who will probably want to stay active - whether that's working around the manor, honing their skills or going out to bash skulls. For example, Gerty is going to be going into combat soon despite being pregnant and she should be able to keep doing it or at least doing PT or combat training until her mobility declines to the point of being physically unable to (though we will need to adjust any armour she has as she expands outward), Mel can certainly still slope around while invisible and be a sharpshooter (almost) regardless of how big and heavy her belly is and Catty doesn't need to be able to see her feet to work the bellows or hammer in nails.
>>
>>6176221
>>6176260
I think
>Pull back if the fighting becomes too heavy and focus on defending.
Represents what Im thinking of better than what I voted for, I hesitated to vote so because I wish to take advantage of having an invisible scout reporting on their every move to pick off any group that's vulnerable. Hence the "Bomb them some more if they approach together and ambush with clankers if they approach separated." in >>6176543

>>6176552
>Don't leave the trenches
If the terrain was flat open fields then yeah stay and hold but it's mostly forest so plenty of opportunities can present themselves.

>>6176800
Nicely put by the way, your observations are my thoughts exactly.
>>
>>6176807
Actually that's a good point on the terrain, I thought it was more open than it was. It's not forest but is is a lot of thickets and weeds that are going to make a cavalry charge difficult though I'm still leery of venturing out. If I'd remembered that beforehand I'd have suggested clearing the weeds to open up the firing arcs for the guns further out from the defences to make a proper killzone. Though they will at least hide the mines and traps.

I did ramble quite a bit in that post, which bit do you mean?
>>
>>6176809
>It's not forest but is is a lot of thickets and weeds that are going to make a cavalry charge difficult though I'm still leery of venturing out.
What did you mean by the first part of this sentence?

As for what bit I meant? All of it really. The only thing I had qualms with is not playing into the terrain and intel advantage through ambushes.

Everything else I agree with.
>>
>>6176800
Agreed on the port considering we will most likely be an export with what we are planning. Depending on how far our claims can go after this arc we may be legally entitled to some new resources (mine locations). As for airships, we can think about creating a separate airship port if it is needed, otherwise not a big priority. I have to disagree with you on the boxing in part though. Historically it takes awhile for a population to grow to a point where they require to expand outwards, but before that those extra people just lived outside the walls and only when the population grow large enough/economically viable would a second set of walls be made and so forth. Also, we need to segregate ourselves from the poor people. For bombardment and sallying out, same thoughts as you.
>how we're going to treat our wives as their pregnancies progress.
Treat them as we usually do until their bellies start to show, then slow down at the rate of pregnancy. Truthfully it may just end up the case of father feels that we start treating them more gently but nothing we can do about that.
>>6176809
>>6176811
Honestly the Calvary is kinda a null factor for us aslong we don’t venture out. Second they attempt to charge they are getting mauled. I am also wary of sending our guys out considering limited number of clankers plus hundreds of bandits. This may change with update, depending on if the enemy does something massively retarded
>>
>>6176811
By that I mean it's not a forest of trees, it's heavily overgrown former farmland etc. full of bushes, brambles and high grass. Potentially even worse terrain that a forest with a clear floor.

>>6176849
If we're going to be going into aluminium, we're likely going to need to import a lot as well since bauxite isn't common in these climates and cryolite is rare. We can also try and get some winged aircraft going for express transport if we need.
I'm just concerned about the footprint of the factories, since they will take up a huge amount of land.

Our wives will start to show quite soon, Herta is around her sixth week by Earth counting standards (counted from last menstruation so it's traditionally time of insemination plus two weeks) and should be just starting to visibly swell up within the next few weeks. But our wives are more than capable of keeping going largely as they are for at least the next few months, and I think it'll be beneficial for them to do so, for themselves as much as us.
>>
>>6176920
>full of bushes, brambles and high grass
So we could Montgisard them?

>we're likely going to need to import a lot
Father in law already seems to have gotten the first orders through. We will have to make and sell the aluminum to see if it will be profitable to continue. As for the wives, they will probably slow down on their own.
>>
>>6177049
Do what now? It is excellent terrain to hide landmines in, particularly claymores. We should look into that for when Forthwythe comes knocking.

I'm just allowing my imagination to run away for a bit and thinking about years in the future when we go from an artisanal operation to some big factories. I can't see any way in which aluminium manufacture isn't profitable for us considering that this world hasn't invented the Hall-Heroult process yet and it's currently an extremely valuable metal we can produce from relatively low cost ingredients with the right infrastructure. That said, if we scale up too fast we could saturate the market so we'll need to pace it to allow the demand to form as the cost comes down.

Even if we don't make it to the big 100, I still anticipate ending up with at least several dozen children.
>>
>>6177056
>Do what now?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Montgisard

>when Forthwythe comes knocking.
Basically confirmed the airship and horses were provided by him. Also those ‘well equipped guys’ that Mel mentioned that are loading into said airship are his, pretending to be bandits. The pirates are most likely under his payroll too.

>I can't see any way in which aluminium manufacture isn't profitable for us
Yes but we are limited by transportation time and costs due to the resources coming from the far north.

>at least several dozen children.
A mighty dynasty.
>>
>>6177062
so we're Baldwin on this one ?
>>
>>6177199
Yup
>>
>>6176543
>I think that's rather easy to find out with observation of behaviour.
>Which being invisible makes trivial.
>That would require her not relocating after her shots.
It is true she'd be able to easily find out who they are if everything is as it seems. But even if there are more surprises, her attention to detail would still help her out. And she'd need to avoid the undead in the forest as well as the bandits that may or may not decide to remain there. Not to mention she also has to watch her mana usage and stamina, considering both are still below average, so it's not like she can keep being invisible for hours.
All of this, combined with it being a high stress situation for her, means she'd likely make mistakes.
>Doesn't really matter, crews have mutinied for less and cutthroat pirates won't follow a leader they believe is going to get them killed. Should we show them a decapitaded head and tell them their friends are dead, would they risk it?
Any true pirate would probably leave as quickly and without much complaining at that point.
>>
>>6177062
Well, we are outnumbered a bit more than at Montisgard but not quite as much as at Saragarhi so at least we've got that going for us

Given how much schizoposting I've done elsewhere, I'd have thought I'd have picked up on that obvious fact. I suppose this means we won't get a separate attack from Forthwythe, but they they'll attack together. That they're in cahoots does not surprise me in the least.

Sure we are limited, but Al is so valuable right now the profit margins should still be huge. In the future as we scale up and develop the logistics of the operation and relationships with suppliers and shippers, the cost and ease of procurement and transport will also come down.

It could always be mightier. I think you're right that most of our wives will slow down in time, though how quickly depends - Ruby, Mel and Bertha might draw the line a bit sooner, Ayane might want a few more, Catty is more enthusiastic about sex and kittens and has the litter multiplier, Gerty might have been bitten by the breeding bug (the stoic, traditional knight-paladin who's privately a horny masochist and wants to make a horde of children with her beloved is enough to win Ladyknight Trope Bingo) and I don't think Herta will ever slow down - unlike our other wives, Herta will always stay young and fertile forever and is so committed to masochism that she may never change from thinking that Master using her body as a breeding vessel for all it's worth is the ultimate expression of love. The girl ain't right but ultimately it's up to all of our wives whether they want to be bred constantly or stop after only a couple of kids.
>>
>>6177258
>at least we've got that going for us
And artillery, rockets, mgs, a giant death laser, etc. I am also reminded of Hertas lightning storm ability

>but they they'll attack together.
We are being attacked right now
>That they're in cahoots does not surprise me in the least.
The double letter basically confirmed it

>the cost and ease of procurement and transport will also come down.
Probably, but hopefully we can find a closer source eventually

>it's up to all of our wives whether they want to be bred constantly or stop after only a couple of kids.
You are basically right in your deductions, though I have a strong feeling we may need to look after Herta in the future. It’s all fun now but who knows if her masochism is gonna spiral. Probably not, but maybe
>>
"Anything you want me to look for?" Mel says with enthusiasm. You could tell she was trying not to be nervous; as her cheerful personality once again wrestled with her nerves.

"Keep tabs on them and tell us the positions of any artillery, supplies, and generally anything that seems important." You order.

"On it!" She replies far more confidently.

A part of you was tempted to bring her back and take a mortar with her, or even command her to get closer to them for some assassination plans, but this was a rare opportunity to spot any further movements and reinforcements. And this would also give you the perfect chance to shoot down the airship when it was full of bandits.

You get the mortars ready and in position. They might not be entirely accurate, but if these guys are planning on staying to attack tomorrow you don't plan on letting them rest. You and your wives decided on taking turns using the mortars if they actually decided to stay; one of your wives would fire at them while the others took naps—Mel continuing to serve as a forward observer. There was a worry that the mortars' explosions keeping everyone from sleeping, especially for those who were sensitive to sounds like Ayane and Cattleya, yet Ruby Rose came up with the ingenious idea of stuffing cotton in her ears. You weren't really sure if it would've been an issue, but you decided to 'reward' her efforts with some ear nibbling.

When the mortars were first made you tested them, finding that the most optimal way to use them would be to fire them from the 'safe zones' Gerty made. These would go forwards a distance, maintaining accuracy a little beyond the farmlands and before the hills—in which the bandits were located behind. They could strike the forest and some of the plains where the goblins used to be, but it was far enough away that you needed Mel's help to spot the places where they were setting base.

But some news about this would make her part more critical.

"Eh, Master." Mel checks in again, sounding a little apprehensive. "Looks like there's a bunch of beguilers too..."

"How many are there? What they're doing? Will you be able to handle them? Can you tell me more about them?" You ask the first questions that pop into your mind.

"There's at least 2... no, 5? I'm not sure... but other than trying to hide any camps and making traps, they haven't been doing much. Wait, they're guarding some of their leaders—some beguilers are the leaders... I think... ?" Mel goes quiet for a bit longer. "If I stay in the trees for most of the night I might get a better picture of what's going on."

"Are you gonna be alright? I know you'd rather be in the comfort of your room." You say, feeling some concern for her. If these beguilers were as powerful as she was, then she could be in trouble. You hoped some of the tricks you taught her and the fairy blood in her veins would come in handy.
>>
"They shouldn't be able to tell where I am if I keep my distance and use these binoculars. If you're worried about me eating, there's wildberries and the snacks I brought. I mean, if I really needed to I could also swipe some bandit supplies."

"Alright. But don't ever feel afraid to rely on me." You reminded her.

"I won't." You could almost hear Mel smile from the intercom.

"Use the radio every once in a while to update us." You command. "I'll make sure to save you if you get in any trouble. Stay safe."

"I'll make sure to keep in touch. Thank you, Master!" If she continued to hide in the bushes, shrubs, and tall grass, only coming out when fully invisible when moving around, she'd be able to conserve her small mana pool.

Later your beguiler would inform you that less than half of the bandits that were in the forest survived, or so she estimated. Thanks to her scouting, you could more or less pinpoint the locations of all the bandits' temporary camps. It should be accurate enough to harass them in the night. She also told you when the airship was as full as it was gonna get. Still close to the bandit camp, at least 150 of the well-armed bandits were on board: It might've not been a bad strategy—invading from the roof with ladders and ropes, seizing The Vixen's Luck, bombing any anti-air defenses with cannonballs, maybe even using gliders like the pirates from earlier did if there were any clankers contesting the skies.

Unfortunately for them, you had a weapon to perfectly counter any incoming airships.

"Is everything ready?" You asked your first wife and goddess. While the laser would've taken an hour to charge, now it merely needed a few minutes thanks to the mana crystal.

"Yes Master!" She saluted, not unlike Gerty. "It's all set to go!"

You give out the order, and brilliant beams shoot out from the now glowing stone structures, somehow merging into a giant laser. It pierces through the airship in less than a second, causing it to explode dramatically.

"Woah..." Bertha says through the radio.

"So this is the power of a Savant..." Cattleya whispers in awe. "I'm not surprised." She says, even though it was mostly Herta that fixed up the stone structures. Although you did help the goddess in setting it to laser-mode, your Lunacy Savantae hardly played a role.

"Ahah..." Mel sounded speechless.

"As wives of the glorious and powerful Savant known as John Doe, we must be deserving enough to be under his name and honor! Keep your positions and look out for the enemy! Do not let them catch us unawares!" Gerty said suddenly through the radio. Her words seem to get through to the rest of your wives, and they get back to guarding and doing their jobs.

Things were quiet on for now. The pirate ship, as Herta identified it, that was at sea was steadily approaching the port. Though it seemed to be taking it's sweet time for some reason.
>>
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You asked Ruby if she could keep a lookout for it in addition to her duties as radio operator, considering Herta would by busy creating lightning clouds and doing other miscellaneous things. It was an extra responsibility the Mastermind gladly accepted.

Mel informed you that the bandits weren't as shaken as she'd expected, though the remaining "elite bandits" just seemed to barely keep themselves organized and were in a near panic. The horse riders, too, seemed to get restless from this event. Mel said that many of them were coming to meet up with the rest of the bandits, while around a dozen or so were charging towards the mansion. You couldn't really tell why they were doing this. Was it some last ditch diplomacy? Were they just gonna do a suicide charge?

Your question was answered when more than a dozen bandits on horseback (and even a few horse beastfolk bandits running alongside them) would try their luck against the defenses, openly attacking and shooting at will, desperately trying to find an opening. But they were soon stopped by the rockets and the mortars, blown to pieces before even making it to the clankers hiding by the trenches or even the chevaux de frise.

"That’ll show ‘em not to get too close." Said Cattleya with a huff.

"It was pretty bold move." You comment. "Dumb, but bold."

"Quite so. I'll add it was rather anticlimactic too." Ruby said through the radio, sounding unbothered. You think you hear a teacup being placed on a plate. "Master, you requested that I tell you of the ship sailing at sea if it ever got close to the port." Ruby's voice continued. She honestly had a good enough voice to be a singer. "So here I am, telling you it's close by~"

You thanked Ruby, then made your way to the BoatMech. It was close by since you didn't want to walk all the way back to the port, hidden in plain sight in the same place Herta used it to scare those three guys that were trying to extort you before.

Ayane had asked to come with. You let her after she presented you the idea of using her fire against the mostly wooden pirate ship.

Just 15 minutes into sea made you realize something: Maneuvering around enemy would be easy as shit. You almost forgot this was the BoatMech's element.

It didn't matter what they did or how many cannonballs they shot, you were much better at dodging on the water than they could ever hope to be.
Unfortunately, they also seemed to be nimble, and avoided many of your counterattacks.

As you chased the surprisingly evasive and aggressive ship, you kept in touch with Mel and your wives that remained in the estate. Everything was still peaceful back there, with only small units of bandits scouting by and probing the defenses, most getting annihilated for the attempts.

You were going in circles chasing these pirates, playing a game of cat and mouse. Every time it seemed like they were leaving, they attacked you again. It was getting pretty obvious they were either baiting you and/or stalling for time.
>>
"Ah, I see." Ayane said as if coming to the same realization you did. She looks at you. "Master-"

"This is a distraction, I know." You said calmly.

"Indeed." She confirms. "It's good to see your perception shine again. Now, how shall we deal with this?"

"I don't think we have to." You say, finally finding the perfect angle to fire a giant bold from the Clocksmith's Ballista. It pierced through the deck as Ayane did a spell that made some embers fly onto the ship, causing parts of it to catch fire—these two actions seemed to be enough to make them turn tail. You suspected they wouldn't try to come back anytime soon.

Though you were glad this encounter was basically decided already, you were close enough that you could use the rapiers and chains of the BoatMech if you wanted to attack further...

>You let them escape. With any luck they'll tell their buddies in whatever employer or pirate haven they stop by next that this place shouldn't be messed with.
>You destroy the ship. You won't risk word spreading and potentially attracting unwanted attention.
>(Write-in)

After that, you decided it was best to come back sooner rather than later.

"Darling," Ayane said. "You were right about pirates turning tail against any tough enemies."

"I know I'm right." You said with some smugness. "Like I've said before: As long as you trust me, everything will work out fine."

"Hm." She hums pleasantly. "It's good to have a man that's both reliable and handsome." You think you see her lick her lips. "Master, once we're back, may we-?"

"Let's save it for when we're done with the bandits, love." You say, though you still give her a taste of what's to come with a kiss. She's been much more lustful recently, given how after magic/physical training you both 'trained' even more with each other.

"Ah." Ayane says, gasping for air. "Though I'm older and you're younger, I feel like I'm the one being gobbled up~" She giggles.

After returning to the mansion, you waited for Mel's update you on what was happening. She'd told you that nothing much had changed, and that all the beguilers did was cover the camps with an illusion.

By nightfall you enact the plan, taking turns to bomb them with the mortars. Mel gave directions about where the other beguilers were and how the bandits tried to adapt against the barrage, and you'd ended up destroying many of their logistics. Mel ended up staying awake for most of the night coordinating with whoever was in charge of the mortars, and to her credit she kept herself positive and didn't complain.

Morning came by and, a few hours after you'd woken up, you were pleasantly surprised that the scumbags that hurt Ayane and countless others threw themselves at the meat grinder, likely underestimating your defenses and overestimating themselves. The clanks, guided by Gerty and yourself, acted defensively—staying behind or in the trenches themselves and using the overgrown foliage and grass as natural covers.
>>
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Mortars were used against them when they were grouped together and clankers picked them off when they attacked separately. While the more "elite" of their rank (the ones that weren't in/survived the airship, being a little over 50 in number) had good guns that were comparable to most above-average rifle in your possession, most of the other bandits still used air muskets. Thinking about it, the Bandit King sounded like the sort of guy that would send his mooks as terrorists in a school or academy. You'd looked for schools in Centria, but they were either extremely expensive or connected to the Adventurer's Guild. You think there was a main academy in Centria, but there was honestly no real way for you to afford it now (and sadly Ayane didn't have connections to it, being tutored by her family instead).

Anyway, this honestly couldn't be called a battle with how one sided things were going. Neither you nor your fighting wives were in any trouble, clankers always defended key positions, Herta summoned lightning from the sky against them, rockets and mortars spreading bandits around if they gathered somewhere. When popping out of the 'safe zones' and trenches you all became terrors in this makeshift battlefield. Even Ayane was able to shoot a few fireballs at them with mixed success.

The estate, currently more like a fortress, was almost impossible to try to invade by ground at this point. The BoatMech was your sea defense. By air you had rockets and missiles, not to mention the motherfucking laser.

When you first came to this world, you warned about a 'garden of slaughter' when meeting the Drag On Gang. Now that bullshit was a reality.

After a few more minutes of the bandits sustaining heavy losses they retreated back behind the hills. It was only the horseback riders that remained, and they now numbered less than 100. But you didn't stop there: Just like last night, the mortar bombings continued. A very tired sounding Mel kept reporting their positions. She warned of two beguilers had left the rest of the bandits and were now acting on their own. You were able to identify one of them that used the cover of illusions to try and sneak into the mansion—a bandit beguiler chick that immediately tried to assassinate you once she realized she'd been discovered. Fortunately the clankers Gerty controlled, your Shellstrike Gauntlets, Cattleya's claws, and Bertha's hammer killed her before any harm could be done.
>>
"I didn't think there'd be so many bandit chicks." You commented, looking at some of the corpses.

"I'm not shocked, guv'." Cattleya meows while wiping her claws with a towel. "There's women that think they're hot shite, 'avin a good ol' knees up, but end up just followin' someone bigger and badder until they get killed."

"There's mostly women around the planet, so, like, I guess it's natural that you'd see at least a few girl bandits." Bertha said while beside you. She showed her worth this fight, using Hammer-Bomb and Multi-Gigahammer against the enemy to great effect.

It felt like a waste to use so many hot women as cannon fodder, but these chicks were trying to kill you and your wives so you couldn't muster up sympathy.

Just as you were about to respond to Bertha and Cattleya, Mel gave another report: The bombings became too much for the bandits and they began to flee.

As soon as everyone was beginning to think this was over and a cheer was sounded, you suddenly felt an unknown mana presence. But before you could do anything an explosion could be heard from one of the stone structures.

You're not sure what it was, or how it happened, but evidence pointed to the following: One of Mel's traps—that she'd created right before you all left for Centria—seemed to have captured the other bandit beguiler, apparently the twin of the one that tried to kill you. She wiggled free from the trap with her own beguiling skills, got chased in the mansion and greenhouse by some clankers. She tried to sabotage some things, did enough to ruin some of the gourds, only to get cornered by a clank. The ensuing battle between them would remain a mystery, but one thing was certain—the clank exploded and took her down with it, if your robot's scattered pieces and the gore that remained of her body told anything.

"OH COME ON!" Herta said, beyond annoyed. You couldn't blame her, she'd worked hard on fixing the structures up. While you also felt sad about the clank, at the very least it was the only one that was destroyed.

After consoling the frustrated goddess, mostly by calling the her a sow-bitch that needed to shut up before you made her shut up, you asked if you needed to worry about the magic from the structures being unstable. She responded that if she got to work right away there'd be nothing to worry about.
Herta was interesting this way—easily swaying between wanting to do too much work or too little. You figured it was just the moodiness women get from pregnancy, at least according to what Eisho said.

You'd reunited with a very tired Mel some time earlier. On top of everything she helped you with, she'd done more; checking and double-checking the area with you to make sure no bandit-beguilers remained, disarming the traps they left, and even helping you kill a couple bandits on horseback as they were running away. She happily fell asleep after you 'cherished' her for all the effort she put in yesterday and today.
>>
You looked outside the window and sighed. Cleaning things up was gonna take some time.

===

It took the rest of the day to fix everything. You and your wives (even Mel, though you insisted she take some a break) found your second wind.

As for what remained of the bandits—Yumi being in charge of making sure that no vengeful spirits would haunt your asses—you all ended either burying or "honorably" throwing them into the sea.

Herta did say that if anyone was feeling haunted she'd exorcise the spirit.

That night, you'd celebrate by shooting some fireworks into the sky.

Tomorrow would definitely a day to celebrate. However, after wrapping up this week you decided to...

>Go back to doing things like normal. (Return to weekly decisions)
>Announce that you'd all be taking a vacation. Beaches, picnics, things like that. (Uses up parts of next week)
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6177331
>You destroy the ship. You won't risk word spreading and potentially attracting unwanted attention.
I still wanna keep our boatmech as a hidden ace
>>6177365
>Announce that you'd all be taking a vacation. Beaches, picnics, things like that. (Uses up parts of next week)
>>
>>6177331
>You destroy the ship. You won't risk word spreading and potentially attracting unwanted attention.
Don’t want more people knowing what toys we have.
>>6177365
>Announce that you'd all be taking a vacation. Beaches, picnics, things like that. (Uses up parts of next week)
A break well deserved but more importantly: loot all those bodies! The scrap metal we can get from their armour and weapons will be worth it, plus from the wreckage of the airship and camps we can create some new clanker variants which brings me to a fun idea. >>6169537
This anons idea for a spider clanker seems like it would do great in forest environments. If we can make a few of these we can let them loose and they can hunt down the bandits one by one.
>>
>>6177331
>>You destroy the ship. You won't risk word spreading and potentially attracting unwanted attention.
>Go back to doing things like normal. (Return to weekly decisions)
>>
>>6177365
>You destroy the ship. You won't risk word spreading and potentially attracting unwanted attention.
They're pirates, they don't deserve anything else anyway
>Announce that you'd all be taking a vacation. Beaches, picnics, things like that. (Uses up parts of next week)
Beach episode time!
And yes, pillage all the scrap, supplies and equipment they have
>>
>>6177365
>You destroy the ship. You won't risk word spreading and potentially attracting unwanted attention.
Sink 'em for the salvage if nothing else. Though we're probably gonna need some diving equipment if it doesn't go down in the shallows. A diving bell at absolute minimum, we could probably rig some sort of crane or tow cable to the boatmech to get it out of the water, assuming we do manage to sink it.
>Announce that you'd all be taking a vacation. Beaches, picnics, things like that.
The beach episode is irresistable.
>>
>>6177331
>You destroy the ship. You won't risk word spreading and potentially attracting unwanted attention.
Them disappearing sends it's own message. All in all, everything by the numbers so now we just loot what was left behind.

>>6177365
>Announce that you'd all be taking a vacation. Beaches, picnics, things like that. (Uses up parts of next week)
Just for a day or two on the port beach when the weather is good.
>>
>>6177365
Forgot to mention when I posted but approximately how many did we kill and how many retreated?
Also, thanks for big update, probably your longest
>>
>>6177331
>>You destroy the ship. You won't risk word spreading and potentially attracting unwanted attention.

>>6177365
>>Announce that you'd all be taking a vacation. Beaches, picnics, things like that. (Uses up parts of next week)
>>
>>6177637
>how many did we kill and how many retreated?
Though you aren't sure the exact number, there were 117 dead bandit, not counting the corpses that are unrecognizable (at least 100 more), those from the airship (more than 150), or those that died in the forest from the undead (more than 50). So the real number might be between 400-450 dead, and add at least a dozen more to that if the crew of that pirate ship is destroyed.
Less than 100 horseback riders fled, taking with them the beguilers (except for the two that died at the end of the battle).
>Also, thanks for big update, probably your longest
Much appreciated.
Just a disclaimer: I probably won't have the time or energy to often make big updates, though I'm sure I'll write chunky updates like this one every once in a while. Still, thank you anon.
>>
>>6177748
Damn, a lot are still alive. Only more reason why we have to make spider kill bots.
>spoiler
Understandable, creating long updates at a regular frequency sounds miserable
>>
"The fireworks are beautiful."

That was a sentiment all your wives shared with you at least once as they ate and drank merrily. Modified rockets shot up into the night; painting the skies in colorful explosions.

Ruby's dyes and your innate Savant knowledge were to thank for said colors and rockets. While there were still many things you didn't question, you knew that everything had a reason for working like it did—as convenient as said reasons could be.

"An excellent display." Ayane said. She had a nostalgic look in her eyes. You recall hearing something about how in Centria and in Oceanippon they'd shoot fireworks on special occasions too.

"It's alright." Cattleya, clearly not used to it, commented with some cotton in her ears. Such was the pain of being a catgirl with good hearing.

"They're pretty." Bertha nearly whispered as she held your hand and looked at them. "Thank you..."

"You're welcome, Bertha. But this is more than a nice light show," You said, channeling something that might sound like an inspirational anime quote. "It's proof that we're still standing."

"Well said, Master~" Rose replied, immediately taking the chance to flatter you. "Your brilliance shows no bounds." Yet you knew your Mastermind was smug about playing a part in letting this happen.

"Yup! And while this was a pretty crazy day," Mel said. A joyful certainty sparkled in her eyes. "I was sure everything was gonna be alright! And with Master around, those bad guys didn't stand a chance!"

"We were prepared for them." You said, glad that Gerty's healing wasn't that needed. "But it's telling that the bandits were less of an issue than the goblins."

"That's true." Said Gerty, eyes to the sky. "Yet I like to believe that had more to do with your strategies, Master."

"Prepared or not, we'll still win. Especially with a genius goddess like myself." Herta said with a yawn, almost falling asleep with her head against your chest.

One by one, your wives went back to bed. The only one remaining was Bertha, looking up at the clear and starry night long after the firework show had ended. It was quiet, only the crashing waves against the cliff could be heard.

"Master." Bertha said, not looking at you. "I know I already said this, but I really appreciate the fireworks." She turns to face you, clearly somewhat emotional. "When I was a girl, my dad used to make tons of them with all of his wives when he wasn't farming. The entire village would use them to celebrate when the harvest was over." Your warrioress smiles. "So, thank you, Master~!"

You smile back.

The next morning everyone is rested and fully recovered.

Things went back to normal and you decided to take it easy today with your slave-wives.

Yet Ayane requested to train with you still, and despite this being a day off you happily agreed. As promised before, you made sure she would be 'trained' by your thorough routine. You were starting to feel like a gigolo when these 'sessions' started...
>>
However, there was still something you wished to take account of.

The amount of metal over 400 dead bandits could provide was nothing to laugh at. Tallying all the cheaper loot—bastard swords, longswords, knives, shields, axes, and the like—in addition to things you'd found in the wreckage of the airship, you could potentially gain around 3000lbs of scrap. You'd also ended up adding even more weapons to the ones you got from the bandit camp where Ayane was being held. While most of these were just muskets (at least a few boxes worth), there were better additions that the slain "elite bandits" provided: Rifles (both standard and for marksmen), pistols, shotguns, even a cannon from the airship was still operational, and something that looked like a grenade or smoke bomb was found on the person of the woman that tried to kill you.

But how much of it did you want to designate as scrap?

>None of it. It could all be useful someday.
>Only the "useless" metal items. (Gain 3000lbs of scrap)
>The "useless" items, including muskets too. (Gain 3500lbs of scrap)
>All of their weapons, including useful ones such as the rifles and the cannon. (Gain 4500lbs of scrap)

Later that day you'd announce that a vacation would be in store for next week. Considering the frenzy you'd all been through recently, this was pretty popular with your wives.

"There's some nice places were we can have a picnic." You said. "While out in the ocean I saw a few beaches that looked nice and private."

"Ohhh~" Herta says. "I wanna go to a beach! I heard sunburns can be really painful~"

"Even if it's bad for the pregnancy?" You teased.

"Eh? Well, in that case I'll keep myself in the shade and water..." Herta was taking this seriously at least, though you were just joking.

"A vacation sounds nice. But there might be goblins and bandits still around." Gerty begins, to the immediate groans and boos of your other wives.

"Mate, I get how bad greenskins are, but I doubt there are many left. And I bet those bandits are halfway back to Westphalia already. Don't complain about some time off." Said Cattleya. It was understandable why she—your hardest worker—would be the most in favor of having a vacation. Gerty on the other hand grumbled about 'not minding if Master pushed her harder'.

"The feline is correct." Rose said. "Besides, if we allow goblins or bandits to do as they wished we'd find a greater abundance of loot after some pest control is enacted~"

"Eh, that's kinda messed up..." Mel said, though she (and the rest of your Riverdale slaves) seemed used to Ruby making comments like these. Everyone that wasn't named Ruby Rose generally agreed with your beguiler's words.

The rest of the day continued with more leisure than you'd expected. Your wives must've been really tired from all the worries, work, and fighting. And you, being a kind Master, weren't against giving any of the needier ones further 'rewards'.
>>
Days passed without further incidents, and after everyone wrapped up the remaining part of their week's jobs you all could rest easy.

You wondered how Forthwythe and the Bandit King were reacting to the news.

===

It was the first day of the week, and everyone's small vacation had begun in full swing after some preparations.

You'd all gone to have a picnic close to some trees by a hill, a few clankers guarding the perimeter.

The mansion could be seen from here: Chevaux de frise and many other defenses remained protecting it on one side while the natural defenses of being on a cliffside overseeing the ocean protected it from the other. It gave the estate an intimidating look, but...

"I believe it's a bit of an eye sore, wouldn't you all say?" Ruby said in general.

"It's well defensible and practical." Gerty responded.

"So it's 'practical'? Ufufufu~" Ruby laughed. "That's quite the Eastian response. Anything you need to tell us, Gerty?"

"What are you implying, Ruby?" Gerty said, some annoyance slipping into her voice.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Bertha looked confused. "We don't work for Forthwythe and Westphalia anymore. And you have Eastian lineage, so you're, like, already an Eastian, right?"

"Being under one like Forthwythe was a great misfortune. And it's true that by extension of serving a worthy man like our Savant Master-husband, Westia isn't our homeland anymore." Gerty seemed conflicted. "While my blood might be Eastian, I was raised a proud Westphalian. My parents defecting to that land before their deaths is proof enough of Westphalia's worth. To say I'm Eastian-"

"What you think doesn't matter." You interrupt, purposefully dismissing her feelings as you possessively put an arm around your Holy Knight's shoulder. "All that's important now is that you're mine." The finality and force of your tone seems to put her at ease, with the extra effect of making the knightly woman blush.

"Indeed, our Master is right." Ayane spoke as calmly as ever. "We should try to support him how we can. That includes if he decides to keep the defenses or not." This was something all of your wives agreed on.

"Yeah, well, I think it's kinda cool that the defenses keep us safe y'know?" Mel said, thankful to you and Ayane for keeping the peace in what should be a nice outing.

"We can always just temporarily put away the chevaux de frise." Herta said. She'd been keeping close to you and grinding against you. This was probably one of her 'clingy' days. "But it might be safer to keep it there. And we could always just change it in the future, like when we redesign for something..."

"I gotta agree with Rubes here, it's kinda ugly." Bertha commented. "The stone wall alone is enough to keep us safe. Plus it looks good too."

"Bertha, I could stroll right over that bloomin' wall if I wanted." Cattleya deadpanned, pushing herself into the conversation. "It's not doing a bloody thing, just a line in the sand for the mansion proper."
>>
Your Cat had a point: While the stone wall (though it was more like a stone fence) could stop most monsters in their tracks, against enemies such as the bandits it had little to no effect. Then again, if you (temporarily) removed the cheval de frise you could make it look more inviting.

As always, the choice was yours.

>Keep everything as it was for now. Better safe than sorry.
>Store the chevaux de frise away, but everything else stays.
>Make the estate more inviting. The mansion will be less defended, but it'll look nicer to any visitors.
>(Write-in)

After that the picnic went really well. It was peaceful, almost idyllic. Mel picked flowers, Ayane showed off some fire spells to Bertha and Gerty, Ruby was reading a book, Cattleya was taking a cat nap in the sun, and you were feeding Herta some 'protein' with your 'sausage'. All was well in the world.

Except for the part where skeletons and other undead went out of the forest, only to be destroyed by the clankers once again.
You probably should do something about that forest thing soon, it was starting to get annoying.

Afternoon peacefully turned to dusk and you all returned home.

Tomorrow came by and, thanks to Bertha's sewing skill, all of your wives had swimwear to choose from. You 'helped them into' their clothes, and soon every wife of yours had a bikini on. Or at least hid it under their regular clothes. Even Cattleya was wearing a different type of bikini from the golden ones she usually wore everyday.

After telling them the rules and giving a small demonstration, volleyball seemed to be pretty popular with your slaves. You even made a net for them to use.

Yeah, it was time for another cliche fanservicey filler beach episode. Just the way you liked them.

When the weather was fair, you all took The Vixen's Luck to...

>The beach near the port. It was close by and had good fishing spots.
>An eastern beach with a beautiful coral reef to dive in and some abandoned wrecks on the shore.
>A western beach with tons of palm trees and shiny shells to collect.
>A small island close to where Thea was last seen.
>Another type of beach a little further away. (Write-in)
>>
>>6178453
>Store the chevaux de frise away, but everything else stays.
I expect we'll have some time to pull them back out if we really need them again, they won't help much against any attacks that come by surprise either way. Might be worth looking into building a specialised clanker to act as an early warning system, but that's for later on. Long term goal would be making a pretty star bastion, but we're obviously gonna need a lot more resources for a project of that scale.

>A small island close to where Thea was last seen.
You can't just tease a plot hook like that and not expect us to pick it
>>
>>6178381
>The "useless" items, including muskets too. (Gain 3500lbs of scrap)
I want teams of spider kill bots to rid the forests of bandits, goblins and skeletons. The actual good stuff we keep to sell.
>>6178453
>Keep everything as it was for now. Better safe than sorry.
Not until the enemies are dealt with and the bastions are built.
>An eastern beach with a beautiful coral reef to dive in and some abandoned wrecks on the shore.
Reefs and treasure abound
>>
>>6178381
>The "useless" items, including muskets too. (Gain 3500lbs of scrap)

>>6178453
>Keep everything as it was for now. Better safe than sorry.
we're still at war, unfortunately

>An eastern beach with a beautiful coral reef to dive in and some abandoned wrecks on the shore.
>>6178460
anon, you forgot the vote from the second post
>>
>>6178453
>A small island close to where Thea was last seen.
changing last choice to this since I'm blind.
>>
>>6178515
I didn't, I just don't have any specific preference for how we deal with the salvage, salvage is salvage
>>
>>6178381
>The "useless" items, including muskets too. (Gain 3500lbs of scrap)
Muskets are included among the useless items. If we ever want a large quantity of weapons, we are making or buying some proper guns instead of this obsolete junk, even by this world's standards.
>Store the chevaux de frise away, but everything else stays.
Our house still looks like Verdun, we don't need these ugly things out right now. We're still heavily defended if someone does come knocking.
>An eastern beach with a beautiful coral reef to dive in and some abandoned wrecks on the shore.
Let's go find some treasure
>>
>>6178381
>The "useless" items, including muskets too. (Gain 3500lbs of scrap)

>>6178453
>Keep everything as it was for now. Better safe than sorry.
Aesthetics are a secondary concern right now. Like the text says, better safe than sorry.

>An eastern beach with a beautiful coral reef to dive in and some abandoned wrecks on the shore.
Don't care about Thea.
>>
There was a place where the sand is pure and the waters clear. Many shipwrecks, left from some unnamed previous battle had remained there for you to pick apart, both above and below water, intertwining with the coral reef that spread through a large part of this eastern shore.

Yes, this would be the perfect place to relax. And maybe find some treasure along the way.

You found a nice spot to land The Vixen's Luck out of view. Everybody immediately got to work with taking the day off.

After setting up the net and having a practice match with you and Herta participating, the goddess showing off by hitting the ball with flashy divine powers (and somehow getting stuck on the net in the process), some of your girls were still interested in trying out the sport. To your surprise, Ruby Rose was among those playing. She and Bertha were on one team while Gerty and Cattleya were on the other. You felt like this was skewed in favor of the side your catgirl and your Holy Knight were on, but the match was surprisingly close.

Mel was wading ankle-deep through the water, diving in when she noticed anything under the waves. Already getting a few coins and some other trinkets as souvenirs for her efforts. These feats were impressive: Being light in weight compared to most, she had to double her efforts if she wanted to swim downwards. Your beguiler slave-wife even told you that—if she were as fast as Cattleya—she might even be able to run over water.

Ayane on the other hand rested on a blanket. She told you that she didn't want to get sand on her tails and would at most take a few dips into the water. She quietly fell asleep there in the sunlight, content to rest after a week of exercise.

Herta followed you around like a lost puppy wherever you went. You took advantage of this by making love with her in remote (and not so remote) locations.

This status-quo continued until you returned to the main area, leaving Herta beneath one of the umbrellas so that she could recover from how rough you were.

You approached Ayane, who was awake once more and watched the volleyball match.

"So, what's going on here?" You ask her.

"Ruby requested me to keep track of the score." Your vixen explained. "I'm not sure why. It's been casual."

"Who's in the lead?"

"It's a tie. They've been evenly scoring against each other for a while now."

The game of volleyball picked up speed the moment you started watching. Ruby dove into the sand and was able to prevent Gerty and Cattleya from scoring another point.

"HYAAAA!" Your hammer-wielding Warrior gave a warcry as she jumped to serve the ball over the net.

But this attack seemed to be in vain as Cattleya rushed to block it.
>>
"Master," Ayane whispered from beside you. "Should we stop them? It wasn't this competiti-"

Your catgirl's block was then countered by none other than your Mastermind, surprising you again. A sandy faced Rose got up again and coordinated with Bertha to fake-out the other team. The ruse was effective enough to give them the win, Bertha successfully spiking the ball with enough force to leave a hole in the sand.

"Yes!!!" Bertha pumped her fist up into the air. She turned around and began to happily skip towards you. "Master, did you see that?"

"I sure did." You say, letting her hug you with not-so-subtle intentions.

"My gallant Savant Master, know that I won handily in your name~" Ruby said with some relief, going to a side of yours that was unoccupied by the Warrior woman.

"Hey! Don't use the words I said before the match!" Gerty exclaimed. Ruby ignored her.

"Ruby, your plan actually worked!" Bertha said incredulously.

"Obviously." A smug Ruby said. "There was never a doubt in my mind it would."

Ruby Rose was in a much better mood. You remembered how off she'd been acting since the picnic.

===

"Master, is it truly fine to keep things as they are? Would you not like to see something beautiful looking at your estate?" Said Ruby after you'd told everyone your intentions to keep the defenses as they were for the time being.

"Madame," You began. "I only need to look into your eyes and listen to the chime of your voice in order to see beauty~" That was paraphrasing a quote from The Baron's Bandit.

Though clearly flattered, she nonetheless responded negatively. "An accurate assessment. However, it's surprising that you're willing to keep it as is. I mean, ah, I actually don't mean much by that." She trips over her words. "Considering how the mind of a slave is so naturally willing to enjoy the many protections of her Master, I once more declare my undying loyalty to you. Despite how much of an eyesore said defenses may be to women-"

"Oi, I like the mansion just fine. Ditches, hidin' zones, cheatue der frise—or wot ever they're called—included." Cattleya meowed.

"Well, to most women." Ruby corrected herself. While she was trying to appear confident, you could perceive that she was actually feeling a bit worried about potentially clashing with your 'master schemes', despite the fact that you know she trusts you completely. "Ahem. I shall always trust your decision regardless, my gallant Master~"

You knew that look; she was gonna try to 'get in your good graces again'. Even if you told her to not worry about it, your Mastermind would just look too deep into your words and end up multiplying her convoluted scheme to appease you.

You stifled a sigh and made a mental note to shower her with affection later.

===

"Congratulations." You complimented your Warrior and your Mastermind.
>>
You were happy Ruby was able to get some peace of mind by 'proving' her worth. And you were even happier that you didn't have to jump through some hoops in an overly-complicated scheme.

Brushing off some sand from her face, you indulged your Mastermind with a passionate kiss. She happily accepted her reward, her cheeks reddening. You made sure she'd need to her catch her breath afterwards. You soon give the same treatment to Bertha.

Gerty and Cattleya looked dejected, faces tinged with jealousy. Well that wouldn't do.

"Cattleya," You started with your catgirl. "It might be frustrating now, but this is an experience to build off of. You have a mind that thinks things through, and you should be proud of that. I know you'll do better." Your words seemed to have done the trick in consoling her. Now for the other wife...

"Gerty... what the hell was that?" You switch to a crueler tone. "I expected better of you than to rely on instinct and raw power."

"Master, forgive me! It was the heat of the moment, and you were watchi-"

"I don't want to hear excuses." You say with authority. "I know simple bitches in heat like you doesn't care about their own appearances, but you disgrace me by trying to brute force things through. You will do better next time. That's an order from your Master."

"Yes, sir!" While Gerty may look stern and righteous, the slight flush on on her cheeks and the masochistic longing she had for you in her eyes told you that she was happy again.

You said these things as you freely groped both Ruby and Bertha all the while.

Having a consenting slave harem is amazing.

The sound of your kitsune wife clearing her throat brings you back to reality. She then informs you, as politely as possible, about how she would bring out better blankets from the airship. You have a feeling your old fox wanted some attention too, and you were glad to provide her some, making her composure melt in your embrace.

Bertha's rumbling stomach tells you it's time to have lunch, and after ordering Herta to make some food you went to look for Mel. As you waded into the nearly transparent waters, avoiding some of the deeper looking reefs, you walk towards the large shipwreck. And there you find a very drenched beguiler wife of yours, half of her body snugly fitting in the hole of the stranded boat.

"Ah! Master!" Your beguiler said. She held a bag on her right hand, likely filled with trinkets and items that took her fancy. "Nice seeing you here! What's up? Ehehe... I was walking up and down the beach, sat around looking at the waves, found a destroyed pirate ship, then this rusty ship, decided to check them out and... uh..." She tried to wiggle free, but to no avail. Mel turned to you with a sheepish expression. "I'm stuck. Haha."
>>
"I can see that." You're not even gonna ask how she managed. For all the attention to detail Mel had, she was still the one that was most prone to getting into trouble. You wondered if she was afflicted with something similar to Ayane's cursed skill of Bad Luck. Maybe there was some fairy nonsense going on?

Whatever the case, you helped her out of there with your strength (silently grateful for all the workouts you did with Ayane), the way she popped out making you get a faceful of her posterior.

"I'm sure we're gonna look back at this one day and laugh." You said, carrying Mel on your back.

"It's already pretty funny! Besides," Mel smiled. "I know you'll always rescue me no matter what."

"I will. All I ask is that you don't needlessly run into danger." Though you knew she wasn't the type to do that, being too nervous half of the time and too detail oriented the other, it was best to nip any bad habits of hers before they'd develop.

"Don't worry, I'm not gonna run off and cause trouble." She smiled joyfully.

"Where's the pirate ship you're talking about?" You asked, wanting to know if it was on land or under water.

"Just half a mile further beyond this ironclad warship. You'll see it when the palm trees start to get more dense. It's a recent wreck, you can't miss it."

You both ended up talking about the little souvenirs she'd found.

"Just remember to let Herta look them over. We don't want to bring some cursed item with us back to the mansion by accident."

"I will. And speaking of treasure," She'd said with some excitement, "Some pirate ship wrecks might have some!"

Your response was delayed by a certain shouting goddess. "Master! Food's ready~!"

You both went to join a small barbecue that was starting.

"A shipwreck with treasure?" Bertha repeated the news after you and Mel told everyone.

"Nope." Mel said.

"Wait, does it or does it not still have loot?" You asked.

"Nah. I mean, yeah! It does. Just, uh, not in the ship. In, like, the reef, all scattered around the reef and in some underwater ships." Mel clarified. "I've been finding stuff from diving ever since we came here."

"Abandoned underwater ships sound like the beginning of some sort of ghost story." Herta commented as she was looking over the items Mel found. "There's nothing cursed here. But most of this stuff is junk." The goddess said, not pulling her punches.

"Urk." Mel smiled weakly "Well, I know, but at least they're nice mementos of this place..." She muttered under her breath.

"A sunken ghost ship? That would be inconvenient if it were the case." Ayane casually said in reply to Herta's comment, but you could perceive a shred of worry in the old vixen.

"I doubt it's anything like that." Ruby responded, already hatching a contingency plan in her eyes. "And besides, we have both the goddess and that annoying ghost in the off chance we encounter anything spiritual."
>>
"We could make it a treasure hunt." You said, thinking about making it fun while potentially finding valuable things.

"Sounds like fun!" Herta immediately seemed into the idea for some reason. "Especially if Master is there bossing us around~!" And there it was.

"I'm not much for water or swimmin', guv," Cattleya meowed, but then gained a determined look. "But unlike other catgirls I won't back off or complain about it."

"A shipwreck...." Gerty said, recalling something. "Master, when we return home there's something from the airship you felled I wished to see."

"Sure. Is there anything in particular you wanted to check out?" Both you and Mel played an instrumental role in salvaging everything possible from it; the wreck from the bandit's airship was picked clean by you and your wives. Those from already Riverdale confirmed it was one of Forthwythe's ships.

"I merely wished to confirm something, Master." Gerty responded.

The food, some meat that Bertha had brought from Centria and placed in magically sealed larder the moment you all returned home, was delicious.

Ruby would regale the story about how she was 'the key to victory' in the volleyball game. Herta was being Herta, fantasizing and embellishing the way you 'forced' yourself onto her, even requesting you to punish her in different ways (something Gerty seemed to be paying attention, doubtless eager for your insults and punishments). Mel talked about how beautiful the coral reef was to swim in. You and your other wives chimed in to every conversation with a remark or a comment. It was the usual mealtime chaos.

An unspoken inquiry was placed on you: How long would everyone stay here? You brought tents just in case you all wanted to sleep outside or if the worst case scenario happened, but there were always the makeshift rooms in the The Vixen's Luck, if that proved too uncomfortable.

>Once it became night you'd set sail back home and sleep in the mansion.
>When it becomes dark you'll start a campfire and stay here for the night. But tomorrow you'd all return to the mansion first thing in the morning.
>Remain for another day after this one. You had the supplies and you doubted your wives would complain about an extended beach vacation.
>(Write-in)

(Four anons roll 1d100s for loot)
>>
Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>6179525
>Once it became night you'd set sail back home and sleep in the mansion.
I’m fine with this or staying overnight
>>
>>6179525
Did we ever get around to turning that giant's pearl into a legendary item?
>>
>>6179541
Nope
>>
>>6179541
Not yet.
>>
Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>6179525
>Once it became night you'd set sail back home and sleep in the mansion.
Witness the sunset around a campfire.

>>6179541
I wonder how we could best use it. A scrying orb? A magic battery for the lazer?
>>
>>6179581
>A scrying orb
I would 100% vote for that. Depending on how strong it is we could fuck up anybodies plan against us before it even happens
>>
Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>6179525
>When it becomes dark you'll start a campfire and stay here for the night. But tomorrow you'd all return to the mansion first thing in the morning.
>>
Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>6179525
>Remain for another day after this one. You had the supplies and you doubted your wives would complain about an extended beach vacation.
>>
>>6179557
Hope you're alright QM.
>>
>>6180852
Update is basically done. Just had a few technical and irl issues on my end.
>>
Once the meal was done, and some final precautions were made, you and your slave-wives dived into the sea. It's undeniably beautiful: Sunken ships which nature now claimed, small schools of fish swam around freely, even the bones of some unidentifiable race or species or animal—all adding to the serene, if somewhat morbid, atmosphere of the coral reef.

Cattleya, still retaining some competitive spirit from earlier and—despite her senses being lessened underwater—tried find as much treasure as she possibly could. Everyone else, even Ayane—in her old age, the many tails that hindered her swimming, and the fear that she'd lose the lucky brooch Hisashi gifted her—unanimously decided to help in the treasure hunt. More than once, however, Cattleya ended up going after fish—wasting time trying to skewer them with her claws.

"Feels like I bodged it up." She meowed out to you while smiling and scratching her head. "When I saw those fish, chasin' 'em just felt natural. Before I knew it I almost had a whole bucket of the buggers."

"Don't worry about it, love." You responded, patting her on the shoulder. Seeing your Cat in action was almost like watching a nature documentary, her feline instincts must be strong when hunting. "We'll have fish on the menu at least. But if you really want to make it up to me, you could follow me and help carry things."

"I'd be chuffed to help out, guv." She said with a smile.

And with that you both went towards the reef again.

While you couldn't call yourself the best swimmer, you knew enough to at the very least keep up. With Cattleya in tow, you looked around the areas where Mel thought would have treasure. Not too long after you were able to find a relatively intact sunken ship. More importantly, by chance you knocked some sand and found a treasure chest lying on the ground. With your combined strength, you and your Cat both lifted it to the surface.

The fact that you happened to find it, and that she was there to help, was lucky.

"This better be a roight sum of dosh to weigh so much." Cattleya meowed. But after you'd both opened it and being greeted with the sight of shining gold she smiled unbelieving. "Fookin' hell, no wonder it was so heavy; this thing's loaded."

In the distance, on your the way to The Vixen's Luck, Herta found out where you were thanks to her collar's spell. When seeing you and your Cat carry such a large item, she was understandably curious. You showed her the gold and told her the story behind you finding it.

"Whoa!" Said Herta, then checked for any curses and discovered none. "And that's how you found it? Lucky!"

"Yeah, I know." You said, checking her out. Even though you'd just made love with her not too long ago, seeing her like this made you want to have more passionate moments with her.

Speaking of luck, Ayane was approaching with a watermelon and a stick—you'd almost forgotten about that anime cliche. What was it called again?
>>
"Master, everyone." She bowed slightly. "I hope this isn't a bad time, but I wanted to introduce a fun game we do in my homeland." Ayane commented at the sight of the treasure chest while checking if her brooch was still on. "Oh dear. And here I was, wondering if I my presence was unlucky." She said jokingly.

"Your presence is always fortunate for me, Ayane." You said, worrying she'd fall back into having a bad self-esteem. "And it's twice as much when you help. Hell, you're an inspiration for even trying." You hoped that didn't sound fake, since you meant every word.

"Ah, I'm aware. Fufufu~" Ayane blushed. "What did I do to deserve such a caring and wonderful Master?"

Soon after the rest of your wives resurface, each of them bringing in valuable items, jewelry, and coins. You'd all amassed an impressive amount in total.

(Gained 3800g)

There was still more to be found there, apparently.

The piece of an object was scattered by reef's floor. It was found by Gerty, who thought it was junk, but nonetheless brought it up to make sure. You and Mel realized that this might be valuable in some form. At your order everyone dived back in and get the rest of the pieces out.

There you all found the remains of a Savant artifact. It was almost like an average steampunk engine, yet within it there were various air-compartments, acting like 'bubbles', making an impossibly structured interior when assembled. You knew this could be used to make any machine you install it on have better underwater and aerial movement. While this was straightforward to you and Herta, it was impossible to understand for those that weren't gods or Savants.

Maybe with some tinkering you could fix this design onto a machine or vehicle in order to upgrade it.

Later you all end up taking turns doing the blindfolded watermelon-breaking tradition which so often appeared in anime, apparently called suikawari, at Ayane's suggestion. Ruby's and Mel's attempts were accurate but couldn't damage the gourd fruit, meanwhile Cattleya's and Bertha's tries were the opposite—very powerful but almost ending up comically injuring those around them. Ayane, surprising herself, was able to crack it slightly. But ultimately Gerty ended up successfully breaking it apart. You rewarded the masochistic Holy Knight with some criticism and a promise to punish her later for 'arrogantly taking the credit when the others did the hard work and paved the way for her victory'.

Ayane brought another watermelon, since what was left of the other wasn't enough for everyone. Herta was able to smash it on her first try.

"Huh. Well, that's unexpected." Said Mel suspecting something. You agreed with her in this, already having an idea on what happened.

"As the Goddess of Artifice it should be obvious that this would be the outcome." Herta said arrogantly.
>>
"So it's because you're a goddess? And not because you were able to figure out where it was because of the collar that pulled in my direction, right?" You said.

"That's... Um!" And with how Herta reacted, you knew you'd hit the nail in the head. She'd offered to be buried and act as the watermelon as penance, but you opted on simply lightly hitting her head with the stick—and spanking her until she apologized for cheating.

===

A small campfire was started by you and your worker slaves as the sun set in the horizon. It was a beautiful sight.

The waves were calming, seagulls were making their seagull noises and being annoying little shits whenever there was food around.

All was calm and as it should be as this beach episode started to finally wind down.

There needed to be some punishments needed to be enacted—Ruby claimed that the losers of the volleyball set had yet to be properly disciplined, and urged you to take action. Even Cattleya and Gerty were convinced.

As their Master it was your job to punish any slaves that deserved it.

Gerty was easy, considering her character. You punished her as you usually did, taking her to someplace private, making her beg for forgiveness until she moaned.

You made your catgirl wear a sundress you'd picked out for her. She might've thought this was a punishment, looking more embarrassed than when wearing her usual skimpy outfit. In reality you just wanted to see how she looked in a dress.

Although it was a shame to cover up that delicious body of hers, since that bikini she wore was...

"How about we share some spooky stories!" Herta interrupted your thoughts as she snuggled against you. "That's what mortals do in these situations, right?"

"Don't you think it's a bit too early for that?" You said, eating a marshmallow. How you'd been able to get these was something you didn't question—at least until Bertha revealed she bought them from Centria using a little of her 10g. Everyone seemed to enjoy them.

"Eh, I gotta agree with Master." Mel said. "Besides, aren't scary stories, uh, scary? I don't wanna have nightmares."

"Even a misguided deity can speak a sliver of truth in her folly." Said a floating Yumi. You'd decided to let her out for a little while since it was getting dark. "Fear not, ye fae-blooded weakling, for the whispered secrets of the night reveal that the truly arcane tales possess naught but charm when spoken with the righteous incantation."

"Master, please put her back in the crystal." Requested Cattleya—having tried and failed to take a little catnap near the campfire due to Yumi's shouts and dramatic speeches.

"Foolish beastkin mortal!" The ghost girl said dramatically. "You let your fears about the unknown show."

"Oi, I-" Cattleya was about to respond but was interrupted by Herta shouting and throwing out beams of divine energy at the sea. When the goddess was done she casually went back to snuggling against you.

"Herta." You said, getting her attention.
>>
"Hm?" She looked up at you with pure innocence in her eyes. And as she did so, you flicked her head and pinched her cheeks.

"Does that useless maso-bitch head of yours ever think about explaining what you're up to?" You ask her with a cruel tone.

"Kyaaah! Master! I was getting rid of an evil curse I felt in the ocean! I'm sorry!" Said Herta, happy to get 'punished' for her behavior.

"It almost happened again... I almost died again..." Yumi muttered, having immediately returned to her prison at the start of the goddess' attack. "Savant, don't you dare let me out of this crystal in front of that madwoman!" Said she.

Other than a slightly traumatized ghost, everyone went back to talking more about how the day went and any other meaningless banter seven slaves and one man could think of while relaxing at a beach.

Most, save Herta, reheated and ate what was left over from the barbecue. You and your non-pregnant wives even drinking a little bit of alcohol.

The outing was officially ended with a nice view of the sunset.

It was dark soon after, which meant that it was time to go. Putting out the campfire and giving one last look before getting into the airship, you thought about how nice it was to live through the basically mandatory beach episode that's so often seen everywhere. And how different it was to experience in person.

Herta held your hand and smiled. You lead her back and finally began to fly The Vixen's Luck towards the mansion.

Your wives, thought content with how they day went, were sad to leave. Maybe you'd come back here, or to some other beach like this one.
Someday.

===

The return to the mansion was nothing special, with all your wives tired enough to go to sleep in their respective rooms as soon as The Vixen's Luck landed.

The only one that still remained was Cattleya, now back in her regular scanty garbs wishing to talk with you in private.

"Wearing that summer frock..." She meowed. "I'm not saying I hated it... but blimey, Master, you know it's not my style."
>>
"Don't get me wrong, I like those bikinis or tight shorts you usually have on." You'd feel like you'd regret it if you ordered her to stop wearing them. "However, this proved my gut instinct right: You looked really cute in that sundress, Catty."

"Eh?" Said she, looking like someone dumped a bucket of water on her head. But that surprised expression quickly developed into a smirk, her eyes gaining frustrated desire that reminded you of the time when you were making the BoatMech: You'd made her yours by pinning her against the wall tits first, thoroughly rewarding her for all the hard work she did. "Master, keep talking like that and I'm gonna give you kittens sooner than you'd imagine." She boldly declared.

"And who are you to decide that?" You didn't flinch, rising up to her challenge. For a few seconds you both stare at each other in silence. She looks away first, cheeks burning red.

"Bloody hell mate, I'm falling in love with you all over again. Mel was fookin' right; you really know how to make a slave fancy you." She says, giving a flustered laugh. "I can't believe this is the first time I've been called cute..." She mumbles to herself with a smile.

You pin her to the wall and remind her she's yours that night until you're both satisfied.

The rest of the week rolls around. While you'd think jobs might not be fully fulfilled, considering only 5 days of the week remained, however you and your wives had your morale recharged and further energized. The eight of you agreeing that the vacation was worth it.

You:
>Focus on getting one of your wives to conceive your child. (Which?) (Only works for a non-pregnant slave-wife)
>Train with a wife of yours. (Which?)
>Create some luck-based artifacts for the kitsune family like you'd promised them.
>Upgrade and fully repair The Vixen's Luck.
>Upgrade the BoatMech.
>Create more clankers.
>Construct a larger artillery piece.
>Focus on working out. Continue the regiment you've had with Ayane, get some more muscle on your body and maybe try to learn a spell.
>Tinker up something with the ingots. (A weapon, gadget, or set of armor?)
>Explore the surrounding region. (For settlements, resources, or scrap?)
>Create items that will help dealing with ghosts. (Uses some minerals)
>Forge the giant pearl into a Legendary Item.
>Hunt down the Bandit King.
>Prepare to invade the corrupted cave.
>Set off to visit Thea. (Bring any of your wives with you?)
>Visit a place you know about. (Centria? Northumbridge? Vonstadt? Riverdale? Other?)
>(Write-in)

Herta:
>Look into finding a cure for the Bad Luck skill.
>Create for you some manner of magic item.
>Charge up the little magic jewels with single use spells.
>Either create more of/upgrade the robotic sewing machines.
>Start plans for a daycare/hospital in the estate.
>Start building a hangar for the airships.
>(Write-in)
>>
>>6180996
>Construct a larger artillery piece.
Let’s keep our edge on them, since the bandits’ numbers are still high.
>Start plans for a daycare/hospital in the estate.
>>
Cattleya:
>Process the scrap metal into ingots (3500lbs remaining)
>Collect as much scrap metal as she can find from the estate.
>Plant some saplings.
>Collect some wood from the nearby forest.
>Organize all the minerals, gemstones, and other items you've bought in a storage area.
>Continue processing cotton from the harvesters into textiles.
>Practice with her gauntlets to master their protective capabilities.
>Build the walls for a separate radio/telegram station.
>Practice her shooting.
>Start building a hangar for the airships.
>(Write-in)

Mel:
>Make more traps for the estate and the port and make the old traps work better against beguilers.
>Work on her invisibility. Though she says she can't do much else without working/practicing on her other stats.
>Work on her mana's stamina.
>Work on her physical stamina.
>Practice her fairy magic.
>Continue practicing her sharpshooting and sniping skills.
>Train in her infiltration and ambushing.
>(Write-in)

Bertha:
>Patrol the estate.
>Work on her culinary and household skills.
>Continue to sharpen her skills, this time challenging an armored clank.
>Process the remaining cotton from the harvesters into textiles.
>Plant some seeds in the garden.
>Collect some wood from the forest.
>(Write-in)

Ruby Rose:
>Make a detailed archive on everything that's happened.
>Go into the glass greenhouse and look into cultivating something beneficial.
>Start plans on how to turn the dungeon into something more useful. (Requires 500lbs of ingots and help from you/clankers/others)
>Dedicate her week to reading the books you'd bought her.
>Look for more dyes that could be used.
>(Write-in)

Gerty:
>Act as a military instructor, getting both you and your wives combat ready.
>Have her as your personal guard. She did well when she was one.
>Practice Medium Heal until she can use it easily mid battle.
>Continue to practice leading the clankers.
>Have her do secretary work, managing and organizing anything that needs it while personally helping you.
>Have her modify some recall potions so they work on skin contact. Apparently she knows how to do it.
>(Write-in)

Ayane:
>Continue to train both magically and physically.
>Make an inventory on the costs of everything in the estate. Many of the Bandit's stuff could be sold, and the jewels from the beach still weren't appraised.
>Look around for any herbs that can serve as holistic medicines. Maybe she could make a potion?
>Send letters to her connections in Centria, seeing if any are willing to come to the estate for business.
>(Write-in)
>>
And I'll take some 1d100s for an event.
>>
Also, sorry for taking so long anons.

>>6181002
I'll count this as part of your vote, unless you decide to change it.

>>6181004
There's a mistake here. The
>Have her modify some recall potions so they work on skin contact. Apparently she knows how to do it.
Should be under Ruby Rose's options, not Gerty's.
>>
Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>6180996
>Forge the giant pearl into a Legendary Item.
Anon inspired me to create a scrying orb. If created it would be such a massive advantage over everything
>Look into finding a cure for the Bad Luck skill.
About time, also Ayanes brooch is gonna run out soon
>>6181004
>Process the scrap metal into ingots (3500lbs remaining)
Clankers
>Make more traps for the estate and the port and make the old traps work better against beguilers.
Beguilers are our biggest threat
>Continue to sharpen her skills, this time challenging an armored clank.
If she can somehow beat an armoured clanker on her own then she is probably the strongest of our wives
>Start plans on how to turn the dungeon into something more useful. (Requires 500lbs of ingots and help from you/clankers/others)
Give her the clankers so she can turn the unused space into a clanker factory, thus freeing up our own actions for the future.
>Practice Medium Heal until she can use it easily mid battle.
We really need a dedicated healer
>Continue to train both magically and physically.
It would be nice having a full mage.
>>6181009
How many people?
>>6181029
No worries QM
>>
>>6181036
>How many people?
As many that wish to give a 1d100, as long as it's one 1d100 per anon.
>>
Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>6181002
Since I missed the next part
>>6181004
>Process the scrap metal into ingots (3500lbs remaining)

>Make more traps for the estate and the port and make the old traps work better against beguilers.
Gotta improve her stats later

>Continue to sharpen her skills, this time challenging an armored clank.

>Make a detailed archive on everything that's happened.

>Continue to practice leading the clankers.

>Look around for any herbs that can serve as holistic medicines. Maybe she could make a potion?
>>
>>6180996
>Forge the giant pearl into a Legendary Item.
>Create for you some manner of magic item.
Scrying orb

>>6181004
>Process the scrap metal into ingots (3500lbs remaining)

>Make more traps for the estate and the port and make the old traps work better against beguilers.

>Continue to sharpen her skills, this time challenging an armored clank.

>Start plans on how to turn the dungeon into something more useful. (Requires 500lbs of ingots and help from you/clankers/others)

>Practice Medium Heal until she can use it easily mid battle.

>Continue to train both magically and physically.

Defence is the number one priority now that we are being targeted.

Thread's almost dropping off QM, don't forget to archive.
>>
Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>6180996
>>6181004
You:
>Create some luck-based artifacts for the kitsune family like you'd promised them.
It's been weeks already. And we could even make one for Ayane.

Herta:
>Start plans for a daycare/hospital in the estate.
Prepare for the babies.

Cattleya:
>Process the scrap metal into ingots (3500lbs remaining)
Bellows, cat.

Mel:
>Make more traps for the estate and the port and make the old traps work better against beguilers.
Same logic other anons have.

Bertha:
>Continue to sharpen her skills, this time challenging an armored clank.
Get strong, wife.

Ruby Rose:
>Dedicate her week to reading the books you'd bought her.
Knowledge is power.

Gerty:
>Practice Medium Heal until she can use it easily mid battle.
Heals. But I'm not against having her lead clankers if there's a tie. Still think she'd make a good manager/secretary.

Ayane:
>Continue to train both magically and physically.
She wants to fight against the zombie ghost orc right? Better get training.

>>6181155
Nice roll anon.
>>
Not gonna roll because I don't wanna ruin that nat 100

>>6180996
>Focus on working out. Continue the regiment you've had with Ayane, get some more muscle on your body and maybe try to learn a spell.
Defense is priority, but I agree that we should make the lucky stuff for the foxes soonish.

>Start plans for a daycare/hospital in the estate.

>>6181004
>Process the scrap metal into ingots (3500lbs remaining)

>Practice her fairy magic.

>Continue to sharpen her skills, this time challenging an armored clank.

>Start plans on how to turn the dungeon into something more useful. (Requires 500lbs of ingots and help from you/clankers/others)

>Continue to practice leading the clankers.

>Continue to train both magically and physically.
>>
John
>Arty 1
>Orb 2
>Luck 1
>/fit/ 1
Herta
>Daycare 3
>Orb 1
>Luck 1
Cattleya
>Metal 5
Mel
>Traps 4
>Fairy 1
Bertha
>Practice 5
Ruby Rose
>Dungeon 3
>Archive 1
>Reading 1
Gerty
>Heal 3
>Clankers 2
Ayane
>Training 4
>Herbs 1

>>6181253
Since anons aren't too keen or the Scrying Orb idea I'll change John Doe's action to fulfilling our promises to the kitsune family.
>>
>>6181253
Thank you for reminding me, anon.

http://thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2025/6149927/
>>
>>6181367
>Since anons aren't too keen or the Scrying Orb idea I'll change John Doe's action to fulfilling our promises to the kitsune family.
the scrying orb is too big of a leap for the various options we can do with it. the promise thing is nice, even though I went with the artillery because of the battle waiting.
>>
>>6181004
>Construct a larger artillery piece.
If they come back with something heavier, we can meet them with something even heavier
>Start plans for a daycare/hospital in the estate.
It's going to live in her mind and she'll be delighted
>Process the scrap metal into ingots
You know the drill, girl
>Make more traps for the estate and the port and make the old traps work better against beguilers.
Security first, we can start to unclench in a couple of weeks
>Continue to sharpen her skills, this time challenging an armored clank.
Get that training grindset
>Dedicate her week to reading the books you'd bought her.
We bought those books, now read them
>Continue to practice leading the clankers.
She needs to be our lieutenant
>Continue to train both magically and physically.
Her journey to a punch witch is going well so far

I believe Catty is fertile this week, I assume knocking her up with some kittens will be a mid-week action like usual.
>>
>>6180996
>>6181036
Since anons aren’t keen on the orb and we have a tie I will switch to
>Create some luck-based artifacts for the kitsune family like you'd promised them.
>>
By the middle of the week you'd gone with Gerty to see the downed airship.

It's almost completely empty at this point—not even the bones remained. You and your wives already discussed how it was part of Forthwythe's armada. There was really no reason to come here except to confirm a suspicion Gerty had. Currently the masochistic knight is intently inspecting what was left of the surviving desks and drawers, breaking open a compartment.

"As I thought. Eastian." Your Holy Knight suddenly says.

"What is?" Despite your high perception, you're not able to tell what she's talking about. According to your wives everything here seemed to either be Westphalian or the usual cheap things bandits work with. Or was she talking about something they stole from Eastia?

"Writing and mana signatures." She siad, and held up a charred piece of metal that was connected to the ship's hull. "On this."

Looking at it closer... and you still couldn't see what she was on about. The few intelligible words remaining were written in Common. Though you do feel a faint emanation of mana, there was nothing concrete. "Are you fucking with me, sow? Or is your head too dull to explain further?"

"I-I'd never dare to mock such a magnificent man such as yourself! Forgive a worthless slave like me for her stupidity, Master!" Gerty says, clearly getting off from your treatment of her. "Ah, this sort of mana signature is derived from Eastian technology. I've seen it before when fighting them." She remembered to explain.

"If Mel wasn't able to find out about this then that mean there are measure in this ship against beguilers." You reasoned.

"Your brilliance shines once again, Master." She zealously compliments.

"Tch. A few empty words are nothing compared to the waste of time you've put me through, slut." You deride, copping her breasts with a hand. "Be grateful your body is still useful to me."

As you 'punished' Gerty for her 'incompetence' you wondered why measures would be taken against the the bandits. Maybe they weren't as allied with Riverdale as you thought? And how did Forthwythe get his hands on Eastian tech?

You wanted to keep going with Gerty, in more ways than one, but had to cut it short due to the sound of gunshots and the stench of the undead.

It was fortunate that Gerty had been practicing leading the clankers so much. Her dedication to effectively micro-manage and tactically assault the enemy was becoming formidable.

And yet this situation remained overwhelming.

The forest was undeniably spreading, many undead making their presence known by swarming the area. Whether this was Oghlurk trying to claim more territory or simply how zombies and skeletons behaved, you didn't know. All you knew was that the clankers were working overtime to protect you two, and even then you and Gerty had to personally chip in the fight to make sure the battle was stabilized.
>>
"It's like there's no end to them." You say, firing another shot of Shellstriker Gauntlets. The explosive ability they had was extremely useful for getting rid of groups of gathered enemies. Fire and explosives were useful, though if needed that 'team attack' you and Herta 'discovered' was a last resort.

"Master, it might be wise to enact a tactical retreat." Your head tactician suggests.

With great strokes of luck the both of you do so without clanker losses and return to the mansion to get better equipment. After you two get decked out, and add a few more armored clankers to the mix, the undead are considerably easier to deal with. But that might just be because you brought in the big guns.

You'd been able to successfully repel the undead, even purging them from this section of the woods. Some of the monsters even had some gold on them.

(Gained 40g)

Mel had joined you and Gerty in this second outing. She claimed to need inspiration in successfully capturing other beguilers, and after hearing about the spells the ship had against her class she insisted on coming.

Her presence was a blessing, considering that she'd stumbled upon two things as you and Gerty purged the undead.

First: On the forest floor there were some schematics for a big naval artillery piece. It costed a shitton of iron, but it was useful if you wanted to replace the Clocksmith's Ballista in the BoatMech.
Gerty said it was also Eastian tech.
>>
Second: A hut was enchanted to be camouflaged with an illusion. It carried overgrown herbs and rare spices, yet a few items caught your eye: A spellbook, some notes, and a crystal ball. The former had many weak beginner spells and enchantments. The notes, however, were of a witch named 'Cecilia Witherbloom'. She helpfully explained the basics of alchemy and potion brewing, giving a few recipes for both. The witch wrote about the latter item, an orb, and how a merchant from Centria sold it to her. Said merchant claimed it could be used to contact spirits and warn about danger. The witch then, rather unprofessionally, wrote about using it to spy on 'hot, sweaty, muscular wizards' in search of a Master. However these were all theoretical since she wasn't sure if the crystal orb had powers or not, and wasn't ever able to use it. The last couple of notes were panicked and read more like diary entries, saying that goblins were beginning to infest the area and that she would never return to this forest, and instead seek a Master back in Eastia as she hoped that her findings would be of some use for anyone willing to brave this region.

Initial attempts to use the crystal ball didn't seem to work, but you got the hang of it eventually. Sadly it seemed to be less powerful than what you'd expected, only showing vague images and silouettes of places you knew. Yumi complained about it hurting her head. It also needed to be recharged often and only worked once a day.

"And none of you know more about this thing?" You asked your more knowledgeable and magically inclined slaves. Namely; Herta, Ruby Rose, Mel, and Ayane.

"I mean, it's magic. And it came from some mage, right? So it's probably weaker than it appears." Mel said.

"Unfortunately that's likely true. And I suspect Cecilia was scammed into buying the orb." Ayane added. "However there is market for such oddities, as I'm sure you're aware. It could fetch for at least 900g if you know whom to sell it to."

"Fortune telling has never been my forte," Rose commented over some tea. "Yet the information it might bring could be critical."

"I bet we could turn it into a better version if you and I work together, Master." The goddess said confidently. "We have minerals and metals and stuff—and the heart to do it!" Her eyes shone. But then she got to thinking. "Although, we could use it to upgrade something, or make a weapon out of it, since it might make a nice mana conductor. It's your choice in the end, Master."

===

Everyone was working hard. Everything that could possibly go right was happening.

Gerty was shaping to be an expert tactician and lieutenant of your forces, finding new maneuvers and methods to win battles with ease.
>>
Bertha was even able to incorporate her 'Hammer-Bomb' with her 'Lovey Pink Gigahammer Multi-Ouchie Maker', creating a very deadly combination that almost defeated the armored clank she was fighting, rendering it nearly immobile—an impressive feat by it's own, yet your wife with the Warrior class assured you that she needed just one more week to completely win against one, saying she'll gain a new ability in the process.

Ruby actually worked hard, even making small trips to the dungeon while accompanied by some clankers. Whenever you caught sight of your Mastermind she seemed to have endless schemes in her eyes. You helped her gain a clearer focus when you could, playing along as 'the Baron'.

And speaking of plans, Herta always seemed to have the manic look of Lunacy Savantae on her face. She dedicated her time making designs to present to you, each with varying ambition and detail. The goddess went as far as to create pacifiers, baby cribs, and strollers for at least a dozen children as well as miniature models for the rooms/new wing.

Mel, thanks to the fact that you escorted her to the airship, was able to create better traps around the estate and even in the port as well. After demonstrating how well they worked by (accidentally) getting caught in one, and getting saved by you again, she used the incident to fix them in various ways and ensured that none of the residents of your estate would (likely) get caught in them.

Ayane was doing extremely well in her routine, getting healthier and more apt with magic by the day. That spellbook helped her in brushing up on the basics.

As for Cattleya...

With your high perception you could see her wipe her brow, little droplets of sweat go down your catgirl's bronze skin and hide between her ample bosom. She notices you staring at her, raising an eyebrow.

"What?" You said. "Can't a man appreciate the beauty of his sex slave?"

"You could do more than watch, you know." Said she with a smirk.

"If you ask nicely I'll consider it." You didn't miss a beat.

You'd been keeping a very close eye on your Cat. She'd been working far more than usual, acting restless and using her free time to hang around you even as you worked on making more Lucky Artifacts for your fluffy tailed in-laws. Your kitsune wife appreciated the sentiment, considering her brooch would be starting to lose power soon.

Cattleya would also often come by and supply you with freshly made ingots, something which you thanked her for. You couldn't help but notice your muscle-headed catgirl steal glances at you when she thought you weren't looking and would blush far more easily when you were in the room.
>>
This could all be easily explained. More than a month ago, after sharing a passionate moment with her in the cellar, she told you that most beastfolk went 'in heat' for around a week every couple months. There were many exceptions and differences, such as kitsunes having much longer safe day cycles, yet catgirls were closer to the norm.

While you didn't mind the attention she was giving you, it was getting to the point where she'd boldly leer at you and invade your personal space with her fat cat tiddies while helping you out with your projects.

"Hey, Cattleya." You snapped a finger in front of her face. "Eyes up here."

"Don't mind me, just here to lend a hand, guv." She grins and licks her lips. "You know me; always up for working my arse off for you!" She says, slapping her own posterior. "Literally." Your dark skinned beauty chuckles before turning around to return to the bellows.

"Hm." You look at her swaying hips. A sudden burst of Lunacy Savantae grips you. "Alright, I'll take you up on that." With a swift motion you grab her.

"Oi! Wot-! Hold on a minute!" Your Cat struggles little as you drag her to her room, unwilling escape your grasp. She yelps as you bend her over the bed.

"What's the matter, cat got your tongue?" You say with a smirk.

"... that was bloody awful." She deadpanned. But then she realized the position you were both in. "W-wait, Master! I'll seriously get kittens if we do it!" She says with an uncharacteristically vulnerable voice. "I'll be a mum... a-and there's gonna be a bunch of kittens running around..." She leaves the sentence hanging and looks at you with a pleading face. You could see how she willingly let the natural urges slowly take the wheel in her brain, every breath she makes fills her with a deeper growing desire.

"I don't see the downside." Your Lunacy Savantae lets you easily overpower her. She happily surrenders to you with a soft mewl, letting you press against her body.

"Don't get me wrong, I'd like to have kittens. But I'm not gonna be able to work so much if you knock me up." Your Cat slurred out. She's giving you an out, despite her earlier declarations and intentions. As usual, her body remains more honest than her words. Only the densest of anime protagonists wouldn't be able to realize where her desires lay right now. Thankfully you aren't one of them.

You kiss her. Deeply. The comically loving gaze she gives to you afterwards shows that most of her reasoning is now replaced by desire, instincts and anticipation almost fully taking over her mind.

You can't say you're feeling much calmer than her. Every second you're not claiming your catgirl's loins is agony.

>You'd reward your catgirl for all the hard work she'd done, fully granting her wish until you were both certain she'd become a mother.
>Control yourself and keep your desires in check, going far enough to calm each other down and nothing more. You couldn't afford to lose this valuable laborer for so many months.
>>
>>6182224
I like the groping and "free to use" dynamic way more than the mean talk desu.

>>6182395
>You'd reward your catgirl for all the hard work she'd done, fully granting her wish until you were both certain she'd become a mother.
There are solutions, if she cannot carry heavy loads the our machines can help her. If she cannot handle the heat then we can take her place.

You should start a new thread btw QM since this on is almost falling off.
>>
Sorry about all that time between updates, I was so tired that day that I fell asleep in the middle of proofreading lmao

>>6182404
Next update will likely be the last of this thread if it stays around for that long. I'll make a new thread somewhere between 3-5 days after that/once this one falls off the board.
>>
>>6182395
>You'd reward your catgirl for all the hard work she'd done, fully granting her wish until you were both certain she'd become a mother.
Ideally by the time she can’t work we should already be able to hunker down
>>6182404
I like both
>>6182415
Don’t overwork yourself QM
>>
>>6182395
>You'd reward your catgirl for all the hard work she'd done, fully granting her wish until you were both certain she'd become a mother.
When we said all of them, we meant all of them. They come first, over their ability to do heavy work for a while.

Catty is big and strong and should be able to carry her pregnancy without much issue until fairly late before needing to significantly slow down, though it's possible a litter of several instead of just one or two will add so much volume and weight that even she can't brush it off (QM, are all catgirls this Amazonian or is Catty literally just built different given we only have a reference point of one?).
As is true for all of our wives, we might be able to create some mechanical assistance to keep them able to do physical labour even when very heavily pregnant and there's plenty of lighter duties for them to perform and clankers to do the heavy lifting if even that won't be enough. We should design a utility exosuit for Catty anyway to make her able to do even heavier work for longer than her high natural strength and stamina allows, though we'd have to design the fitting to accommodate her imminent pregnancy - we'll also have to build additional space into parts of any rigid armour Gerty and Bertha are currently wearing if we want them to continue being able to fit into it since it'll be getting very tight around their breasts and bellies by the 8-12 week mark.
On that note, our wives will also need some maternity wear for when they start to show (except Catty since she doesn't wear much) - since we have no elastic, I suggest some sets of loose flowing robes, very baggy tops or just leaving their bellies bare. Depends on what they'd like to wear and I'm sure Herta would love to design it.

>>6182415
I think we've still got a few days left before falling off the board so it works out.
>>
>>6182395
>You'd reward your catgirl for all the hard work she'd done, fully granting her wish until you were both certain she'd become a mother.
she deserves it
>>
>>6182687
>QM, are all catgirls this Amazonian or is Catty literally just built different given we only have a reference point of one?
John Doe has seen catfolk of different sizes and skin tones in Centria (the petite catgirl librarian/bookstore clerk was the most notable to him). Cattleya, from what she knows about her people, said that she comes from a breed of naturally tall, strong, and dark-skinned catfolk.
>>
>>6182395
>Control yourself and keep your desires in check, going far enough to calm each other down and nothing more. You couldn't afford to lose this valuable laborer for so many months.
>>
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Cattleya is a diligent catgirl. Since the moment you'd rescued her from the clutches of goblins, she'd become a loyal staple of your harem. With how reliably she served you, and how critical her work has been—not shying away from difficult and tedious labor—you knew you couldn't leave her wanting.

Yes. You would reward her.

Starting with a massage, you worked your way down her body. Her toned figure didn't take away from her beauty, feeling the combination of muscle and soft flesh. As your hands explored to her glutes and hips, it was obvious she is a very fertile woman.

Kneading away her stress, you considered Cattleya's life: It was, until recently, defined by a slow downward trend. The comfortable existence she had in the Westphalian colony of Feligypt was pulled out from under her. Witnessing how fate struck her own father with tragedy, the almost infant Cattleya being swept along with him while trying to understand the loss of her mother and siblings. Her time in this world might be better summarized as a string of tragedies—nearly losing everything in her homeland, to barely scraping by in Eastia, and the hope of forging a brighter future there with the Master she was arranged with. Yet owing to his untimely death, even that was ripped from her claws. The cherry on top came in the form of a meddling petty Hotel Mogul known as Lord Lionel Rostchilde.

From these experiences she gained a mindset that focused on survival—if her logic behind being your third wife was anything to go by. That wasn't to say she'd just pragmatically submit to any asshole's demand; Lord Rostchilde came mind once more.

He payed for all the abuse he hurled at your Cat and her father. Saying that the mogul's attempt to rape her backfired was an understatement. And you're reminded of how she, despite having ample opportunities to similarly castrate or maim you, had never done so. She always carried a great respect for you, both because you housed and cared for her, and the fact that you were a Savant.
And, ever so gradually, you sensed a bond grow between the two of you.

"Why'd you stop???" Your Cat exclaimed after nearly a minute of nothing happening.

"Like I said: If you ask nicely I'll consider it." You inform her with a kind smile.

"..." She remains silent and looks away, a blush furiously claiming her face. You give her toned rear a gentle slap, making her meow and unsheathe her claws on reflex.

"C'mon, we both know you want it." You tease a little more by gently pressing against her opening, wanting to imprint yourself as her sole desire.

"Please..." She slowly utters out, lust dripping out of every syllable. "Master... inside me..."

With a simple motion you were both finally connected.

"See? That wasn't so bad." You say, feeling satisfied as you witnessed the expression on her face go wild with pleasure.

And you continue without holding back, clouding her senses once again.

===
>>
"Morning, love." You say as you watch your catgirl wake up. She yawns and stretches her arms before looking at you.

"Mornin', guv." Cattleya groggily responds and yawns.

You notice a distinctly bashful blush begin to spread on her face over the course of a minute. "You were pretty good last night, Catty."

"... Yeah. Same goes for you, guv." She covers her mouth and looks up at the ceiling. No doubt the memories from last night are starting to surface in her mind. "Blimey, I can barely feel my bloody legs." She looked rather happy at that fact.

"I didn't want to go too far, but you seemed to like it rough." 'Almost almost as much as Herta' you were about to add. But a part of you felt that it'd annoy her if you compared her performance in bed with anyone else's.

"I'm no masochist, but I don't mind if you get a little rough with me. Besides," Cattleya begins wistfully. "You made me feel proper valued, you did. Like I really belonged to you. You warmed my heart and saved my life... I hadn't a clue wot being happy really felt like until I met you, guv." She looks away, embarrassed. Those were probably the most sentimental words to have ever come out of her mouth. "Shit, I'm starting to sound mushy."

"There's nothing to be ashamed of, Cattleya." You show her some more physical affection. "I'll always have a place for you by my side for as long as you're willing to be my loyal sex-slave. You've been making your intentions clear from the beginning, and I'm here to make sure they're fulfilled. How could I not return the love you've shown me?"

"Master..." A joyful smile blessed her face, communicating a rare sweetness to you. You ended up kissing her, wanting a taste of it.

"Ah~" She's out of breath from the act. "If you keep doing things like this..." She doesn't finish the sentence, panting heavily.

"If it's ever too much for you-"

"No! Hell, I mean, it made me realize... how, before I knew it..." She nearly mumbles the following words. "That I bloody love ya too, Master."

"Cattleya..."

She stares at you for a few more seconds, eyes searching downwards and fixating onto your member. She gulps. "Oi, Master. Let's do it." Her excitement was apparent, wiggling her bottom in the air.

"Again?" It's not like you're complaining about going for another round.

"Yes." Cattleya gazes at you with an intensely serious expression. "You're a man," She starts off intelligently. "And I'm a woman. We want each other. And we live under the same roof."

"Can't argue with that logic." Amused, you pet her head and scratch behind her ears.

"Cut that shit out." She says, but can't really wipe the newly formed smile off her face.

"Are you sure?" You continue, earning her purrs for a reply as she leans into your petting. "You're much cuter than you think you are, Cat."

"Hnng." That seems to get her flustered. Once again she starts losing herself to her instincts, crawling towards you with lust in her eyes. "Master... please... hurry up... let's do it again!"
>>
As the Master, it was your duty to fulfill the desires of your needy slaves.

And in this very moment Cattleya was the neediest of them all.

Further sweet talking about her imminent motherhood makes her practically melt. It was honestly pretty thrilling to dominate her, considering she was stronger, taller, and more intimidating than you were. You felt your movements become more erratic, Lunacy Savantae granting you superhuman energy. Your cat seemed to really enjoy it.

Your catgirl ended up unconscious for the rest of the day, passing out with a satisfied smile on her face.

Some time after you went back to finish the artifacts.

You happened to meet a very exhausted looking vixen slave-wife in her workout clothes. She once again thanked you for the artifacts you were creating, you in turn commended her for being committed to getting stronger and flattered her by talking about how she was getting slimmer. This expectedly ended with you rewarding her a lascivious cooldown session with you.

While you were hard at work making things for your fluffy-tailed Centrian in-laws, that didn't mean you weren't doing anything for your kitsune wife.

The artifact you made her was...

>The ring on her finger. You modified it to increase her luck, more than enough to cancel out her misfortune.
>A pocket watch, much like the Lucky Watch she gave to her nieces after being separated from them in the bandit camp.
>Another brooch. Designed to last much longer than the other one.
>A necklace with a pendant that was stylized in the shape of a sleeping fox.
>A new collar. It functioned like the older version, but this one ensured her Bad Luck skill was kept in check.
>A thin set of chains around her torso, bosom, and hips. It had enough slack to be comfortable, and would be hidden beneath her clothes in Kinbaku style.
>(Write-in)

Afterwards you met with a certain Mastermind of yours at the entrance of the dungeon. She'd just finished clearing out and preparing the place for remodeling, seeking to speak with you about the future of said dungeon and the rooms within it.
>>
Ruby Rose once again showed you the plans she'd made and the rooms she had suggested you to build:

Factory rooms were just what they sounded like. While they could be made to mass produce certain items, you were more partial to having them assemble clankers. This would need your personal touch; clank-creation was Savant tech and couldn't be replicated by non-Savants.

Engine rooms would be used as a place to create energy and store energy into batteries. Said energy would come from steam power—needing coal/charcoal and water in order to function and wielding pipes that would send both smoke and steam far above the mansion's roof. Ruby herself admitted that this room wasn't particularly useful now, but it would help in powering stronger things in the future.
You personally wanted to test the nature of generating electricity in this world—if it would be as efficient as steam power—something that Rose was equally curious about (especially when you told her it didn't require Lunacy Savantae to make).

Boiler rooms were initially created as an area to create mix materials and potentially create cheap potions in mass. However, with some additional tinkering, you could easily change their use to something that would benefit your aluminum-making scheme.
You and Herta had quietly been making progress in the process to refine aluminum, with a surprisingly high margin of success.

And last, but not least, the was the "Control Room" Ruby Rose prided herself so much in. It had a small speaker system, allowing her to make announcements through the mansion if needed. She put emphasis on how this room would, in her words: "Increase the efficiency and productivity the estate would have, while merely taking up one of the smaller dungeon rooms~"
If you were feeling mean you could call this 'lair' a vanity project of hers, yet you could tell that she was passionate about it. With future plans to weave her "Spider's Web" in here, it might not be half-bad as a hidden base of operations for any future spy network under you. Or maybe that was just Ruby trying to convince you to let her have this.

And there you had it, the three main 'types' Ruby suggested: Factory, Engine, and Boiler.

"I couldn't help but grant each design type a certain area: Each according to how useful they will be." Ruby said. "Of course, that's not to mention any further designs you wish to suggest, and any changes you wish to make to my suggestions, design-wise or how they're distributed." She presented to you some empty blueprints.
>>
Add a different room?

>No, these are fine.
>Yes, you'll add... (Write-in)

"I'll fill you in if I do." You said, looking over the ones she started. These were the suggestions she presented for you to pick from:

>Divide the dungeon in such a way that all the room types get more of less an equal amount, balancing each other out.
>Use half of the dungeon for one thing, and the other half for something else. (Which two do you want?)
>Have only one design be used in the dungeon. (Which one?)
>One type will make up most of the dungeon rooms, and another type will have a smaller section. (Which gets most? Which gets the least?)
>Something else? (Write-in)

"With Cattleya currently, ahem, out of commission, I require the use of more clankers in order to enact the next step of our plans." Your Mastermind requested.

"So long as there's enough clankers left patrol and defend the estate, I have no issues." You said. "And at leave least one armored clank for Bertha to fight against."

"I knew I could count on you, Master~" She curtsied.

"Always." You nodded, looking over the many complicated and intricate ideas and prototypes she'd formulated. "It's almost a shame there's so many types of renovations, don't you think?" Although that more or less depended on how you looked at it.

"I concur. Your brilliance and perception are truly something to admire, Master." Ruby cleared her voice again. "And I'm glad to inform you that there's a way to rectify this issue. I am certain a Savant of your caliber would understand what I've been implying, no?"

"You want me to build a drill and use it to expand into the collapsed rooms." You respond.

"Quite right. As expected, we are of the same mind." She giggles. "Don't we make an excellent team?"

"Indeed." You say as you stare into each others eyes. The tender moment reaches its boiling point with a soft kiss.

Working on the rooms meant the following: Factories would assemble clankers, boiler rooms would be switched to aluminum production, and engine rooms would test out different sources of power-generation. You ultimately decided to...

>Build the drill and work on the rooms. (Uses up John Doe's action next week)
>Only help with working on the rooms. (Partially uses up John Doe's action next week)
>Only create the drill in order to reclaim the collapsed rooms. (Partially uses up John Doe's action next week)
>Let Ruby handle it.
>(Write-in)

And as for the "Control Room" your wife loved talking about...

>You let her have it. It was just a hideout in one of the smaller rooms, so it shouldn't be an issue. Also you thought she might get depressed if you don't allow it.
>No, you don't think it should be built. It's not really necessary and could be used for better things, despite any tears she might shed.
>(Write-in)
>>
This will be the last vote of the thread. I'll post the next one in around 3-5 days along with the character list rentry.

Thanks for playing!
>>
>>6183525
>A thin set of chains around her torso, bosom, and hips. It had enough slack to be comfortable, and would be hidden beneath her clothes in Kinbaku style.
fuck, you got me

>>6183546
>No, these are fine.

>Divide the dungeon in such a way that all the room types get more of less an equal amount, balancing each other out.

>Build the drill and work on the rooms. (Uses up John Doe's action next week)

>You let her have it. It was just a hideout in one of the smaller rooms, so it shouldn't be an issue. Also you thought she might get depressed if you don't allow it.
>>
>>6183511
2 more left
>>6183525
>The ring on her finger. You modified it to increase her luck, more than enough to cancel out her misfortune.
>>6183546
>No, these are fine.
>Divide the dungeon in such a way that all the room types get more of less an equal amount, balancing each other out.
>Build the drill and work on the rooms. (Uses up John Doe's action next week)
I can be persuaded against this
>You let her have it. It was just a hideout in one of the smaller rooms, so it shouldn't be an issue. Also you thought she might get depressed if you don't allow it.
Why not
>>6183547
Thanks for running QM, c hopefully we see even more tropes next thread
>>
>>6183476
I thought this was asanagi's for a sec due to the style
>>
>>6183546
Backing >>6183559

>>6183547
Thank [i]you[/i] for running!
>>
>>6183525
>The ring on her finger. You modified it to increase her luck, more than enough to cancel out her misfortune.
What better role for a symbol of her bond?
>No, these are fine.
>Divide the dungeon in such a way that all the room types get more of less an equal amount, balancing each other out.
I don't really have any comments to make on this setup
>Only create the drill in order to reclaim the collapsed rooms. (Partially uses up John Doe's action next week)
That's the bit we're needed for
>You let her have it. It was just a hideout in one of the smaller rooms, so it shouldn't be an issue. Also you thought she might get depressed if you don't allow it.
Canned orders over loudspeaker? Classy.

I stand by what I said about wanting to construct a hydroelectric generator out on the estate if the terrain allows so we have power that doesn't require being babysat, possibly explode if the science gets too mad (c'mon, it's a classic trope) or needing to have fuel constantly shovelled into it but if we have to use steam I guess we will.

See you next thread, QM and readers



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