Nekoshous... Get!

Due to the unexpected words, Kuroka who stood nearby stumbled and nearly fell off of the Vimana. Shirone who is looking like she's about to fall asleep from the stress she's been accruing had almost fell with her until Shuhang held them both down with his energy. All the others just looked at Shuhang with an unbelievable face. The unsaid question was clear... 'Is there a screw loose on this guy?'

It may have sounded like a joke however, Shuhang was serious about the 'tending the fields' part. The main reason was due to the mess that Ophis caused which ruined pretty much everything that he's been planting, one spirit herb/fruit at a time. The biggest loss would be the spirit rice and tea that he been cultivating as those took up the most space, time, and effort on. He himself could fix it of course, but that is a lot of work that Shuhang isn't about to spend his effort on for the time being.

Now at a stand still, both party stared at the other in silence, not knowing how to proceed. That is until one of the nekoshous stepped up to ask the questions needed to be asked. It was a 20-something looking woman with brown hair and eyes that can't said to be a 'beauty' but would definitely get a 2nd glance from any passerby males. Speaking of which, even when the dead, there are only about 10 or so males out of the hundred or so numbers. (Did they all die off because of that war kyoukais?)

???: "Although we are thankful for saving us, we still don't know who you are. And why should we even trust you?"

In that half wary and half hopeless tone of hers, she questioned Shuhang. She, most likely all of them as well, probably thought they couldn't resist anyways even if they wanted to. This mysterious man did annihilate the Devils that almost succeeded in destroying them as easily as lifting one hand of his.

Shuhang: "Ah... Right. You may refer to me, this is for you as well Kuroka, as either Lord Shuhang, or Senior Dragon Emperor. Although some refer to me as Dragon God Verum. (In this part of the world at least) And you are...?"

"...Yuri"

Shuhang: "Hm. Yuri. For my offer earlier... As you can see, the Devils you put your trust in had betrayed you earlier. What I offer is a job but more importantly, a new home as well as protection. Provided you never betray me that is..."

Yuri: "Hmph. The Devils had promised us the same thing before. Look where that got us."

It was not hard to miss when she said it in such a contemptuous manner and disdain dripping in her every words. This caused quite a few of her companions to hastily call out to Yuri in panic while the rest looked as if they were ready for another hopeless fight. All of a sudden, the whole world fell silent as a majestic and awe inspiring aura of none other than a dragon's spread out. Of course the aura didn't affect the two girls by his side.

Shuhang: "Hm... I'd appreciate it if you didn't compare me to something like a Devil. You lot aren't something necessary to me at all. This offer is only out of kindness. Consider it carefully since I will not be staying here too long."

This is true. He could feel in the distance that Ddraig's karmic virtue body had broken down already. It's also true that he didn't really need these nekoshous either. He could have those guys he recruited from the zombies infested world tend to the field instead. And Kuroka herself is already more than enough as a Senjutsu teacher.

Shuhang: "Make your decisions. I can sense a huge number of Devils heading this way as we speak. Two of them are probably [Satan] even... "

The tense atmosphere continued on for a bit until suddenly.... Shirone who had been quietly dozing off to the side finally let out a cute yawn. Then, almost like the most natural thing in the world, she scampered on towards Shuhang's direction and climbed onto his lap and fell asleep.

Shuhang: "...."

Kuroka: "..."

Nekoshous: "...."

(I say... What is this little one doing? Ruining the serious atmosphere I built up...) thought Shuhang with his lips twitching. (Well, can't be helped I guess... It has been less than a day since her sister was accused of murder, disappeared on her, to make matters worse, she herself got shoved into a prison to boot... Although, shouldn't you go to your sister instead of me? Not that I mind that much...)

Shuhang: "Well? You have about 5 minutes before the Devils get here."

With as much dignity add he could muster, Shuhang gave them a deadline to decide their fate. That didn't really work however with the little loli sleeping in content on his laps. He was even gently stroking her hair with a light smile on his face.

Shuhang didn't realize it, but the way he was unconsciously treating a child of their race with care had already convinced them to accept his offer. Normally, they wouldn't have even listen to anything he had to offer, let alone speak to each other. The only reason they were willing to were due to the appearance of the two nekoshou children by his side. Had Shuhang's luck not kick in and made him meet up with Kuroka first, this whole encounter would have gone on much more differently than it is now. More than likely, he would have not been able to get a single nekoshou to follow him.

After looking around a bit, Yuri, who had somehow became their representative, spoke up with a determined look.

Yuri: "I... We accept your offer and are willing to follow you, Dragon Emperor-sama."