141-142

Jahi PoV

My eyes wandered over to Kat as my two wives were dragged away by their Mothers, my curiosity piqued by what my maid would do.

Seeing her simply scrubbing away at the bowl that she used to make our breakfast, I didn't know whether of not to sigh or laugh at how well my little puppy was able to deal with this pressure.

It was almost like she was older than us, what with how used she was to these kinds of situations…

Which was odd, considering we were all older than her by a year, and yet…

I let that thought go from my mind; it was obvious that she was much more mature than all of us combined…

Anput, Leone and I all had our small, child like quirks, but Kat kept us all in line when we really needed it; the only time we needed to keep her in check was with either sex or with her murderspree's, which was definitely not a childish quirk.

Returning my gaze to the Empress and the Sultana, I stared at them confidently.

After all, I really do think my Mom's much scarier, what with her more… physical way of teaching me lessons.

These two certainly wouldn't do the same, not without getting closer to me first; otherwise, they would have to deal with a depressed daughter each, and I'm sure neither wants that.

Silence reigned in the room, the air between us charged as we sat, staring at one another.

The first to speak was, unsurprisingly, the Empress, her low voice filling the room easily.

"I care not with how you manage your own… 'harem', Jahi. Each is unique in it's own ways, due to how complicated women can be, so if each of you is alright with one another, I see no problem."

The Sultana nodded, her head tilting as she glanced at Kat.

"What I want to speak of is not my daughter; I can tell that she's happy, much more than she was at home. Instead, I wish to discuss your plans with the Sariel-Kameiel Family. How do you plan on dealing with it?"

I frowned, clasping my hands in front of me as I stared at the table for a moment.

There were a multitude of answers available to me; dismissive ones, arrogant ones, non answers, and more.

Returning my gaze to the two women sitting in front of me, I took a breath before answering, my voice confident.

"Since this isn't a simple… argument between two Heirs, but an altercation between two House's and their influence, I have decided to allow my parents to handle the meat of this fight; they're more experienced, they know who our allies are, how to navigate the political landscape, and more. For the moment, I know little of all of that, and if I tried to do it myself, I would do more harm than good.

As such, I told them that I will take care of Jillian and her fiancee Ayla. They wished to mess with not only the Asmodia's, but with my fiancees. I won't let that slide. Since these kinds of battles are more about the preparation rather than the fights themselves, the best I can do is continue to strengthen myself, as well as Anput and Leone.

It might be arrogance speaking, but I believe that I am simply that much better that Jillian; I've put in more effort for what I have, I've trained more for what I want to do. My origins are simply better than hers. My advantages, from my race, magic, and pedigree far outweigh hers, but even with all of that, I will continue to train, to hone my skills so that, when the time comes, I can put her in her rightful place."

The Sultana was nodding, while the Empress leaned forwards, resting her chin on her hands.

"Interesting. Many your age would be itching to rush ahead, causing more problems by attempting to circumvent politics and insist that their talent and strenght pardons them of any crime. Those that have attempted to do so often find themselves dead or enslaved at a young age, little more than a footnote in a side chapter of history.

Depending on your answer, I was going to force Leone back into the Palace while letting this play out; I have faith in Chordeva and Ria. After all, Chordeva is my Vice-Captain for my Knights of Cinder, second only to Fenyras, while Ria is one of my closest advisors, her title as the Elven Saintess of Storms holding incredible political sway. But I have more faith in them as friends, and I know neither will let the reputations they've built over the years be chipped away.

I know that at the end of this, House Asmodia will remain standing; battered, bruised, weary… but standing. There is little doubt in my mind about that; I personally know the power you parents wield, Jahi, just as I know what power the Sariel's and Kameiel's wield. Even if they themselves forget that I know all.

Just as your parents will not fail me, neither will I fail them; if the Sariel's and Kameiel's threaten the stability and security of this Empire that I have so carefully built over the last few millennia, they will remember why I've stood at the pinnacle of this world for so long. But, as the one who stands above the rest, I cannot insert myself into every petty squabble. So, until that degree of danger is levied against my land, I will not interfere.

Know that, Heir of House Asmodia. Until the most loyal shield of this Empire is brought to its knees, I cannot extend my hand and help, no matter how much I would want to."

I nodded, before turning to the Sultana as she spoke next, her raspy voice filled with mirth.

"While the Empress may not help directly, should there be any chance that my pup is to be harmed, the full weight of my Steel Palace and each of my Shadows shall bear down on these insignificant Elves, but like her, I will not step in until I feel I need to.

This is the perfect opportunity to grow and cement your places as the next generation of this Empire, Jahi Asmodia. While this may not be a rebellion that you need to lead, nor a corralling of dozens of differing peoples to be brought under one banner, this is still but the opening for your introduction into history. Make light of it, and you shall find yourself cast aside for someone better.

But, should you take this opportunity and execute your plans to perfection, few in this world won't know your name, nor will anyone be able to stop your growth. This is your moment; not your parents, not ours. Yours. Take it, and make sure the world knows that this was the moment you begin to inscribe your story into the annals of history, as the Empress and I have before you."

Grinning, I nodded to her, replying "I plan on it. Not just for me, but…"

Staring at the Empress, I bowed my head as I said "For Leone, so that she may hold her head high with pride when she takes my name."

Returning to the Sultana, I added "For Anput, so that her belief in me won't go unfounded."

Finally, I peeked at Kat, who was staring at me, her ethereal blue eyes shining beautifully.

"For my Family, so that I can be their shield from all the would dare to harm them in the future."

Glancing down at my hands, I balled them into fists as I finished.

"That, I swear."

The two women across from me nodded, small smile's on their lips.

"Well, at least you have conviction."

Standing up, the Empress walked past me, patting my shoulder before she made her way towards Leone's room.

"Though, you might want to polish up your speaking a bit, young one; words have more power than you realize…"

The Sultana stared down at me, her low voice entering my ears, and I nodded, watching her slip out front.

When they were both out of the room, I frowned, glancing at Kat as I asked "Was that not good?"

—

Quick thing, to clear up any questions before they're asked; the Empress and Sultana won't just step in and throw their weight around because it sets a bad precedent for those under them.

Ruling fairly and without bias sets a bar that the other nobles will try and follow; however, the Empress will put her Empire before everything else, and while I haven't gone into detail about just HOW important the Asmodia's are, know that they are important.

As for the Sultana, if it reaches a level that would harm Anput, she will let her fucks go and decide to kill everything to make sure her girl is safe; y'know, normal parent things.

Anyways, that's why they don't just kill the families because 'ha he we strong~ rawr', and also plot.

Kat PoV

Listening to the Empress and Sultana give their mini speeches to Jahi, I glanced back, a small smile on my lips as I saw the Demoness nodding her head, her amethyst eyes staring intently at the two women.

What they said didn't surprise me at all; the Empress' warning that she wouldn't interfere unless the Empire itself was in trouble, and the Sultana saying she wanted us to learn and grow from this, but if Anput was endangered, she would step in for her daughter.

Neither of their stances surprised me, not with how they ruled their countries.

If they really wanted to, they could have been dictators; my way or the highway type of rulers.

None would be able to oppose them, but in the long run, that deep rooted hatred would eventually sprout and bear a fruit that would cause their hard work to rot away.

That was the last thing they would want, especially the Empress; she's ruled this Empire for actual millennia, maybe as long as humans have been around back on my planet.

We're talking hundreds of new innovations and changes bringing about new ages, the rise and fall of entire bloodlines, and so much more.

She's seen it all, and yet she is still here, ruling from atop her Mountain.

So, when they finished speaking, I nodded to myself before returning to the sink, continuing to wash the plates and utensils used for this impromptu feast.

Since I wanted to be here to hear it all, I was doing so by hand; everyone here knew that I could finish up in mere moments, but no one said a word as I remained over the sink.

But, when I heard Jahi listing off her oaths to both these women and their daughters, I turned around, my heart pounding as I felt her sincerity.

With my soul being so closely tied to hers, the emotions she felt as she swore each thing to the Empress and Sultana influenced my own, rousing images of the women she was talking about.

Leone's shy, but excited face entered my mind, the pale Vampire smiling warmly at us as she recounted a new discovery of hers, or how beautiful and regal she looked out in public, her Princess facade immaculate when she needed to wear it.

Anput's cocky grin as she faced off against any opponent, which was so quickly replaced by an almost childlike enthusiasm when she started discussing weaponry, be it how they were made or their origins; the Jackalkin shone during both moments, and her ability to be whatever any of us wanted while we were at home only added to the desirability each of us felt for her.

But, when Jahi glanced towards me, I shivered at her final oath; one that encompassed all of us, and those of us to come.

"For my Family, so that I can be their shield from all who would dare to harm them in the future… That, I swear."

The conviction she felt as she spoke those words made my heart pound in my chest, and I could feel more of that all too familiar heat spreading through my body.

This was what I wanted; for someone to make an oath like that FOR me…

It was what I had hoped Kyoka had felt all those years ago, and although I find myself in the same position again, I know that this time, my lover is being honest with me.

Not only is Jahi being honest, she deeply cared for me, to the point that she had placed my emotions above her own back when we had first learnt that she would need to take multiple wives.

So, I had a hard time keeping my boundless love for the woman sitting at the table at bay, not wanting to embarrass both myself and her by launching myself into her arms.

Turning back to the sink, lest the little willpower I had snap, I resumed doing the dishes, emptying my mind as best I could.

When the two women left to go join their wives and daughters, I felt Jahi's confused stare on my body, so I glanced back at her.

"Was that not good?"

Gulping, I watched as she got up, her lips pursed as she muttered her lines to herself again.

Absentmindedly pulling me into her embrace, I felt my mind grow hazy as her sweet smell entered my nose, and the stroking of her large hand on my ears made me nuzzle into her chest.

Feeling my tail swaying side to side, I blushed slightly as I peeked up at her, breathing a sigh of relief as I saw her still staring at the wall, her lips pursed.

After that burst of mild embarrassment, I grew slightly frustrated that she wasn't really paying attention to me, but I remained silent, letting her think.

Laying my head against her chest, I listened to her breathing and beating of her heart, the rhythmic thumps easing my mind.

Relishing in her attention, I snuggled closer to my lover, her warmth slowly adding to my own.

Hearing a cough, Jahi peeked over her shoulder, where Anput and her family stood.

Lady Sera was staring dryly at us, but Anput was smirking at me, making me take a deep breath before stepping back, away from Jahi.

As for the Sultana, she glanced down at her daughter and spoke, her raspy voice filled with mirth.

"I can see why you wished to mark her, pup."

Anput nodded, smirking at her Mother next, who promptly swatted the back of her head before letting out a huff, muttering "That was all that bitch was good for in the Academy anyways!"

Silently chuckling, the Sultana turned back towards me, her veiled face making her hard to read.

"Kio, I say that not for her… curves, though I can understand why Anput might prioritize that…"

Lady Sera glared at her wife, her eyes narrowed.

"But, the girl has-"

Gesturing towards me, she redirected the glowering Dogkin towards me again, saying "The scent of blood around her, much thicker than even our pup and Jahi."

Seeing Lady Sera's nose twitch, she furrowed her brow as she said "Yes… it's faint, but definitely there…"

"Which, admittedly, is rather odd."

Hearing Lady Presa behind us, we all turned to watch as Leone and her family entered the room again, with the Vampire's both glancing at me, though with different reasons.

I could see the tips of Leone's fangs as she stared at me, as well as her throat bobbing as she gulped, her crimson eyes fixed on my neck.

As for Lady Presa, like Lady Sera, she was staring at me with curiosity and confusion.

Even as I became the focal point of everyones attention, I kept up my calm facade as best I could.

Clearing her throat, Jahi scratched her cheek as she glanced down at me, saying "She… can be a little…"

"Unhinged?"

"Demented?"

Hearing Anput and Leone speak at the same time, I gave both a dry look, which only made their smirks grow.

"I was going to say-"

Glaring up at Jahi, I waited for her to speak, prompting the Empress and Sultana to chuckle as the Demoness meekly finished "Wild…"

Continue to fix her with my glare, I heard the Sultana chuckle as she said "Jahi, it'd be best if you learned quickly to not even attempt to finish some of those sentences… they cause more problems than they're worth…"

Lady Sera nodded, before adding "Also…"

Her smirk grew as she glanced at her daughter, saying "The instant gratification for that teasing might seem worth it, but it won't be in a few hours…"

Peering back at Anput and Leone, I gave them a small smile, both shivering as the woman's implications reached them.

Patting Leone's head, the Empress nodded as she said "Trust me, one of the most powerful things in this world will always be the woman you are with… they can make your life difficult no matter how strong you might be."

She ignored the tight smile her wife gave her, before adding "Well, as long as you aren't killing innocents, I don't particularly care about your… hobbies."

Bowing slightly to her, I returned to staring up at Jahi, the Demoness flinching as she met my gaze again.

Filtering into the living room, we continued to talk about various things; it seemed like the Empress and Sultana wanted to know more about the two women who've captivated their daughters, while Lady Presa and Lady Sera were both laying out veiled threats to Jahi and I, reminding us that their daughters are more important to them then anything else.

While slightly grating to hear, Jahi and I nodded during each, understanding that they were just worried mothers; they wanted the best for their daughters, and Jahi and I planned on giving that to them as best we can.

Besides that, there was that awkward few minute rant about not getting either them pregnant or me pregnant, both for the political ramifications, tumultuous time, and for the simple fact that we were still young, blah blah blah…

I gave my assurances that I wasn't interested in having children for a long time to come, and while the other three seemed a little saddened by that, they all agreed with me.

Other than that, we spoke on each of our interests, and how we could help one another moving forwards.

When the discussion was finally over, the sun had reached its zenith, and we waved them goodbye as they all entered one carriage, traveling back to the palace that loomed above us.

—

Going to have a chapter about her getting the remaining xp, then the system evolves after that.