New Home

-----Kaede's POV

Fleur: "I'm sorry."

Faye: "Don't be, sis."

With everyone now asleep besides Fleur, Faye and I, this makes for the perfect time for both of them to finally talk things out.

Fleur: "But-"

Faye: "Your eyes sure have changed, haha."

Fleur: "Y-yeah. But are you actually feeling better?"

Faye: "Well... You sure did drink me dry, but I'm alive."

Kaede: "I'll be teaching Fleur how to contain herself so that won't happen again."

Fleur: "H-hey! I'm still not comfortable with the idea of using my sister like that."

Faye: "Pfft. I don't mind."

Like I thought, this is the exact same situation Yui and I was in. I wasn't okay with it, but Yui was all for using her body to satisfy my urges. At least this time, Fleur will have someone watching her, making sure she doesn't lose herself.

Fleur: "But-"

Faye: "Where else will you get blood then? I doubt you'll find anyone else that's willing to do this."

Fleur: "I can just do what Kaede did. Hunt monsters and drink their blood."

True, that did help my craving, but it was more like a second wind, buying extra time for me to not completely lose it.

Kaede: "I still had to deal with my body thirsting for everyone when I came back to the guild. It's not really an alternative, but more so a preventative."

Fleur: "..."

Faye: "See? Come on, just don't drink too much next time. I'll be fine, trust me."

Fleur: "..."

Kaede: "The more you hold yourself back, the harder it is to keep yourself in check. I'll be here to help, so I think this is the best option you have."

Sure, Yui is another option since she's used to it, especially now since I don't feed as often as I did before. But even though Fleur is family, it feels wrong to share Yui with anyone. I don't know if it's because we're partners, or because my body sees her as a source of blood. Maybe a bit of both.

Fleur: "...I'll think about it."

Faye: "Thank you."

Well at least it seems as though we've made some progress. I know it'll take Fleur a long time to fully accept it, but this is going good so far I think; for what it's worth.

.....

Morning soon came, and with it, a brand new stretch of land was revealed to us as we soon came up to quite a large wall, stopping in our tracks.

Neri: "We're here."

Iris: "This is the capital?"

Neri: "No, my lady. This is your new domain, just as the queen promised."

At her words, the gates slowly opened before we continued once more. Going through the gate, I could see that the gate was opened on top of the wall, unlike how the gates I broke back during our escape. Also seems quite sturdy with metal bracings as well.

Iris: "T-this is too much."

Neri: "It's the queens decision. This is all yours."

It certainly was a massive amount of land with houses already built for us. Not to mention something that might be the biggest change of all.

Yui: "The ocean?"

Neri: "Yes. The queen wanted you to have the opportunity to have your own source of fish this time."

Iris: "Thank you very much."

Neri: "Don't thank me, my lady. Thank the queen. She should arrive here in the coming days, so just get yourself settled down for now."

Strolling along the roads in the caravan, it definitely was a surreal experience seeing the sea curve around the land. Not to mention the hilltop that we're heading to with a large mansion built atop of it, overseeing every other building with the sea just a bit past it.

But we soon stop at this city's center, with a large water fountain placed directly in the center, almost like it's a roundabout in my other life. We all exit the caravan to take in the city for ourselves, breathing in the salty air, fresh from the ocean. I may not be able to smell much in terms of food, but it's refreshing to be able to smell something different like this.

Iris: "There's no residents here?"

Neri: "No, since the queen wasn't sure how many people you were bringing with you. But seeing how many caravans you brought, there should be plenty of room for the extra spaces to be filled."

Iris: "I'll be sure to let the queen know. We can definitely fit a lot more people here. Alice."

Alice: "Yes?"

Iris: "Bring everyone here. I'd like to discuss everything with everyone moving forward."

Alice: "Understood."

And with that, Alice took off down the road, heading to the furthest caravan first.

Kaede: "Then what will happen with us?"

Neri: "My original plan was to take you all to the capital, but if lady Iris would like, I can stay here and supervise."

A huge amount of relief washes over me. I dreaded about something like that happening, but thankfully, Neri seems to be quite understanding of our situation.

Iris: "Of course. You may pick whatever house that is suitable. Maybe somewhere close to where I'll be staying?"

Neri: "Thank you. Then I'll be under your care for a while."

I can already sense that Yui's mother is already trying to win over the queen's trust by having Neri stay with us. Neri will be reporting to her captain, and most likely, that captain will relay that to the queen. It would make sense having Neri with us since Neri will basically steadily build more and more trust between Iris and the queen. Quite smart.

.....

And after some time, everyone from all the caravans were gathered in the city center. Iris and Alice stood just in front of the water fountain, looking over the massive crowd of people.

Iris: "It's been a long journey, but I'll thank you again for coming with me. This place is a lot different than what you may be used to, but we'll get used to this new life together.

Her voice had a powerful tone to it as if to reach everyone's ears. It wasn't commanding like an officer's, but instead was quite pleasant.

Iris: "Many of you left your homes behind, and for that, you may choose whichever house you so desire. But I will say to fill up the buildings closest to the mansion and the sea first. If disputes over land arise, I'll oversee it myself until I get the necessary help."

So she wants all her people to be close to her, makes sense. These people are loyal to Iris, so any other people who are willing to live here should be placed further away, closer to the wall.

Iris: "I know we're low on food, but with the ocean readily available to us, I hope to many of you pursuing careers such as fishing. With all that said, everyone thank you. May we all live out our new lives comfortably. My soldiers, do help everyone settle in as well. That is all."

Everyone cheered before Iris before heading back to the caravans to collect their things. All of a sudden, the atmosphere became bustling as everyone was running forward towards to the houses near the mansion.

Neri: "My lady. I wouldn't worry about food. The queen supplied each home with an abundant supply of food. It should help kickstart your move."

Iris: "I really didn't expect this much from the queen, hehe."

Finally... No more riding in a stupid caravan anymore. And with Neri taking up a residence close to the mansion, it'll be easier for me to see Yui.

Yui: "We're finally here, huh."

Kaede: "Mhmm."

Yui: "Come! Let's check out the ocean!"

I was about to follow her as she pulls me along by the arm, but I halt in my tracks upon seeing Neri watching me.

Yui: "Hmm?"

Kaede: "I'm under supervision, remember?"

Yui: "Oh..."

Neri: "It's fine."

With Neri walking up to us, I expected them to turn me down, but to my surprise, they're allowing me to go?

Neri: "I'll come along with the rest. The young lady want's your company, so I'm bound to follow."

Ah, so it was because of Yui? Yup! Keep taking advantage of your noble status, Yui!

Kaede: "Alright. Let's go."

Sicily: "Maybe the ocean will corrode this stupid collar..."

Neri: "Pfft. Nice idea, but it's made out of mithril. As long as it's being supplied mana, which you are doing even right now, it'll constantly repair itself."

Mithril... I wonder if I can get my hands on some. Seems like a convenient metal being able to self repair itself like that.

Sicily: "Well I'm going to still try!"

Lillian: "Hehe. I think it'll be best to just try and behave, sis."

Sicily: "It'd be much easier if this stupid collar wasn't cutting into me."

Neri: "About that. I'll talk to my captain about it when the queen arrives. I'll see if we can shape some to be more comfortable for you."

Sicily: "Really? Thank you!"

Neri: "I can see your neck, so I do feel bad for having you wear these for so long. Like I said, these are meant for criminals, but you guys are different. So I'll see to it myself."

Lillian: "Thank you."

Faye: "Is it not uncomfortable for you as well, sis?"

Fleur: "Not really. Maybe since my neck is a little smaller, it's not as bad?"

Neri: "I'll still try and have it fit better for you. Just give me time."

Fleur: "Okay, thank you."

With everyone's spirits now replenished, we all head over to the ocean while Iris sorts out everyone else.

Iris: "Ellen. You need to unpack first."

Yui: "Ah- r-right."

Nevermind. Looks like our little escape to the ocean will be postponed for now. I guess we might as well unpack as well.