A Warm Welcome and a Seductive Invitation

Chapter 10 – A Warm Welcome and a Seductive Invitation

Returning to the Mansion

As I approached the Ainsworth mansion, I half-expected a commotion. After all, I had returned with three new slaves, including a towering ogre and a succubus.

But to my mild surprise—or perhaps lack of surprise—the soldiers and servants barely reacted.

A few glanced my way, taking note of the unusual additions to my entourage. Some raised an eyebrow at the ogre's sheer size, others stared at the succubus with wary fascination, but no one questioned me.

Well… maybe this world really is different.

I entered the mansion, ignoring the hushed whispers behind me.

The moment I stepped inside, I summoned a few servants. They rushed over immediately, bowing respectfully.

"Take my belongings," I commanded.

"Yes, Young Master."

They obeyed swiftly, retrieving anything I carried.

Then, stretching my shoulders, I said lazily, "Prepare my bath. I want to get fresh first."

"At once, Young Master."

As they moved efficiently, their eyes flickered toward my new slaves.

At first, there was fear—especially toward the ogre and succubus.

But then, they saw the glowing slave marks on their bodies. Instant relief washed over their faces.

The branding was proof of my absolute ownership. They understood immediately: no matter how dangerous these women looked, they were completely under my control.

One of the servants hesitated before stepping forward.

"Young Master Edric," he spoke respectfully, lowering his head slightly, "where will your new slaves reside?"

I blinked.

Huh. I hadn't actually thought about that when I bought them.

After a moment's pause, I replied casually, "The ogre and the succubus will stay with me in my room."

The servants visibly tensed at my words but nodded without question.

"And the elf?"

I glanced at Safina.

"She is Safina's slave, so she is in charge of her."

The servants turned to Safina, awaiting her confirmation.

She stiffened, her cheeks flushing red.

"A-Ah… Yes," she stammered, looking anywhere but at me.

The servants nodded knowingly.

"Understood, Young Master."

I smirked. Embarrassed, are we?

With that, I left them to their duties and headed toward my private bath.

---

A Mother's Words

After washing away the dirt and exhaustion from the day, I wrapped a towel around my waist and made my way back to my room.

But as I turned a corner—

"Ah, Edric."

I halted.

Standing there, dressed in her usual elegant gown, was my mother.

She was as graceful as ever, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders, and her soft yet piercing eyes held a warmth only a mother could express.

She looked me over, taking note of my freshly bathed appearance.

"Oh dear," she said with a gentle smile, "how was your day in town?"

I paused, then smiled back.

"It was… my best day."

And for once, I wasn't faking it.

The words left my lips naturally, filled with genuine emotion.

I enjoyed today.

From bargaining in the slave market to breaking the ogre's pride, everything had been… exhilarating.

Mother's smile deepened.

"As long as you are happy, that's all that matters."

She touched my cheek gently.

"I am pleased to see you returning to the Edric you were as a child."

I frowned slightly. "The Edric I was as a child?"

She nodded, her eyes softening.

"You were once a boy filled with excitement, curiosity, and passion. But somewhere along the way, you changed… you became reckless, indifferent, and unrestrained. It worried me, you know?"

I stared at her, feeling an unfamiliar sense of guilt.

She sighed, then gently squeezed my shoulder.

"Your father and I waited almost 30 years for your birth. You are special, Edric. You have a future beyond what most can dream of."

I stayed silent, absorbing her words.

"You bought three slaves today," she noted, her tone neutral but knowing.

I tensed slightly, wondering if she would lecture me.

But—

"I will not judge you," she said simply.

I raised an eyebrow.

"You are a man, and a noble one at that. The world follows a different set of rules for us. However—"

Her expression turned more serious.

"Remember that you are an Ainsworth. As the heir, your every action leaves a strong impact."

I let out a slow breath.

"I understand, Mother."

Her gaze softened again, and she reached out, tucking a damp strand of my hair behind my ear.

"Tomorrow will be an important day. I will test you personally."

A test?

Before I could ask, she leaned in and kissed my forehead.

"Enjoy your night," she whispered, "but don't overdo it."

I felt my face heat slightly. What the hell does she mean by that?

Then—

"Oh, and one more thing."

She turned slightly, smirking.

"I changed the contract details of your slaves."

My eyes widened.

"Wait, what?"

She didn't explain.

"Let's just say they are… special now."

With those cryptic words, she walked away, leaving me utterly confused.

I stood there, frozen.

What just happened?

What did she mean?

How did she even change the contract?

I didn't understand a damn thing.

Still lost in thought, I finally reached my bedroom.

And then—

I froze.

---

A Succubus Awaits

The moment I stepped inside, my confusion melted away.

Because lying on my bed, waiting for me, was her.

The succubus.

Her silky violet hair spilled across the pillows. Her deep red eyes burned with lust.

She was naked—not a single scrap of clothing covering her flawless, sinfully curvaceous body.

She arched her back, stretching seductively.

"Master," she purred, "I've been waiting for you."

Her tail swayed lazily behind her.

"Why did you take so long?"

Her voice dripped with desire.

My breath hitched.

All my confusion vanished.

Replaced by pure certainty.

Tonight—

I will fuck this succubus.