Tribute chamber and knights

Julian stood up after closing the final candidate file. "I'll notify the Bureau of your selections."

Lilith yawned, stretching her arms upward like a lazy cat. "Do that. Tell them to bathe, trim, and pray."

Julian raised a brow. "You don't need to say that?"

She didn't answer.

He sighed and headed for the door.

As it clicked shut behind him, Lilith exhaled sharply and let herself collapse onto her bed. Her arms flopped to the sides, one leg dangling off the mattress. Bandages peeked out from beneath her sleepwear, some faintly glowing with healing enchantments.

"Uggghhh... My whole body feels like I got hit by a dungeon."

She tilted her head toward the ceiling, eyes half-lidded.

"In the old world, this pain would've needed three weeks, bedrest, and six guilt-ridden phone calls from my mom. Here? Two potions, a mana wrap, and a nap. Love this place."

Still, something was buzzing at the edge of her vision—system notifications she hadn't checked since escaping the Shade Queen's graveyard.

She blinked.

--------

[System Notice: Quest Complete]

"Become a Solo Adventurer" – Status: Success

Reward Granted: Skill – Lone Heart Lv.3

➤ +30% All Stats when fighting solo

➤ +1 to all skill levels while fighting solo

➤ Enhanced danger sense, escape instinct, and terrain awareness

------

She grinned.

"Oh, right… That broken solo buff. Come to mama."

Another window flashed into view:

[Skill Upgrade Log]

• Battle Instinct Lv.2 → Lv.3

• Ice Bullet Lv.1 → Lv.2 (Lower mana cost, faster cast speed)

• Fire Spark Lv.1 → Lv.2 (Wider burst radius, reduced recoil)

The interface shimmered and reorganized as her updated status screen slid into view:

The status window will be like this

📜 [STATUS WINDOW] 

[Name: Lilith Elric]

[Age: 18]

[Class: Immortal Slut]

[Titles: Bunny Slayer, Shadowpiercer]

[Level: 8]

[XP: 785 / 800]

[SP: 20]

[Immortality Countdown: 6d 2h 12m]

[Strength: 31] [Speed: 30]

[Agility: 28] [Stamina: 47]

[Mana: 55] [Charm: 87 ]

[Libido: Stabilized]

System Skills:

Skill Sync (Passive)

Stat Drain (Passive)

•Arousal Field Lv.3 

•Sensual Resonance Lv.1

•Persistence of the Weak Lv.2

•Lone Heart Lv.3

Synced Skills

•Charisma Lv.1 

•Battle Instinct Lv.3 

Absorbed Skills

•Ice Bullets Lv.2 

•Fire Spark Lv.2

-------

Lilith's eyes widened slightly as she read the details.

"That's one hell of a haul."

She tilted her head to the side, brushing pink strands from her face as a lazy smile curled her lips.

"Dungeon cleared. Title earned. Four tribute boys incoming. Broken solo buff unlocked. If I died tonight, I'd die smug."

Her eyelids grew heavier. She slid under the covers without even changing, her gear still tossed across the chair, daggers still faintly glowing on the nightstand.

A muffled groan escaped her lips as her body sank deeper into the mattress.

With that final murmur, Lilith drifted into the peaceful sleep of a smug, dangerously horny demi-goddess in training.

------

Morning sunlight crept gently through Lilith's curtains, but she didn't stir.

Not even a twitch.

Wrapped in her blanket like a hibernating beast, she was deep in recovery mode from the dungeon raid the day before. Her breathing was slow, her limbs limp, and her bed felt like a personal kingdom she had no intention of abandoning.

No quests. No monsters. No horny nobles. Just sleep.

Then came the knocking.

"Big sis! Big sis! Someone from the TRB is here again!"

Lilith groaned into her pillow.

"Go away."

"He said his name is Elmar! The same guy from before!"

She cracked one eye open. "Elmar…?"

Her lips curled into a deep frown.

"Tell him to come back in the next life."

But Luca was relentless. "He said it's important. He's waiting in the drawing room with royal guards outside. Come on, pleeeease?"

Lilith sighed like a dying ghost.

"…Fine. Give me ten minutes or I'm hexing him."

Ten sluggish minutes later, Lilith stumbled into the bathroom. She washed her face with cold water, fixed her bedhead into a low side braid, and adjusted into a casual but elegant indigo tunic. Still barefoot, she made her way downstairs.

She padded into the dining room and slumped into her chair, grabbing a plate of sliced fruits and bread with honey. Her eyes flicked toward the sitting room where Scribe Elmar sat upright on the couch, back perfectly straight, fingers interlocked. Outside, she spotted the silver trim of the Iron Vow crest on the armor of several guards posted discreetly at the estate's gate.

"You're early for a guy who handles sex paperwork," Lilith muttered through a mouthful of peach.

Elmar stood politely and gave a light bow. "Lady Elric. I apologize for the untimely hour, but I come bearing good news and duty."

Lilith poked a fork into a cube of melon and leaned over the table's edge, offering it toward him with a lazy smirk.

"Want some? As thanks for dragging me out of bed."

Elmar blinked once, clearly unsure how to respond. "…No, thank you, Lady Lilith."

She leaned back, chewing slowly. "Alright. What's the TRB's noble reason for interrupting my sacred rest?"

"Your personal chamber has been prepared," Elmar said. "The bureau has assigned it within Windvale, as per protocol, along with your security detail: a full unit of Iron Vow knights."

That made her sit up straighter. "Wait—already?"

He nodded. "Per your rank and clearance. The building is secure, discreet, and within a safe district of the village. I've come to escort you for inspection."

She squinted at him. "Do I get an assistant too?"

"The captain of the Iron Vow assigned to you will function as your assistant," he replied smoothly. "He will help you manage schedules, screen profiles, and supervise if needed. All Iron Vow knights are specially trained in tribute regulation and female sorcerer safety."

Lilith exhaled. "You people don't mess around."

Elmar gave a slight bow. "Indeed, Lady Elric."

Once breakfast was done and her shoes were finally on, she stepped out with Elmar and the guards. The carriage was ready. She climbed in alongside him, one leg crossed, watching the morning streets blur past.

On the Way – The Iron Vow Squad

As the carriage rolled through Windvale's quieter outskirts, Elmar gestured to the knights riding alongside.

"Your detail consists of four members. All are experienced, loyal, and chosen with consideration for both strength and discretion."

He began pointing each out as their mounts kept pace.

1. Captain Moreau Valehart – Age 32

A man of tall stature with short-cropped brown hair, emerald eyes, and a long crimson cloak denoting her rank. His voice was calm, but commanding. "Lady Elric," she said with a nod, "your safety is my personal charge."

2. Sir Kael Darran – Age 38

A gruff but quiet man with salt-and-pepper hair, scar across his jaw, and a massive tower shield on his back. Former city guard captain. "I don't talk much," he said, "but I listen well. That's what counts."

3. Dame Saria Flint – Age 27

Lean, fast, with a cheeky smile. Dual daggers strapped to his hips. He glanced at Lilith and winked. "If you ever need to ditch a noble in the middle of a meeting, I'm your man."

4. Sir Brell Varn – Age 25

The youngest, with a boyish face and messy black hair. Carried a war spear and looked both eager and nervous. "Ma'am. I mean, Lady. I mean—hi."

Lilith raised an eyebrow. "You sure this one's old enough to guard me?"

Captain Moreau smirked. "He may look soft, but he's got a perfect record."

Lilith looked Brell up and down. "We'll see."

The Tribute Chamber

The carriage stopped at the edge of Windvale's quieter south district—a private street with minimal traffic.

The building before them was solid stone, modest in design but clearly reinforced with security enchantments. Two stories tall, ivy climbing along the edges. A private side gate led to a small garden area.

"Is this… my f*ck palace?" Lilith said, eyes sparkling.

"Your official designation is Tribute Chamber," Elmar corrected stiffly. "This property is leased and maintained by the Bureau. You will find full privacy, necessary amenities, and emergency signaling enchantments within."

They stepped inside.

The ground floor consisted of a clean barracks-style living area with four bedrooms, a kitchen, and a command post for the Iron Vow knights.

Upstairs was entirely Lilith's.

A sunlit waiting lounge. A bathing area. And the main room—spacious, velvet-toned, with clean linen, soft carpets, and a comfortable double bed draped in gold-accented sheets. The room was enchanted for sound-proofing, temperature control, and physical safety.

Lilith ran a hand over the windowsill.

"Elmar, you might be too good at your job."

He adjusted his glasses. "We strive to meet the standards of all registered Tribute Maidens."

Moreau stepped in beside her. "Your first appointments begin soon, Lady Elric. I'll be here to coordinate. You won't be disturbed unless requested."

Lilith nodded. "Thanks. I like my chaos on a schedule."

She looked out the window, a breeze catching her braid. A new chapter was beginning—and this time, she had a full team at her back.

She grinned to herself.

Let the games begin.

As they finished the tour of her new "tribute chamber," Elmar clasped his hands in front of him and cleared his throat.

"Have you… had the chance to review the candidate profiles, Lady Elric?"

Lilith leaned casually against the velvet armrest of the lounge sofa, her arms folded behind her head.

"Mhm. Looked through all eleven last night with my brother."

Elmar blinked. "...Your…?"

"Julian," she said offhandedly. "Don't worry, he's sweet and sworn to secrecy."

Captain Moreau raised an eyebrow at that. Sir Kael's stony face barely twitched, though Dame Saria let out a small laugh.

Elmar nodded slowly. "I see. Have you made your selection?"

Lilith grinned.

"I picked four. Let's see…" She began ticking them off on her fingers, eyes sparkling.

"The fire guy with all that mana…"

"The big brute with the XL-size—definitely not skipping him…"

"The pretty virgin boy who will probably panic when I look at him."

"And the 98% success rate. I need to know what's behind those numbers."

There was a pause.

A very long pause.

Sir Brell coughed and looked away quickly. Dame Saria tried (and failed) to suppress a grin. Moreau blinked once, expression unreadable.

Elmar, to his credit, adjusted his glasses with the solemnity of a man pretending he did not hear what he just heard.

"…Your preferences are… vivid," he said calmly. "I will confirm those appointments immediately. You may begin as early as next Sunday."

"Good," Lilith said, stretching her arms above her head. "I want to ease into the work week."

"A fine choice."

Moreau stepped forward. "We will ensure the chamber is fully prepared by then. I will review protocols with the rest of the squad."

Lilith glanced over the room one more time.

A new base. A new stage.

And in four days, the start of her first official duty as a Tribute Maiden.

"Guess it's time to put in some work," she murmured with a smirk.

Continued...

Non-canon filler: The previous owner of the body has now become a yokai and came to haunt me and she has something to say to you all.

❝You wouldn't dare read without pressing the «Power Stone»... would you? You wouldn't betray me like that… right?~❞

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