Preparation for first tribute session

Saturday Morning – Elric Estate

The sun was already peeking through the curtains by the time Lilith dragged herself out of bed. No urgent quests, no dungeon runs, no looming exams. Just her, her aching muscles from last week's dungeon, and a blissfully free day before tomorrow's… event. Yes, her first tribute session.

"Ugh… nine already?" she muttered, brushing a hand through her bed-tousled cherry-pink hair.

After washing up and throwing on a soft cream tunic and shorts, she padded downstairs barefoot, still half yawning. The smell of toasted bread and sizzling butter pulled her into the dining hall like a magnet.

At the long table sat the usual morning crowd. Gareth stood at the counter, flipping something in a pan. Thorne was sipping tea with one leg crossed, reading a book. Luca was already on his second plate, swinging his legs as he ate. Julian sat with his ledger open, muttering numbers under his breath.

"Morning," Lilith said, flopping into the seat next to Julian and reaching for a slice of bread.

"You mean noon," Gareth said without turning around.

"Let her sleep," Thorne said, still not looking up. "She is starting a government job from tomorrow."

"That sounds threatening," Lilith said through a mouthful of toast.

Julian gave her a side glance. "Please chew before talking."

She swallowed exaggeratedly and grinned. "Hey, Julian—come shopping with me later. I need a dress. Something that screams goddess descending for sinful deeds."

Julian blinked. "I have meeting with the supply guild this morning."

"Excuses," she pouted. "And I wanted a second opinion on lace."

Gareth placed a plate in front of her. "If you ruin another good outfit fighting in dungeon, I'm not fixing it."

Thorne finally glanced over. "Dark colors suit you. Maybe burgundy or midnight blue."

"See? At least someone gets it."

Then Luca leaned forward, curious eyes gleaming. "So, uh… is the tribute supposed to bring presents? Or are they just there to… you know?"

Lilith raised an eyebrow. "...You know what?"

Luca's face turned pink. "Like… cuddle and stuff?"

Thorne choked on his tea. Julian looked away. Gareth gave Luca a very slow headshake.

"Cuddle and stuff," Lilith repeated, deadpan. "That's exactly the plan."

---

Elric Estate, Main Gate

Lilith stretched her arms above her head as she stepped outside the front door, the warm morning sun kissing her face. The air still carried a hint of dew from the garden, and the faint chirping of birds accompanied the breeze.

At the front gate stood Captain Moreau and Sir Kael, already waiting in uniform. Moreau looked as polished as ever—his crimson cloak resting neatly over his shoulders, arms crossed with a calm, expectant expression. Kael stood silently beside him, hands resting on the hilt of the massive tower shield slung across his back. His scarred jaw gave away nothing.

"Morning," Lilith greeted as she stepped up to them, one hand lazily brushing her silver hair over her shoulder.

"Lady Elric," Moreau nodded politely. "Ready to depart?"

"I'm always ready"

"Have you two eaten?" she asked as they turned to walk down the stone-paved path.

"We cook our own meals at the quarters," Moreau replied. "We've been settling in these last three days."

Lilith gave a little nod. "Right… home cooking knights. That's rare."

"It's cheaper," Kael said dryly.

They reached the outer part of the Elric estate where a modest carriage awaited, the same one Ren often used. The two knights didn't bother with riding—they walked beside it as Lilith climbed in. The short ride into the village passed in silence, though Lilith caught Moreau stealing a glance at her once, clearly gauging her mood.

Windvale Village — Tribute Chamber Grounds

The carriage pulled up beside a two-story building nestled quietly at the edge of the village. Stone-walled, clean, and modestly sized, it blended into the surrounding homes but with a little extra polish—newer windows, trimmed hedges, and a painted wooden sign hanging beside the door bearing a silver emblem of the Iron Vow Order.

The moment she stepped out, Saria popped his head around from the garden.

"Morning, boss lady," he greeted with a wink, wiping dirt off his hands. "You're just in time. We're finishing up the herb patch."

Lilith blinked. "You… garden?"

"Helps calm the nerves," he grinned.

A few steps behind him, Brell stood with a shovel, slightly out of breath, his hair stuck to his forehead.

"L-Lady—Lilith! Good morning," he stammered.

She gave them both a casual wave. "How's the setup going?"

"We've arranged all basic furnishings, secured the doors and windows, checked the perimeter," Moreau answered as he moved to open the front door for her. "All that's left is customizing the upper chamber to your taste."

"Finally," Lilith said, stepping inside. "Let's see what I'm working with."

The building interior was clean and tidy. The ground floor had a common room with a small kitchen in the corner and rooms for the knights branching off it. Upstairs, the hallway led to a spacious bedroom with a large bed, crimson velvet curtains, and plenty of open floor space—though it still felt a bit bare.

"We kept it simple," Saria said, leaning in from behind. "Didn't want to add anything too personal without your say."

Lilith stepped into the room, hands on her hips. "Yeah… this needs a woman's touch. And maybe something to cover up that awful wall color."

Kael spoke up behind her. "We'll be outside. If you need anything—"

"I know. Four of you lurking around like overqualified babysitters." She smirked. "I'll call if I need backup."

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Second Floor – Tribute Chamber

Lilith stood silently in the center of the spacious room, arms crossed and gaze slowly scanning the walls, bed, furniture… then again. Her expression grew darker with every passing second.

The Iron Vow knights, who had followed her upstairs, stood nearby—awaiting instructions or maybe praise.

What came instead was—

"Everyone. In. Here. Now." Lilith's tone dropped like a guillotine.

The four knights snapped to attention. Captain Moreau blinked, the other three exchanged quick, guilty looks, and within moments they were all inside, standing like soldiers facing judgment.

Lilith turned to them slowly, narrowed eyes blazing.

"I'm disappointed," she said, voice heavy with feigned sincerity. "I really wanted to believe in you guys. That you were competent. That you had taste."

The tension spiked. Saria raised an eyebrow. Brell flinched.

"But after seeing this—" Lilith swung an accusatory finger at the room, "—I can say with full confidence that your collective sense of romance and seduction is absolute trash."

They blinked.

"Well, we're Iron Vow Knights, not interior decorators," Moreau offered with a frown. "We did what we could—"

"That bed." Lilith's voice cut him off as she marched toward the massive centerpiece of the room. "Emerald green sheets? What is this, a nobleman's hunting lodge?!"

Kael crossed his arms. "That's a high-quality weave."

"It's ugly, it's stiff, and worse—it's giving 'sleep paralysis demon' vibes!" Lilith snapped. "And the walls?! Who painted them this awful mud beige?!"

"It's calming," Saria mumbled.

"It's depressing," Lilith countered. "It looks like this place was designed by monks trying to avoid sin."

"And this—" She stormed over to the plush armchair. "Why does this sofa have side bars? What am I supposed to do with that during—" she paused, giving each of them a slow, knowing glance, "—certain activities?"

Moreau's brow twitched. "You're overreacting."

"I'm underreacting. This is my love room! My domain of sacred pleasure and unholy skill syncs!" Lilith declared, arms spread wide like a queen. "And based on what I'm seeing, I can tell none of you have any experience with women."

The room went very still.

"I have experience," Saria said quickly.

Kael scoffed, "Don't count me out."

Moreau sighed. "We're not monks, lady Lilith. Just practical men."

"I'm not convinced," she said flatly. Then turned to the youngest.

"And you, Brell? You've been quiet. What say you?"

Brell stiffened like a deer caught in torchlight. "U-Uh…"

The silence answered for him.

Lilith blinked.

"No."

"..."

"No. You mean—you're actually a virgin?!"

Brell's ears turned bright red. "I-I just never found the right time—"

Saria doubled over laughing. "I knew it! Brell, you pure little sapling!"

Kael smirked. "That explains the nervous energy."

Even Moreau exhaled a quiet chuckle. "Well, that's one mystery solved."

Brell hunched his shoulders, muttering under his breath, "This is bullying…"

Lilith clapped once, drawing all attention back to her.

"Okay! Now that we've established that this design is a war crime and at least one of you has never even seen a woman naked—let me give you a proper crash course on actual 'Love Room' decor."

She pointed at the bed. "Pink. Silky. Bedsheets. Not cotton. Silk."

Then at the walls. "Paint them soft pink. And I want blood-red lighting. Dim. Moody. Romantic."

She walked toward the sofa. "Replace this garbage with a black couch. Flat arms, plush seat. Don't ask why—it's a strategic asset."

Kael mumbled, "That sounds ominous."

"Tables need to be hip height," Lilith continued, placing a hand on her waist for demonstration. "No sharp corners. You will regret it otherwise. And I want the walls decorated—fluffy things, cute things, maybe a few tasteful candles."

She spun dramatically, arms crossed again.

"And since all of this is wrong, no one gets lunch until you bring the right items."

The knights blinked.

"No dinner either," she added cruelly, "until this room is a shrine to lust."

"You're starving us into aesthetic enlightenment," Saria muttered.

"Exactly." She grinned. "Now go."

--------

Captain Moreau pinched the bridge of his nose. "...You do realize this is going to cost a handsome amount, right?"

Lilith leaned casually on the flawed armrest of the unloved sofa, crossing one leg over the other, lips curling into a sly, unapologetic smile. "Of course it will. I have exquisite taste. But worry not—this kind of indulgence was already covered."

"Covered?" Saria asked, suspicious.

"The TRB is responsible for initial tribute logistics, right? Including my, ahem, 'preparation environment'?" she said sweetly. "So send the bill to Scribe Elmar. He'll take care of it."

Kael grunted. "You think he'll agree?"

Lilith shrugged. "He doesn't have to agree. He just has to process it."

Meanwhile, in Caelora District TRB Main Office

Scribe Elmar, buried under a small mountain of paperwork, suddenly stopped writing. His pen hovered mid-air as a cold chill crept down his spine.

"...Something terrible is about to hit this month's budget," he muttered, eyes twitching.

Back at the Quarters

Lilith gave a grand sweeping gesture toward the door. "Alright, gentlemen—run along. Silk waits for no man."

Moreau sighed, resigned. "Kael, Saria—let's go. We'll need a fabric dealer, candle shop, and... I don't even know where to buy stuffed rabbits."

"Don't worry," Saria grinned, "I've got an idea."

Kael muttered, "This is absurd."

As they prepared to leave, Lilith called out casually, "Oh—and Brell stays behind."

Brell blinked. "Me?"

"You're on guard duty. Lucky you." She gave him a wink, which somehow made him even more nervous.

Moreau clapped the poor lad on the shoulder before heading out. "Good luck."

And then they were gone.

---

Lilith flopped onto the plain, soon-to-be-exiled bed with a long sigh, then rolled over and propped herself up on one elbow.

Brell stood awkwardly by the door, spear in hand like he was guarding a queen… or a ticking bomb.

"You can relax," Lilith said with a lazy stretch. "I'm not going to bite. Not unless you beg for it."

Brell went red instantly and almost choked on air.

She chuckled softly. "So, tell me, Sir Brell. What's your story?"

He blinked. "M-My story?"

"Yeah. Family? Where you're from? Hobbies? Any secret dreams? You know, human stuff."

He hesitated, but then nodded. "Uh… my parents run a small vineyard in the west. I joined the city guard at sixteen, then trained with Iron Vow for three years."

Lilith listened attentively, resting her chin on her hand. "And hobbies?"

He brightened a little. "I… enjoy drawing. And I like fishing."

"Cute. Goals?"

He scratched the back of his head. "Well… I'd like to be a proper knight someday. One of the elite, maybe even with my own squire."

Lilith gave a soft hum. "Not bad. Not bad. And what about romance?"

That earned a full-body flinch.

"…Eh?" Brell asked, voice cracking.

"You heard me. Why are you still holding on to your V-card?" Her tone was teasing but not cruel. "With that face and nice arms, I'm sure someone's tried."

Brell's entire face turned crimson.

"I, uh—th-that's—I mean—it just… never felt right. The timing, I mean. And the people, and—um…"

Lilith raised her hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. I get it. Private topic. Dropped."

She offered a smile that, surprisingly, had no edge to it. "For what it's worth, I think it's sweet. There's no shame in saving something important. Might be a treat for me in the future."

Brell seemed stunned by that, and maybe a little relieved or confused.

2:00 PM – Return of the Knights

The door burst open as Kael, Moreau, and Saria returned, arms full of extravagant, pastel-colored packages.

"Mission complete," Saria declared. "Pink sheets, candles, plush bunnies, heart pillows, you name it."

"We got everything on your list," Moreau added, sounding exhausted.

Lilith stood, brushing imaginary dust off her skirt. "Excellent. You've earned the right to lunch. But decorating starts immediately after."

"We figured as much," Kael grunted.

"I'll go have lunch at home," Lilith said cheerfully. "Come back after and inspect the 'new vibe.' I expect it to be… romantic as hell."

As she made her way down the path, she called back over her shoulder with a wink.

"Oh, and no sharp corners, remember! My hips are precious!"

Continued...

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It's been on stop for two weeks and I'm sorry for that. I was in unstable mental phase (still unstable though).

I'll be continuing regular from today.

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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.

Ehehe~ I wrote this chapter just for you. So if you ignore the «Power Stone»… I might start thinking you don't appreciate me. And that would be… unfortunate.❞