My Servant System

"Well, just because we have access to these Fiends doesn't mean that they'll actually help us, you know that right? I have a feeling the only way we get help from Ka'Hondi is you beating them in a duel, which we have no idea what that will be like. Even Mom doesn't really know what that duel will be like for you since you have Light Mana, and Ka'Hondi seems rather... agitated by that."

Everyone sighed at that, with Jahi burying her face between my ears once more as she thought about that too, the weight of being the Heir to a House like the Asmodia House settling onto her broad shoulders once more.

She was more than capable of carrying that weight and dealing with it on her own, and of course she wasn't actually alone with that weight; we were here to ease her burden as much as possible, even if she wanted to be stubborn sometimes and try to shoulder it all herself.

"And I wouldn't say Tza'Yul is going to be that helpful either, just as a reminder. The only reason Tza'Yul is where they are at is because Mom made some kind of deal with them lifetimes ago and now they just sleep in the basement... so yeah."

Leone gave us a wry smile as she added "I don't think any of us have anything that we could offer to Tza'Yul, and besides, even if we did, I don't think we are capable of understanding what a deal between us and Tza'Yul would entail.", something that made far too much sense now that I began to think about it properly.

"So we technically have a half of an Arch Fiend since Cali won't be willing to hold our hand and help directly, while Jillian and Ayla have an entire Arch Fiend... but again, we also have the Empress, Sultana, all of the Empress' wives, House Asmodia, House Haniel... hell, we even could go up north and speak with Duchess Klaki if we wanted to."

"While you're at it why don't we go visit Lord Ter'Ran, or plead with Lilith to personally tutor us? Maybe we could send a letter to the Dynasty that has that old bastard with Dark Magic to lend us a hand too?"

I shot Anput a half glare as she stuck her tongue out at me, the Jackalkin being brutally swift in bringing my expectations back down to reality as she sarcastically suggested those things, though I still let out a huff and looked away from the Jackalkin because of how rude she was with it.

My displeasure was made known to her, but she just stuck her tongue out again and pulled Leone closer to her as she said "We should do some research on how to make that 'Dual Cultivation' technique of yours even better, Leone... in fact, hey, wanna Dual Cultivate right now, Princess~? I think I'm eligible for some rightful get back after you got so high off of that Lust Mana haze~!"

Even though we had been trapped within the lustful loop for so long already that our bodies were aching, somehow, someway Anput was still raring to go again, the Jackalkin fueled by a competitive drive to get back at the Vampire that had 'spited' her earlier.

Before that could happen though, a heavy knock on the door moments before it opened up to reveal the Sultana, who was noticeably dressed up and presentable compared to us, since we were all... well, not only naked, but very clearly fresh off of many vigorous rounds of lovemaking.

"Get dressed and presentable. We need to get the city in order before taking our leave, and while we are under no particular rush, I think it'd be best to leave as soon as possible."

Her veiled face obviously concealed her eyes, but it felt like her gaze swept over us all as she took in the state we were in, and that was rather embarrassing even as someone who was somewhat open.

"Mom?! What the hell?! Why even bother knocking if you're just going to come inside?!"

Anput seemed to be the most embarrassed of us all, which made perfect sense all things considered, but her Mom was also nonchalant about this as she just shrugged and replied "Announce myself before walking into the place I practically paid for? Already more of a courtesy; besides, we were just attacked, so I have to admit I am surprised that you are all still lounging around so casually."

"That..! Just get OUT!"

Shrugging again, the Sultana turned and walked out... without closing the door, which made Anput growl as she slapped her palm against the bed and sent a wave of Earth Mana flowing towards the opening, pillars of rock sealing it shut and allowing the Jackalkin to get up and snarl as she stalked towards the bath.

We all exchanged glances before getting up to follow her, with Leone being extra careful as she scooped up a towel and rushed into the bathroom, while Jahi seemed far more casual about it than us, something that she sensed coming from me.

"When you informed me of the Fiend, I wasn't able to get dressed, and neither was the Sultana. We were... both nude during that time, and uh... saw everything. Even... yeah."

Scratching her cheek, the Demoness nodded to herself before leaning down as she whispered "She really is just a 'bigger' Anput in all regards.", ignoring how I frowned at her for that since that was a very, deliberately ambiguous statement that could be interpreted many different ways.

None of which I wanted to contemplate.

Anput was still grumbling to herself as we entered the bath, the Jackalkin scrubbing away at her body and getting clean as quickly as she could, and before we could even ask why she was rushing, she growled "She never changes! Used to burst into my room all the time without a care in the world! I thought Mother would be like that, but she gives me my space! It's so embarrassing! So stupidly embarrassing!"

Since she was rushing this, we matched her pace and got clean as quickly as possible, something that very, very rarely happened in any of our baths since this was usually one of the few times we could take as long as we felt we needed to unwind that wasn't on a bed before or after sleeping, which only made this all the more embarrassing since we had to rush on out as well.

We found the Sultana - the cause of all of our 'problems' - lounging at the same large table we had eaten at yesterday, this time with no one else present save for a pink skinned Dogkin woman trying her hardest to convince the Sultana to eat a peeled grape.

"C'mon Anubi~! I even went through the effort to peel it for you~! Just like the Queen you are~! Eat it~!"

Ignoring the Fiend completely, the Sultana turned her head towards us and dryly said "Finally joining us...", which made Anput snarl again as she threw herself into her seat and glared at her Mom before crossing her arms.

I had to stamp down on the amusement I felt at seeing that posture from her, the usually arrogant Jackalkin that sometimes got on our nerves with her prideful displays now acting like a brat in front of someone she knew she couldn't irritate too much.

It was rather refreshing compared to normal, but as we all took our seats, the playful and 'fun' atmosphere dissipated as other people began to filter on in slowly, looking ragged and lost as they sat down at the table.

They didn't even seem to hear the Sultana as she said "If I didn't think it was important I would have allowed you all to do nothing for another hour, but this is a good learning opportunity for you. I know you can wield a blade and conduct yourselves in battle, yet I know nothing at all about your abilities with your wits and words."

Anput was still sulking, but she was the one to ask "So what do you want us to do? Alleviate the sadness of these grieving people? Promise them things we have no control over?" as she cast her gaze over them, her hard obsidian eyes softening for a brief moment as she took in their downcast expressions and exhausted postures.

"No, just listen and watch. Some of the places you will be heading to later on your own will need a silver tongue and an understanding of how to wield it effectively. Besides, they are still your people too, Anput, even if you are to be married to a Noble of the Empire. Never forget that."

I held my tongue instead of asking the Sultana why she would bother explaining that here and now right in front of the people she was outright telling them they were a learning experience for us, but at the same time that was the forwardness that this Sultanate had been built upon, I suppose.