"Congratulations, Claire! No, Saintess Claire!"
After Claire finished her oath, Paul excitedly ran forward to congratulate her.
But Claire didn't even glance at Paul, walking straight past him to me.
Ignoring the flustered Paul, she approached me, smiling, and asked for permission in a soft voice.
"Master. Tonight. I wish to offer you the oath I've prepared. Is that alright?"
"Pfft... You've made up your mind?"
"Yes. Because there's no need to hesitate now."
Claire's expression was full of determination, showing no hesitation whatsoever.
Her demeanor was as composed as if she were doing something perfectly natural.
The oath... what exactly has she prepared?
"There are various activities to attend now, at my lodgings tonight...♡"
"...Okay. I'll look forward to it."
She bowed to me and then returned to the priests.
I was struggling with how to make Claire submit... I didn't expect her to take the initiative? Tonight… finally, even Kleia will be mine… Should I look forward to it with a joyful heart?
...... After observing Kleia's oath-taking ceremony, I took advantage of the remaining time to visit the Royal Palace.
The King clearly stated that he would provide appropriate compensation for the various incidents that occurred in the capital, including the rewards given to the adventurers who participated in the battle against the Hero Devourer, and an apology from the kingdom regarding the events involving Bivora and Malt.
It seems Malt stubbornly reported every detail of the Bivora incident.
That kid… therefore, Malt was penchantly punished with a six-month salary deduction for damaging the reputation of the Hero Knights.
In a monarchical country, this is already considered lucky… but…
Since the kingdom promised to strengthen the protection of the families of Hero Knights, it's a blessing in disguise for Malt.
Even disregarding this as an apology, the kingdom's treatment of me is excessively generous.
Other adventurers who participated in the hunt for the Hero Devourer only received about one gold coin as a reward… but I received special treatment, being summoned to the palace and asked, "What do you need?"
"What do you plan to do in the future?"
"Just tell me your wish!" Faced with the king's question, I thought for a moment and replied that my current level was still low, and I planned to continue my adventurer activities, so I needed money even more… As a result, the king directly gave me 300 gold coins. After seeing the glittering gold filling a large box, my mouth dropped open, momentarily confused about whether I should accept it.
It seems the king wants to use me as a mascot for the kingdom… Does this mean he doesn't want me to go to other countries?
If I take this money and then go to another country, they'll want to kill me, right?
…Although I don't plan to go anywhere right now.
Since they've given me money, there's no reason to refuse. OK. Thank you! I left the palace with a light heart, suddenly becoming a nouveau riche, and unconsciously let out a sob on the way back to my lodgings.
......
"Phew… My time has come!"
"Hehe. You seem really happy." "So happy?"
"Yes! Of course! We're rich now!" Lisbeth sat on the table, cheering as she looked at the gold coins in the open box.
300 gold coins! 300!
As a divine beast, she already received preferential treatment and wasn't too short of money, but with so many, she could do whatever she wanted!
"Hmm. The king is indeed generous. I didn't expect to receive this much."
"Pfft. Giving her this kind of treatment is basically preventing her from going to other countries. Even so, the amount is still astonishing." The initial slight awkwardness gradually turned into a surge of pride as she truly felt herself becoming richer.
Ha... this is more than enough to buy Lisbeth and Claire any gifts... Ah!
Could she buy a house?
How should she spend the money!?
"Hmm... this way, she can set up a guild subsidiary, right?" "While I was hesitating, Lisbeth blurted out something astonishing.
God, start a business?!
Start a company?!
"What do you mean, start a business! You can't just do whatever you want just because you have money. That kind of thing."
"That's true for ordinary businesses... but there's plenty of time to think it over. Master doesn't understand guild-affiliated companies. I don't know much about them either."
Hmm? What's different about guild-affiliated companies? But... with this amount of money, as long as I secure a supply, starting a business shouldn't be a problem, right?
But first, I need a stable life. I'll consider it when I've dealt with everything and have some spare capacity.
"Ah. It seems Claire has arrived."
Just as Lisbeth finished speaking, there was a knock at the door.
She's here! Another piece of good news today! I rushed to open the door, and Claire walked in smiling, carrying something in her hand.
"I'm back, Master."
"Come in quickly, Claire. I've been waiting for you!"
"Hehe. Hmm. You seem to be in a good mood, is there something good?" I took Claire's luggage and helped her sit at the table, telling her about my meeting with the King that day and mentioning the gold coins I'd brought back.
Claire listened calmly to my story, nodded, and turned to me.
"I see... such a large sum of money..."
"Actually, it's less of a token of sympathy or compensation, and more of an implied invitation for me not to leave. They probably want to use me as a living advertisement for the kingdom." Claire showed neither surprise nor delight, but instead nodded repeatedly, resting her chin on her hand and muttering to herself.
"As expected... His Majesty the King also... in that case... um..." Claire's thoughtful expression seemed somewhat subtle... what was she thinking?
"Today, Claire will also become my female, so this money is no different from what we all receive. Is there anything you want, Claire?"
"...Hehe. I appreciate your kindness, Master."
"Just tell me what you need. I'm willing to do anything for my females." "Hmm. Even though they've become rich, Lisbeth and Claire don't seem that happy.
They seem content just to see me happy… It's that subtle feeling of parents watching their children happy with pocket money. They could be much happier.
"Speaking of which… about the vow I'm going to make to my master today, as mentioned before."
"Yes. I've been waiting. Aren't you tired?"
"No. Actually, I've been looking forward to it too. Because becoming a master's female fills me with energy." How obedient. She's actually so excited.
Hearing a satisfying answer, I moved closer to Claire, gently kneading her breasts. Claire smiled and leaned in as if surrendering herself to me.
Good. It seems she's truly ready.
"Once you become my female, you can no longer mate with Paul… no, as a female who belongs to me for life, you can no longer mate as a normal human… You're prepared, aren't you?"
"Heh… prepared? No. That's true happiness as a female." "I would gladly accept it." Claire smiled at me with her eyes closed.
Alright. Since you're so determined…
"Before that." Just as I was satisfied with Claire's answer, she placed her hand on top of my hand that was kneading her breasts, then turned her face towards Lisbeth.
"With Lisbeth a little… ah. Can we take a bath together to prepare? There are some things I want to ask Lisbeth first." Saying this, Claire smiled at me again.
For some reason, I always felt that Claire's smile was a little scary.