Vices

The carriage door opened.

Azura stepped down first, and after a brief moment she moved her spear aside and allowed Shiro to follow. Behind them the horse-drawn carriage turned around and rolled back down the long driveway toward the stables.

Shiro and Azura now stood on the estate of Alamak Hollowbrook. In the center rose a grand four story mansion of pale stone with golden accents. Elegant gardens and sprawling courtyards surrounded the manor, all enclosed within the estate’s towering walls.

Two young maids waited at the front doors.

Their uniforms were an excessively revealing version of the service attire worn in the royal palace. Skirts cut high enough to expose the tops of their thighs, delicate lace stockings covering both arms and legs, and tiny frilled aprons that did little to conceal their chests as they spilled out.

Oh… wow.

Both girls smiled with practiced warmth and bowed as they spoke in unison.

“Welcome, honored guests, to the estate of Alamak Hollowbrook. The Grand Chancellor is expecting you. Please, follow us.”

Azura’s tail flicked sharply. Her snake eyes narrowed as she looked between Shiro and the maids, but she said nothing.

Huh!? Shit, was I staring?

Azura stepped in front of Shiro as the two girls turned and led them through the open doors into the entrance hall. More maids stood lined against both walls in attendance. All wore the same revealing outfit, and each was just as attractive as the last.

“Hey, Azura… Any advice I should know about Alamak?”

“The Chancellor’s job is management of the nobility and politics…”

She glared at the maids around them, then spoke with a begrudging tone.

“…He’s quite good at his job.”

At the end of the entrance hall opened a large foyer with curved stairwells and overhanging balconies. The room smelled of sweet perfume, strong wine, and roasted meat.

“Azura! And our Hero! Welcome!”

At the top of the stairs stood the heavy, older man. The Grand Chancellor wore his ornate regal robes and rings on every finger. He looked down at them with a wide smile and kind eyes.

Completely different from the open disdain he had shown Shiro when they first met.

On his arm was the most beautiful of the women present, despite being slightly older. A fluffy boa scarf rested across her shoulders, and she wore a slim black dress with a neckline that plunged below her belly button and side cutouts that reached up to her hips.

“Lord Hollowbrook. Lady Hollowbrook."

“Oh, don’t be so formal, Azura.”

Alamak Hollowbrook descended the stairs as he spoke, his wife still on his arm, jewelry clinking with every deliberately slowed step.

“This is a casual dinner. No work involved.”

“I’ll have to pass. I’m tasked with watching the Hero.”

“Come now. Though if I may be so bold, I would prefer a word with our Hero alone. Certain matters are best discussed among those skilled in the feminine arts of hospitality. You understand how these things are.”

Azura looked at Shiro with eyes full of disgust.

What did I do!?

“I’ll wait outside.”

“But of course!”

Alamak looked around to his maids and called out dramatically.

“Have the Master General’s dinner taken to the gazebo. Spare no expense on food or drink!”

Azura looked back at Shiro and held out her hand.

“Give me your notebook.”

“Huh? Why? You can’t even read it.”

“Give it.”

“Okay, okay.”

Azura snatched the notebook angrily from his hand before following the maids out.

Is she being extra rude?

“Oh, sweetie, don’t mind her…”

Lady Hollowbrook had slipped behind Shiro and whispered in his ear, latching onto his arm. Her chest pressed against him as she squeezed.

Woah woah woah! Hey, aren’t you married!?

“Lilith is right. Azura is a warrior through and through...”

Alamak began walking down another corridor, leading the way as Shiro followed, pulled along by Lilith’s grip on his arm.

“...You know, I actually vouched and voted for Azura to become Master General. Many doubted her, but not I. That one belongs on a battlefield.”

“Yes… uh… umm. I, uh… see…”

Lilith leaned in closer as Alamak spoke. Her breath was warm against Shiro’s neck, yet it sent a cold shiver down his spine. He tried to ease away without causing offense, but her grip on his arm only tightened.

“Still though, the two of us don’t get along. A difference of beliefs. Nothing personal. We all do what we believe is best.”

Lilith pressed closer. Her lips nearly brushed his lips. Shiro only barely managed to turn his head in time, pretending to look at paintings on the wall.

“Those horns of hers would pierce a man’s cheeks if she ever tried to kiss someone. You must feel so neglected, honored Hero.”

Her free hand trailed lightly across his chest as she continued pulling him forward, her body still locked against his side.

“My wife does enjoy her little observations. Pay her no mind… or do. Whichever you prefer.”

Another cold shiver ran down Shiro’s spine.

Does he really sell out his own wife just to get what he wants…?

Alamak pushed open a set of double doors and stepped into a warmly lit private dining room. A long table was already set with rows of roasted meats and open bottles of wine. Seven more women waited inside. Each had a different body type, from petite and slender to tall and heavily curved.

All of them were dressed in revealing outfits. All of them were watching Shiro to learn his preferences.

“Please, sit. We have much to discuss…”