The dragon's harem



"Where should we look?" Abel looked at Arad.

Arad tilted his head, "You're asking me? You're the one who has been looking around."

"I think we should wait till nighttime. I doubt vampires will walk under the sun." Merida said with a shaking voice, she looked away as Arad turned toward her.

"I saw a vampire use a potion to walk under the sun. They might be around us, we need to search for leads."

Abel scratched his head, "If that was the case, it means we can't rest day or night. Do you have any clues?"

"Probably we should as around the slums. That could be a good hiding spot. Or around noble houses." Merida looked around. "If they are using a potion to walk under the sun, that means we can exclude everyone who is out in the day for a long time. I doubt potions can work like that."

Abel smiled, "You're saying it must be a finite resource. They won't be wasting it unless needed."

Arad nodded as he looked at the street, "Jack is out searching for information. We should act as well,"

***

Jack returned to Arad on the second day. He looked worried as his expression tensed as they sat in the guild.

Arad knew something was off, "What is it? Did you find anything?"

Jack shook his head. "No, I didn't. And that's weird." He stared at Arad. "There are no traces at all. After the attack, they might have gone into hiding. It's a terrifying silence."

~I too didn't find anything strange. Whatever they were planning, they could have abandoned everything.~

[The best way to get away with something, is to leave with minimal effort.]

"Hiding in plain sight," Arad mumbled.

Jack blinked, "You know of that?" He smiled. "Some thieves talked about it in the past. Trying to cover up will only make you leave more leads and look weird."

"Arad! I have a letter for you."

Nina approached them carrying a white letter sealed with a red mark. Arad could smell the perfume on it from where he stood so it seemed weird.

"What is it? That thing looks fancy." Arad sighed. "Is it the lord?"

"He's still waiting for you, true. But this one is from Chuzuke Esmeray. His expedition returned from the elder tree and he is setting a celebration party at his mansion." Nina handed the letter to Arad.

"I doubt I will go. I have more things to deal with." Arad sighed.

"Did you forget? You will be paid by weight. I have a feeling he will give the extra money for the quest at that party. You should attend."

Arad's face twisted a bit. "Fine. The invitation is only for me?"

Nina shook her head. "No, there are two open invitations. One for you and one for Mira. They say you could bring anyone with you."

"Why just us?" Arad stared at her.

"Mira is independent of you as a carpenter. And you're the leader of the party that protected her. Such letters are often used to invite the head of a noble house, and let him bring any family members he wants."

Arad nodded, "So instead of sending a letter to everyone, he can send this." Arad stood, "Fine, as long as there is money, I'm going."

Abel scratched his head. "I'm sure Father had some money for you."

"I feel like he would try to tie me to the city. I won't go to him yet." Arad looked at Abel, "Am I mistaken?"

"You're not. He would try to give you a knight or a noble title and some land to keep you here. Push his hand, and he will try to marry one of his daughters to you. Of course, only since your potential as an S-rank is high."

"If you're going, do you have clothes for a party?" Merida looked at Arad, lifting one hand with a faint smile.

Arad looked at her. "Now that you mentioned it. I wanted to come to you with Aella for a while to get some clothes." He laughed, "We barely have changes let alone fancy clothes for a party."

Merida smiled, clapping her hands. "Is that so? Please come to my shop later today."

Arad stood with a smile. "I will go bring everyone." He wanted to bring Aella but also knew that Jack might need some clothes as well. He doesn't know about Mira. "Lyla should come as well, I won't like leaving her alone."

"Who you will be taking with you?" Nina asked. "They do need to get food right and stuff."

"Me, Aella, Jack, Lydia, Abel, and Merida as well." Arad looked at Nina with a smile. "Mira would probably bring her mother, but I'm not sure. I will tell you after we go to Merida's shop."

"I understand." Nina turned to leave. "Hey, do you want to come as well?"

Nina looked back at Arad. "I appreciate the offer, but I do have some work to do."

Abel took a deep breath, "You really want her?"

"She's strong," Arad smiled.

Merida stood. "I will head to the shop and get everything ready. You go bring everyone." She rushed out of the guild.

Abel stretched his arms. "I do have some nice clothes at home. I will go get those." He also left and Arad headed alone home.

***

Back home. "Aella!" Arad called as soon as he walked into the garden. "We're here!" Aella waved her hand from the kitchen window and Arad approached. Looking inside he saw that she, Mira, and Lyla were cooking, and Lydia sat in the back eating.

"What are you doing?" He asked.

"Learning to cook. We had a bit of time after all." Aella smiled.

"Arad!" Lydia waved her hand. "Come check this! You won't believe how delicious is the food those three can make."

Mira looked at Arad, pointing with her thumb at Lydia. "She's taste testing."

Arad smiled. "I came to tell you that we're invited to a party at Esmeray's mansion. Who wants to go shopping for clothes." He handed the letter to Mira.

Everyone dropped what was in their hands.