I, the slave boy, awaken with the most potent seed!!

Zafron sat back in his chair, eyes scanning over the system interface as the quest details flashed before him. He raised an eyebrow at the progress bar ticking away.

'So, seven days left, and I'm barely halfway there,' he thought, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. Usually, with his current progress, there was nothing to smile about but then again... 'Looks like I've got some "fun" homework to finish.'

He scrolled through the quest rewards, a bemused expression settling on his face. The "Seductive Aura" skill seemed like it could be a game-changer. 'Well, that could come in handy for all sorts of social situations,' he mused. 'Like convincing Matilda and Mara to let me take a break now and then.'

The "Celestial Infusion" completion bonus was particularly eye-catching. The thought of having accelerated healing and heightened abilities for a week made him chuckle. 'So, not only do I get to enjoy my time with them, but I get a built-in superpower boost? I'd call that a win-win.'

He tapped his chin thoughtfully. 'And a unique pleasure buff that gives extra experience points? Who knew keeping up a strenuous routine could be so rewarding?'

Matilda, sprawled across an armchair, languidly stretched her limbs. "I'm heading upstairs for a quick nap," she mumbled, her voice thick with drowsiness. She padded out of the room, her footsteps fading as she ascended the stairs.

Mara returned from disposing of the collected debris, dusting her hands on her skirt. She turned to Zafron, a hint of expectation in her voice. "I'm going to take a bath and get ready for our outing. Won't be long."

Zafron's brow furrowed slightly. "D-date?" he stammered, confusion evident in his voice. He bit his lip, reluctant to admit his forgetfulness.

Noticing his lack of response, Mara glanced back, her eyebrows raised. "Have you forgotten?" she asked, a note of disappointment creeping into her tone.

Realization dawned on Zafron's face as Mara continued, "You promised to take me to look at that dress I mentioned – the one you said you'd get me once you started working for Cassandra. It's been weeks now."

"Oh... that," Zafron said, relief washing over him. "Yes, of course. I remember now."

Mara's expression softened, a small smile playing on her lips. "Alright then. I'll be down shortly."

As Mara disappeared upstairs, Zafron hurried to his own quarters to freshen up. He did a deep thorough cleaning of himself, trying to wash off all the sex liquids that would have stuck to his body and trying to shake off the lingering fatigue. Selecting a clean tunic and trousers, he dressed quickly, running his fingers through his hair in an attempt to tame it.

Meanwhile, Mara luxuriated in her bath, the warm water soothing her muscles. After drying off, she slipped into a flowing dress of deep blue, cinched at the waist with a silver cord. She pinned her hair up, allowing a few tendrils to frame her face.

They met in the entrance hall, Zafron's eyes widening as he took in Mara's appearance. "You look... beautiful," he said, his voice soft with admiration.

Mara's cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment. "Thank you," she replied, her eyes taking in Zafron's attire. "You clean up quite nicely yourself."

Zafron offered his arm, and Mara took it with a smile as they walked out of the house.

***

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone driveway of Malachi Vex's sprawling mansion. Malachi stood beside an ornate carriage, its polished wood gleaming and brass fittings catching the light. He cut an imposing figure in his tailored suit, a pocket watch dangling from his vest.

Gustavo approached, his gait casual but his eyes alert. "Lord Vex," he said, inclining his head slightly. "A word, if you please."

Malachi raised an eyebrow. "Of course, Gustavo. What seems to be the matter?"

Gustavo cleared his throat. "It's about my boys. They're still in the enforcers' grip. You said..."

A small smile played on Malachi's lips as he interrupted Gustavo. "Ah, yes. I've already sent word. Your associates should be released today. No need for concern."

Relief washed over Gustavo's face. "Much obliged, my lord."

Malachi's eyes narrowed slightly. "And how fares your bounty hunt? Any progress to report?"

Gustavo's expression closed off, becoming unreadable. He simply nodded, then turned on his heel. "Good day, Lord Vex," he called over his shoulder as he walked away.

Malachi watched him go, his lip curling slightly. "And this is why I loathe working with hoodlums," he muttered to himself. "Not an ounce of manners among the lot."

As he watched Gustavo walk out of the gates of his mansion, a soft click of heels on marble drew his attention to the mansion's grand entrance. A woman descended the stairs, her movements graceful and measured. She wore a luxurious fur coat that swept the ground, hinting at an elegant dress beneath. Her hair was styled impeccably, and a string of pearls adorned her neck.

As she approached, a smile graced her features, transforming her already beautiful face into something truly captivating. Malachi found himself returning the smile, almost against his will.

"Ah, Mrs Fairfax," he said, his tone smoothing into something more refined. "I take it you're ready for our outing?"

The woman's smile widened, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Please, Malachi," she said, her voice rich and melodious. "You don't have to be so formal. But yes, I'm quite ready."

Malachi opened the carriage door with a flourish, offering his hand to assist her. As she placed her gloved hand in his, he caught a whiff of an exotic perfume. "Then let us be off," he said. "We have much to catch up on, and I fear time is not on our side."

The woman nodded, her expression turning serious for a moment before the smile returned. As she settled into the carriage, Malachi couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and unease. Whatever game they were playing, he knew the stakes were high.

He climbed in after her, signaling the driver. As the carriage pulled away from the mansion, Malachi found himself studying his companion, wondering not for the first time about the secrets she undoubtedly held. But for now, those would remain a mystery, much like the woman herself.

*****

Zafron and Mara strolled hand in hand through the bustling streets of Drakoria. The city hummed with life, vendors calling out their wares and citizens going about their daily business. Mara's face was radiant, her smile brightening each time she glanced at Zafron.

"This is nice," she said softly, squeezing his hand.

Zafron nodded, returning her smile. "It is. I'm glad we're doing this."

He knew how much these moments meant to Mara - time alone, away from the complications of their shared life with Matilda. Though his heart was big enough for both women, he understood Mara's need for exclusivity now and then.

As they approached a raised platform, an arcane-powered cart hovered gently above it, its metallic surface gleaming in the late afternoon sun. Zafron helped Mara step onto the platform and then into the cart.

The driver, a grizzled man with a neatly trimmed beard, turned to them. "Where to, folks?"

Mara leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "The Golden Thread, please. It's on Silverleaf Avenue, near the fountain of the three moons."

"Ah, fancy place that," the driver remarked, his bushy eyebrows rising. "Special occasion?"

Zafron chuckled. "Just treating my lady to something nice."

As the cart lifted off, Mara nestled closer to Zafron. "You don't have to do this, you know," she said, a hint of concern in her voice.

"I want to," Zafron reassured her. "You deserve it."

The journey was smooth, the cart gliding effortlessly above the city. Mara pointed out various landmarks, her enthusiasm infectious. Soon, they descended onto a wide, tree-lined avenue. The Golden Thread stood out among the other shops, its facade adorned with intricate golden filigree.

As they entered, a bell chimed softly. The interior was plush, with rich fabrics draped artfully and mannequins displaying exquisite gowns. An elegantly dressed woman approached them, her smile warm but appraising.

"Welcome to The Golden Thread," she said. "I'm Lydia. How may I assist you today?"

Mara stepped forward, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "There was a dress in the window some weeks back - deep crimson with gold embroidery. Is it still available?"

Lydia's eyes lit up with recognition. "Ah, the Sunset Serenade gown. Yes, we still have it. Would you like to try it on?"

Mara exchanged a smile and relief look with Zafron before she answered, "Yes, please,"

As Lydia went to fetch the dress, Mara turned to Zafron, biting her lip. "Are you sure about this? When I peeked through the windows last time, I saw price tags in the thousands of Thalens. It's a high-end shop, Zafron."

Zafron took her hands in his, his gaze steady and reassuring. "Mara, nothing is too much if it makes you happy. Don't worry about the cost."

Lydia returned with the gown, a vision of crimson silk and intricate goldwork. Mara's eyes widened, her fingers reaching out to touch the fabric reverently.

"It's even more beautiful up close," she breathed.

"Would you like to try it on?" Lydia asked, gesturing towards a curtained alcove.

Mara nodded eagerly, following Lydia behind the curtain. Zafron settled into a plush chair, his mind wandering to thoughts of how he could manage this expense without alerting Mara to any financial strain.

A few minutes later, the curtain parted, and Mara emerged. The dress hugged her curves perfectly, the deep crimson setting off her pale skin. The gold embroidery caught the light, creating an illusion of flames dancing across the fabric.

Zafron stood, momentarily speechless. "You look... incredible," he finally managed.

Mara twirled, the skirt flaring out. "It feels incredible too. Like I'm wearing a piece of art."

Lydia beamed, clearly pleased with their reaction. "It suits you beautifully. The cut is perfect for your figure."

As Mara admired herself in a full-length mirror, the shop's door burst open. A man and woman entered, their laughter echoing loudly in the refined space. Zafron and Mara turned towards the commotion, their eyes widening in shock.

The boisterous pair that walked in were immediately recognizable to both Zafron and Mara, though for very different reasons. Zafron felt the blood drain from his face, his heart pounding in his chest. Mara's grip on his arm tightened, her knuckles turning white.

"Zafron," Mara whispered, her voice trembling, "isn't that...?"

Zafron nodded mutely, unable to form words. He never expected to see these two individuals here, of all places, and certainly not together.

The newcomers hadn't noticed Zafron and Mara yet, still caught up in their own mirth. But it was only a matter of time before their eyes would sweep the shop and land on the stunned couple.

Mara's mind raced, trying to make sense of what she was seeing. How did these two know each other? And why were they together, laughing like old friends?

Zafron, for his part, felt as if the floor had dropped out from under him. The implications of this chance encounter were staggering, threatening to upend the delicate balance of his life.

As the laughter of the newcomers subsided, their gazes began to roam the shop. Zafron and Mara stood frozen, like deer caught in lantern light, their expressions a mixture of shock, confusion, and dawning dread.