A Journey That Changed The World.

Chapter 1622: Edith And Meredith

Archer and Anatoly continued chatting until they left for the capital, thanks to a riot breaking out, causing Yevdokiya to look concerned. He allowed the duo to use a portal, which all of them and the soldiers entered. Once alone, Aisha called out to him. ʼʼCome over here and try some of this pasta, handsome! Itʼs delicious.ʼʼ

He rejoined the Dragonkin woman and started eating as the owner began bringing out more dishes. While this happened, he handed the older man a handful of gold coins and spoke. ʼʼBring me all your best ale, we need drinks to wash all this stuff down.ʼʼ

ʼʼYes!ʼʼ the inn owner exclaimed. ʼʼIʼll go get them right now, my lord.ʼʼ

Following that, the man rushed off as Archer continued dining on all the delicious foods in front of him. Just then, he called for one of the Imperial Guards, giving him a pouch, he said. ʼʼGo buy all the chocolate you can, the city should have some, itʼs a trade center after all.ʼʼ

The soldiers saluted before a group of them left the inn behind. Once they were gone, Aisha commented, a curious expression crossing her face. ʼʼWhat are you planning to do now?ʼʼ

Archer was about to reply until something crashed into him, causing chaos to erupt. He looked down only to see a child of the age of six clinging to his side. An angry man and woman rushed toward them, but he noticed the young boy was different compared to others, prompting him to speak. ʼʼWhatʼs wrong, little one?ʼʼ

ʼʼHungry... Want to try some of your food,ʼʼ he whispered.

Aisha was just about to react, but Archer held up a hand. ʼʼOkay, letʼs get you seated and Iʼll sort out a plate.ʼʼ

The little boy beamed as he hugged him, horrifying the parents who tried to drag him back. The father grabbed the childʼs hand. ʼʼIʼm sorry, my lord. He doesnʼt understand normal ways of behaving.ʼʼ

ʼʼDonʼt worry about it,ʼʼ Archer reassured. ʼʼJoin us with him, he wants to try some of the food.ʼʼ

When the parents heard this, their faces paled, and the mother pleaded. ʼʼWe have no coin to afford such luxury; we could afford the cheapest meal.ʼʼ

ʼʼDid I mention coin?ʼʼ he asked, eyebrow arched. ʼʼJoin your son, you can eat some of this with me and my wife.ʼʼ

The humans looked hesitant, but Aisha reassured them. ʼʼCome, if he offered, I wonʼt complain.ʼʼ

Following that, the three sat opposite them as Archer placed plates in front of them, asking. ʼʼIs there any in particular youʼd like?ʼʼ

ʼʼMonster meat!ʼʼ the little boy said.

ʼʼHenry! Stop shouting!ʼʼ his father scolded.

Archer laughed at this and waved it away. ʼʼItʼs fine, no one will say anything.ʼʼ

After speaking, he handed the family a bunch of food just as the owner returned with the alcohol. Aisha quickly sorted it out, offering some to the mother and father, who looked tired. When witnessing this, they looked at him like he was strange, as the woman questioned. ʼʼAre you planning to enslave us? I heard you Novgorod nobles like to do such things.ʼʼ

When Archer heard this, he started chuckling as the Dragonkin beauty explained to make things clear. ʼʼNo, we wonʼt enslave you, weʼve outlawed that in our homeland, and my husband here isnʼt a noble but an emperor.ʼʼ

The familyʼs faces dropped, but the little boy was too busy eating the chunk of meat covered in spices. Archer laughed at Aishaʼs words, causing him to reassure them. ʼʼDonʼt worry, I just have a soft spot for children thanks to having thirteen of my own.ʼʼ

The mother was shocked but introduced herself. ʼʼIʼm Selvina, and this is Roy Highbrood. We came from a nearby village after being run out thanks to little Hay here. People see that heʼs different and donʼt understand him.ʼʼ

ʼʼSo where are you living now?ʼʼ Aisha inquired, curious at their answer.

ʼʼNowhere,ʼʼ Roy responded, looking downtrodden. ʼʼIʼm a gardener, but thanks to the war, no noble needs a garden.ʼʼ

Archerʼs eyes widened before looking at Selvina. ʼʼAnd what do you do?ʼʼ

ʼʼA personal maid,ʼʼ the older woman blushed, and her husband bristled. ʼʼI am a skilled accountant and worked for the imperial family, but was laid off and moved to the village where I met my husband.ʼʼ

Everyone went quiet as Roy covered Hayʼs ears as Selvina offered something that upset the older man, but the couple didnʼt care. ʼʼIf you need someone to tend to your needs, Iʼm experienced in such matters.ʼʼ

ʼʼNo, thank you,ʼʼ Archer instantly rejected such things. ʼʼYou can be a maid under my wife, but no sexual stuff, I have many wives for such things and donʼt expect it from my staff.ʼʼ

Aisha coughed, giggling. ʼʼApart from Edith and Meredith,ʼʼ she teased.

ʼʼShut up, you,ʼʼ he replied, poking the older woman in the side, making her yelp.

After that, Archer continued. ʼʼYou both can relax, I donʼt intend to take any more women. I have over forty to deal with, and thatʼs plenty.ʼʼ

Roy coughed up some ale he was drinking when he heard that and looked at him like he was a monster. ʼʼHow do you deal with so many? Selvina, here is enough for me.ʼʼ

Aisha was the one to laugh at this; she shook her head, answering. ʼʼTime magic and a lot of stamina. He can tend to all of us and still have some energy.ʼʼ

The parents gazed at Archer, their eyes wide with astonishment at the Dragonkinʼs words. His voice took on a grave tone as he issued a firm warning. ʼʼTo serve under me, you both must swear a mana oath, a sacred, unbreakable vow to never betray me, my family, or the empire. Only then will you be welcomed into our ranks, and I promise youʼll be well provided for.ʼʼ

Selvina agreed without hesitation, her enthusiasm captivating him. As she stepped closer, Archerʼs breath caught at her striking beauty. Her long green hair flowed like a cascade, catching the light with every movement, framing a face that was both bold and enchanting, considering she was a villager in the middle of nowhere.

The gorgeous womanʼs large red eyes shimmered with a sultry intensity, drawing him in like a moth to a flame. Her figure was a vision of voluptuous curves, each one accentuated by a form-fitting dress that clung to her body in all the right places, the fabric straining ever so slightly against her chest.

Though smudged with the dirt and grime of her life, the faint sheen of her skin beneath only heightened her raw, untamed beauty, making her seem like a goddess emerging from the wilds. Archerʼs gaze lingered, captivated by her sensual presence, until he was jolted back to reality by Royʼs sharp glare.

The older manʼs expression changed with barely concealed jealousy as he noticed Selvinaʼs gaze fixed on the much younger man, eyes sparkling with a seductive, almost teasing glint. The air crackled with tension, and Archer cleared his throat, forcing his focus back to the matter of the oath, determined to quell the rising heat in the room.

ʼʼWeʼre willing to do it,ʼʼ Selvina revealed. ʼʼEspecially since you donʼt look at Hay like a freak.ʼʼ

ʼʼHe seems alright to me,ʼʼ Archer replied. ʼʼEven though we just met.ʼʼ

Just then, one of the Imperial Guard commanders appeared, a worried expression on his face as he informed them. ʼʼEmpress Olivia said weʼd better leave Verdantia now or weʼll be caught in the coming storm.ʼʼ

ʼʼAlright, letʼs get back to the fleet,ʼʼ Archer responded, standing up and looking at Selvina. ʼʼCome with us.ʼʼ

He then glanced at Roy. ʼʼAnd the hate you seem to have manifested for me has revoked the offer. Your family is welcome to join unless you take the oath.ʼʼ

The older man bristled before Archer walked off as Aisha caught up with him, a smirk crossing her pretty face. ʼʼYouʼre gonna to claim her ainʼt you?ʼʼ

ʼʼMaybe,ʼʼ he shrugged. ʼʼShe offered sexual stuff and Iʼm not into my Charisma charming women forcing them into situations, but now Iʼve dialed it back and she shows interest, then Iʼll take her off her stupid husband who will end up in a Draconia prison pit.ʼʼ

ʼʼSo it was your charm that caused her to ask that lewd question? In front of husband no less, and why do you think that?ʼʼ

ʼʼYes, it was, it doesnʼt affect you women because weʼre a couple, but to others it does,ʼʼ he answered. ʼʼAnd heʼs a drunk and hiding it very well,ʼʼ he revealed, his violet eyes glowing. ʼʼHe stole several bottles when we werenʼt looking and will be caught by the soldiers on the ship home.ʼʼ

ʼʼIʼll make sure he doesnʼt enter the private quarters,ʼʼ the redhead reassured. ʼʼAnd we wonʼt say anything, just donʼt rush into things, thereʼs enough of us like you said.ʼʼ

ʼʼThe only thing that interests me is that sheʼs like Brooke and Mary, a beautiful older woman who seems caring,ʼʼ Archer said, chuckling to himself. ʼʼIt doesnʼt mean Iʼll add her to the harem, there are many others who I could bring in, but I donʼt, flirting with someone doesnʼt mean theyʼll join.ʼʼ

ʼʼYes, Iʼve experienced this,ʼʼ Aisha giggled. ʼʼThey come to us complaining, but that was years ago now.ʼʼ