Mateo stands at the edge of his void domain offering tokens to any that want to join the expedition to Daedalus. There is no shortage of volunteers, especially those that have reached Tiger rank. Za’Rexkla pulls Mateo aside.

  “My ronin have agreed to join you, the few that remain,” Rex states.

  “So, how many?” Mateo asks his eyes turning to the ground.

  “47,” Rex replies.

  “I’m sorry for your losses, if any of your soldiers,” he pauses raising his eyes to Rex’s, “if any of your companions need something I can provide then let me know.”

  “You have my appreciation, I will speak among my soldiers,” he pauses, “I mean, my companions,” he says smiling at Mateo.

  As Rex takes his leave Mateo’s tablet begins to vibrate. He has an incoming communication from Serenity. He exits his void domain appearing outside the port of Weltraum where he answers her call. When she appears on the tablet she seems upset avoiding eye contact.

  “Mateo, I heard you were leaving for Daedalus, I would speak to you in person before you leave, if that’s ok with you,” she states.

  “That’s fine, the midday portal is still open and there’s a diner next to it if you want to grab a bite to eat.”

  “Oh, that sounds fine,” she says brushing her hair behind her pointed ear nervously.

  “I’ll get us a table,” Mateo replies.

  Weltraum is an Astrological port, or Astro port for people who don’t like long words, located on a floating island above Heroldin. It is often hidden by the clouds, but on a cloudless day it can be seen resting high in the sky. On cloudless nights the minerals covering the underside of the island glow like stars in the night sky hiding it from the naked eye.

  The island itself is loaded with crystals jutting up from the ground that emit large amounts of mana. They are mostly in shades of blue ranging from cyan to a dark navy that give off a pulsing glow. The grass isn’t green, but instead a dark purple as chlorophyll doesn’t give it color but instead a strange pigment that radiates with mana grants it a deep purple color.

  The port of Weltraum is home to the settlement of Skytopia, were bird people of the same race as Accipiter dwell. It’s filled with a rich and colorful culture that resembles the colors of the African culture in Mateo’s world. Mateo steps into a diner crafted from clay and cloth and rests at a table made from bone and a silk Mateo recognizes. Arachnid silk not unlike what Olivia uses to reinforce his gear. A young Demi-harpy approaches his table seeming nervous. Her arms are mostly wings making it difficult to perform actions requiring precise motor-skills. At the tips of her wings are talons somewhat resembling hands, but with long curved nails.

  The young waitress freezes. She peers off into the distance unable to bring words to her soft lips. Mateo waves his hand at her curiously.

  “Excuse me, are you ok?” Mateo asks.

  “U-u-uh, yes, I’m fine, yes, no, I’m not fine, I’m Ta’Leah, yes, that’s my name, Ta’Leah, sorry, so sorry mister, this is my first job, a-and I’m so nervous, after the trolls that traveled yesterday and how rude they were, fucking trolls!” she cries falling to her knees bursting into tears.

  Mateo stands leaning down to help the frightened harpy up. She latches onto him like a vice and he pats her back gently to console her.

  “Ta’Leah, you had a hard day yesterday, it’s customer service, I understand, why did you want to do this job?” Mateo asks.

  She peers up at him with two orbs reflecting seductive galaxies.

  “I wanted to make people smile, when my mom was the waitress, everyone always smiled, they were so happy to see her, I wanted people to be happy to see me too, to hand them their coffee and chikus in the morning, and to lead them to bed with a smile at night after enjoying a good meal,” Ta’Leah proclaims.

  Mateo sighs audibly.

  “Ta’Leah, I am happy to have you as my waitress, I am also waiting to meet with someone very important, and it’s going to be a little awkward, so if you can hold yourself together long enough for me to have a pleasant meal with my, um, special person, I’ll let you see my Void palace,” Mateo says trying to calm her.

  “Really, you have a palace, and you’ll take me there,” she says her eyes fading from seductive to curious.

  Natalia appears on Mateo’s shoulder acting giddy.

  “Oh my Mateo, she’s got raven wings just like your favorite pixie!” Natalia shrieks.

  “And mental issues too, anyway, just be a smooth operator while I talk things over with the second most important, he glances at Natalia, person in my life,” Mateo says.

  Natalia forms her hands into a heart on her chest thrusting them forward as if to throw her heart at Mateo. He rolls his eyes and the waitress regains her composure just as the portal to Weltraum opens and a small contingent of violet skinned elves exits it. Mateo stands waving a hand from his table. The dining area is mostly outside so that visitors can view the sky above and enjoy the pleasant feel of a mana rich environment.

  Serenity waves away a few elves meant to be her guards. They exit leaving Serenity to dine alone with Mateo. Mateo pulls out a chair for her to sit, but she stares at him pitifully. He moves toward Serenity wrapping her in a warm embrace.

  “Mateo I’m so sorry, I didn’t know that you didn’t understand, I didn’t mean to make you angry,” Serenity cries.

  “It’s ok Serenity, you’re right I didn’t understand, now isn’t the time to work this out though, we both have more to worry about than promiscuity,” Mateo says peering down at Serenity’s protruding belly.

  “We do have time to discuss it, over dinner,” Serenity says with a broken smile.

  “Ok, but the waitress is a bit sensitive so go easy on her,” Mateo jokes.

  They take a seat at the table now seeming more composed and order skyberry drinks and a breakfast platter. Mateo gives off an audible sigh as he begins the conversation.

  “Is that a new scent, razzleberry kiwi and honeysuckle?” Mateo asks.

  “You can smell it from across the table?” Serenity questions.

  “I can sense beauty from much further than just across the table,” Mateo states confidently.

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  The waitress brings them their drinks bowing politely before returning to serve other customers. Mateo takes a sip of his juice which is sour and then sweet.

  “The drinks are good, I hope the food is too,” Mateo says.

  “I’m sorry it couldn’t be you, if I could change that then I would, but I can’t, so I had to make the choice, you won’t have to worry about him coming around though, as soon as he got what he wanted he left,” Serenity says angrily.

  Mateo lays his arm across the table stretching out his hand. Serenity hesitates before taking it.

  “Now isn’t the best time for us, I made the same choice you did, but the person I made it with didn’t leave, and they might need me, I’m going to do the best I can for her and my child in the coming months, we are already at an agreement that we aren’t compatible, if you still want to pursue ‘us’ after I return from Daedalus, then I would really like to have my princess back.”

  Ta’Leah brings them a plate of breakfast and the table is silent while they eat. The air is filled only with the conversation of the other patrons. Until Serenity finally speaks her mind.

  “I won’t be part of your harem Mateo, I don’t want a boy, I want a king,” Serenity says breaking the silence.

  “I love you Serenity, I don’t want you on the side, I want it to be just us, that’s why I need this time with Beatrice, if you need me for anything let me know, but I have to spend this time with Beatrice, I only get one chance to be a good father.”

  “You’re right, I understand,” she replies.

  “That being said, I am still offering to explore our romance after I return from Daedalus, just between us,” Mateo says taking a bite of his scrambled chikus.

  “Yes, if we are both still interested,” Serenity replies nervously.

  “I appreciate it, for now though, how are you, and the baby?”

  Serenity pokes at her food with her thork. She sighs scooping up a large portion of chikus devouring it quickly. Wiping her mouth she takes a deep breath.

  “I am terrified, but the baby is well, the kingdom’s best healer stated that it is to be a healthy baby-,” she pauses giving Mateo a nervous smile, “I don’t suppose I’ve told you what gender your god child is to be, that is, if we choose to continue our romance.”

  Mateo takes a drink washing down his chikus.

  “No, you haven’t, but I am curious,” Mateo replies a pleasant smile gracing his lips.

  “It’s a boy, I have a few names picked out for him, but I’m still unsure since his father is to be absent.”

  Ta’Leah returns refilling their drinks and Mateo continues eating his meal.

  “So, what are some of the names?” Mateo asks.

  “Are you really curious, or, are you teasing me?” Serenity questions.

  “Come on Serenity, we both know you’re the tease,” Mateo replies.

  They both giggle and Serenity drops her guard.

  “I have a few, Aragorn, Legolas, Viggo, Orlando, just some names from my favorite fantasy series ‘Rings of the Lord’,” Serenity says.

  “I’m more leaning toward Legolas/Orlando myself, but maybe you’re asking for my opinion?” Mateo questions.

  She gives him an affirming smile.

  “Sam, I would name him Sam,” Mateo replies.

  “I’ll think about it, and you, how have you and the young realmwalker been?” Serenity asks.

  “We are casual, but she’s gotten what she wanted, I plan on being by her side when our child is born, I don’t know anything about the child right now though,” Mateo replies.

  “If it’s a girl?” Serenity questions.

  Mateo smiles.

  “Any suggestions?” Mateo asks.

  “Ebony wouldn’t be a bad name, if she has your eyes, you could name her Hazel,” serenity pauses staring into Mateo’s cold blue eyes, “and you?”

  “Coconut, there was this heterochromatic cat girl in an anime that I watched, her name was coconut, I thought it sounded cute,” Mateo replies.

  “And what does Beatrice think of that?” She questions.

  “I haven’t asked her yet, why don’t we just enjoy the afternoon together, and forget the rest of the world?” Mateo says.

  “You’re right, let’s enjoy our evening.”

  Mateo spends the evening roaming the island with Serenity. It isn’t an unpleasant place to spend time. The flower crystals and purple grass make for an alien world that is both curious and exciting.

  As the night draws to a close, Mateo bids Serenity farewell and Natalia appears floating above his shoulder.

  “You still love her, don’t you?” Natalia asks.

  “Yes, I do, this isn’t the time for love though, we have more pressing matters,” Mateo replies.

  “Beatrice isn’t an unpleasant mate, I’m glad you want to accompany her through her pregnancy, my father wasn’t at my birth, and sometimes I wish he was, as I would be able to recall his face at the least,” Natalia states seeming unsettled.

  “Excuse me mister, but you said I could see your palace?” Ta’Leah interrupts.

  “Oh yes, absolutely, in fact if you’re looking for employ we could use a waitress in the dining hall,” Mateo replies.

  “Um, maybe, just take me their first if that isn’t too much to ask.”

  Mateo opens a portal to his void domain assisting the young harpy through it. When she enters his domain the ronin approach her. She doesn’t seem frightened though, neither do the ronin seem hostile. One takes a bow introducing himself.

  “This one is called Yah’Wildra, he is glad to make your acquaintance lady um-,” he pauses awaiting her response.

  “Ta’Leah, Talley Leahandrosa of house Talley,” she replies.

  “Ya’Wildra, Yamendaros Wildraino, besides Za’Rexkla I am in command of these ronin, if there is anything you require that we can provide, do not hesitate to ask it of us,” Ya’Wildra states.

  “Yes, thank you, Ta’Leah appreciates your offer,” she says taking a slight bow.

  Ta’Leah turns her attention to Mateo as he approaches her. She makes eye contact with him, and he stops smiling at her.

  “So, you’ve decided?”

  Achievement unlocked: ‘She was my first’. You have recruited the first female citizen to your domain. You have acquired +5 Merit coins.

  Alert! New information available. Merit coins added to the data log. Would you like to view the tutorial for Merit coins? Yes/No

  No.

  “Godsdamnit Mateo don’t skip the tutorials!” Natalia yells angrily.

  Yes.

  Realm: Gottes

  Planets: Terramundus, Daedalus, Zoi.

  Task master: welcome to the Merit coin initiative. Complete achievement quests to gain merit coins. Your Merit coins can be redeemed for prizes in the Task Master store. These prizes mostly suck, but sometimes there’s a little something something in there, good luck Voidlord.

  Mateo’s menu disappears and he stands before Ta’Leah. She gives a slight bow and he returns the gesture.

  “Are you sure you want to be under my employ, you are welcome to leave my palace whenever you want, the sigil in the courtyard is connected to all the travel points I’ve visited on Terramundus, but you will mostly be staying in the palace,” Mateo states.

  “Honestly I’ve been roosting in the trees since my family,” she pauses lowering her head, “most of my family was exiled from the Talley clan leaving only me, it’s been difficult to find acceptance among the people of Skytopia.”

  Mateo steps forward placing his hand on her head and patting her feathers gently.

  “We don’t discriminate like that here, you are welcome in my palace Talley Leahandrosa.”

  She wraps her wings around him trapping him in an embrace.

  “Thank you my lord.”

  Mateo goes to correct her, but Natalia appears staying his words.

  “Mateo, you are the lord of this domain, knowing you are the lord gives your people hope, and lets them know that they are safe guarded by your strength,” Natalia states.

  Mateo rubs the young Demi harpy’s back gently before she runs off into the palace to find the kitchen and the serving hall.

  “She’s cute, didn’t know you liked the feathered ones,” a seductive voice says.

  Mateo turns to find Lustiana at his side.

  “Lustiana, how are you and Ladarius?” Mateo asks.

  “Fairing well actually, I find a man that can cook is most enticing,” she replies.

  “You’re approaching me about something more than pleasantries,” Mateo says.

  “Yes, you are headed to Daedalus, there are various materials that I am interested in on Daedalus.”

  Side quests obtained:

  As You Wish- Obtain the untanned hide of a greater F.O.U.S.

  The legend of Sinn- obtain the ring of Sinn Umbra.

  A dwarf best friend- enlist a dwarf into your void domain.

  With enough Coal- obtain nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine coals of Oblivion. (Necessary for main quest unknown)

  It’s not just steel- Obtain one hundred dwarven liquid steel ingots.

  Mateo sighs audibly.

  “Don’t give me that attitude mister Ryusane, these are important materials that I will need to craft something very special for you my lord,” Lustiana says adjusting her bra as to draw attention to her very visible cleavage.

  “I’ll keep an eye out, is there anything else?” Mateo asks.

  “I’ll let you know sweety,” she replies in a less formal manner before strutting away seductively.

  Mateo rolls his eyes opening a portal to the port of Weltraum.

  “Why are the women here so horny?” He questions rubbing the back of his neck.

  Mateo appears in the port of Weltraum beside his expedition. Yetsu Moria and Za’Rexkla turn to him with large smiles across their lips.

  “It arrives,” Rex states.

  The air seems to cool as a shadow covers the entire floating island. A massive creature covered in shimmering crystals approaches dwarfing the island with its massive size.

  “What the hell is that?” Mateo questions.

  “A Cosmic Whale,” Yetsu replies.