"You all know I abhor rape, and that it’s strictly forbidden to all those who are in my service..." Hearing his words, many eyes lit up with hope. Could it be...? Getting to lay with a woman of her caliber was beyond the hopes and dreams of any slave. Selene was not only the criminal-equivalent of a baron’s daughter, but she herself was a powerful mage as well. But... Their hopes would have to be crushed this time around.
"As I said, I abhor rape. She might’ve been a sneaky bitch who stabbed me in the back when I depended on her as my ally, but as far as I’m concerned, such a punishment should be reserved for the vilest of them all. So no, you may not have your way with her how I see many of you hope to do so. However, if you’ll excuse my language, getting used as a punching bag by labor slaves should be quite the miserable punishment for her, while it’ll be the perfect stress reducer for you people after a hard day’s work. It’s not every day you get to beat a fire mage to your heart’s content, is it?
Also, just to be clear, you are forbidden from killing her or causing extreme physical harm. She is a very valuable mage who I have high hopes for in the future as a destructive combatant of the Ascendants. My beautiful Seraphiel can heal bruises and such, but no choking, no dismembering, no bashing her skull in, and no other extreme acts are permitted.
I also know that it was not exactly what you were promised, so a visit to a proper establishment shall be granted at a later date, a few weeks from now most likely, once I manage to gather the funds. Think of Plump Fox as my apology for failing to reward you in time."
Although it wasn’t the reward they were hoping for, no one had it in them to complain. Partly out of fear, yes, but partly because this was still an extremely generous reward. They had no rights to ask for anything from their master, yet he allowed them... They glanced at the gorgeous redhead with eyes of cruelty. Some of them didn’t have a sadistic heart to take Quinlan up on this reward, but most found this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
As such, they glanced at the elven woman with eyes full of appreciation. She was the sole reason they were getting to touch such a rare gem.
"Great. Ronan, I leave the scheduling to you. Be done by the end of this week."
The enthusiastic man flashed an eager grin, leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind that he would not look the gift horse in the mouth. "I hear and obey, master."
With that, 16 men left with a quietly sobbing Selene following behind them, due to Quinlan’s order which forced her to do as Ronan instructed.
"Ahh. Silence at long last." The master sighed with relief before turning to the last two.
He started with the one who was a bit older than the rest. "What is your request?"
The man bowed deeply before responding, "recreational activities, my lord. I believe that the hours the men get off work are rather generous in amount, but lacking in opportunities to utilize them. Many of us just wander around the territory aimlessly or chat. Something like cards or a ball would be great to have a fun."
The master smiled jovially. "I see that you’re asking for something that would benefit the group as a whole. I’m impressed. Your request is granted. However, since you asked for a group reward, do you want something else? You can still run after Ronan’s group, you know."
The older man shook his head while smiling wryly, "I will leave that activity to the youngsters, my body is not what it used to be. I don’t want to embarrass myself... If I can still ask for something, then I would like some quality liquor."
"Sure, granted as well. Then what about you?" The master asked, turning to the slave named David. He was the hardest worker out of all of them, both Iselda and Ronan spoke very highly of his dedication.
"Master Quinlan... I..." He fumbled around with his words. This was the moment he’d been imagining for the past month, he recited his request in his head numerous times. Yet, now he was so nervous that even the many practices didn’t help.
The older man reached out to his shoulder and squeezed it supportively. Somehow, that small gesture was enough. "Master Quinlan, I’m from a small village near Aldoria, the Winterwood county’s capital city. I used to live happily as a simple peasant and even got to marry the love of my life. However, the local baron’s son, Tristan, laid his eyes on my wife, Dorothy. He demanded her to be added to his list of lovers, and when I stood up to him..."
"... you ended up in chains, and she in his bed." The master finished for him since it was very clearly difficult for him to say the truth out loud.
"And so you want us to return Dorothy to you." It was the second-in-command of the Ascendants faction who spoke up next.
"Um... Master..." It was Anna who let her voice out, rather uncertainly. "We know who he is talking about, his family ruled over our village too, and they are very likely a part of the Wraithclaws organization in one way or another, since they allow them to sell drugs in broad daylight within their territory."
Upon hearing this revelation, David couldn’t help but wince. Not only was he asking for a completely unreasonable request already, but now it just so turned out that things were more complicated than even he expected them to be.
"Hmm... I’ve been meaning to investigate this organization for a while. It could also shed some light on the drug department of the Consortium, since they are the suppliers..." Once he mulled things over, he turned to David. "I can’t accept or deny your request for now. We’ll look into this issue in the near future. In the meantime, you can also ask for something else."
David’s heart jumped with joy. Not getting outright denied was way more than what he ever couldv’e rightfully hoped to gain here. "I don’t want anything besides holding my beloved Dorothy in my arms once again."
"Alright, I won’t force you. With that, you two are free to leave."
"Thank you, master." They replied in unison, and after a bow of their spine, left the room.
"Well, that was kinda fun." The only man who was sitting decreed.
"Baby, we also have a request." Lucille decreed. "Girls, come."
Three out of the wall of people standing behind him did as told, those being Anna, Beatrice, and Aurora.
The four of them stood in front of him.
As the evident ringleader, Lucille spoke up for each of them. "Quinlan Noir, we want you to subjugate us."