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Knight of the Maid

“You've... what?”

The oceanic kingdom of Plontune. Located in the southern Howse Seas, it is a collection of small islands surrounding one larger island... though calling it 'large' may be a bit hyperbolic. It's larger in comparison, but that's neither here nor there.

No, here at Plontune, there's the incredibly rare spider known as the Crimson Silks. Befitting their names, they are a black and green spider, ones who – unlike their more mundane brethren - spin yarns of scarlet webbing from their spinnerets. Located at Plontune and only Plontune, the Crimson Silks spiders have for centuries been used to create immaculate garbs and materials. Not only is their silk beautiful to behold, but they're texture is incredibly sturdy as well, making for wonderful clothes among other applications. Thus, while Plontune may be small, it owns an incredible treasury due to its ability to farm the Crimson Silks for their beautiful webbing.

But there is a slight problem, one many come to realize when dealing with the island nation.

Plontune... are islands. Distant islands. Islands so far from the nearest continent – that being Takanaka – that it would require days, sometimes even weeks of travel for materials to arrive. So if you're some rich duke or duchess wanting to gain crimson silk for yourself, what are you to do? Just order your shipment and hope that it arrives in a timely manner?

No! Of course not! You don't trust Plontune's ships! You trust their ships. You trust...

The Porter Shipping Co.!

For years he's traveled down the near endless halls and flat decks of his family's business. He's often said his first memories were of gazing upon the sea from the windows of his father's office. His family's business has existed for centuries before he was born, and would continue to exist centuries after his death. It was a feeling both empowering and humbling, leaving him in this odd state of quandary.

He was proud of his family; proud of his history. To know that the Porter Shipping Co. was his inheritance, was an incredible honor bestowed upon him. But on the other hand... the Porter shipping Co. was his inheritance. One day – one day far no doubt – his father would retire, and leave the future of his company in his hands. And while that day may be decades from now, that did not change the fact that it would happen one day.

One day.

Some days, the weight of his fate felt too great for his shoulders. Other days, the honor of his future was enough to push him forward. Most days however, he recognized that his destiny was days, no, years away. He didn't need to be prepared to take over his family's fortune now; that time would come when it came.

At least, that's what he told himself, for every now and then, the universe... no... his father liked to throw a wrench in his plans. And today was one of those days.

Maurice Porter was his name. He was no prince, no duke, no lord, not anything like that. The Porter Family were nothing more than affluent businessmen and women, holding no political power in any country, state, or local legislature whatsoever. That didn't stop him from carrying around this dignified air, even if his lower lateral height may make him easy to overlook.

Maurice was a young man, having just turned nineteen a few months ago. His hair was black and thick, his skin tone was of a darker complexion, and he had this sharp look in his brown eyes. He was the type of young man who often appeared like he was in a state of mild annoyance with his surroundings, even when that wasn't the case.

Though the face he wore now? Oh, it wasn't annoyed... so much as it was shocked and frustrated.

“Don't act like that, Maurice!” said the more brash voice of the larger, looming man beside him, “This will be a learning experience! And an amazing one at that!”

Maurice was a young man growing into adulthood. He still had a few more years to figure out his position in life, despite his fate of taking over the family business. The same could not be said for the man beside him.

He was taller than Maurice, stronger too, with a bigger, broader body, neatly cut black hair, and this face that could run the gamut between suave charm, and foolhardy brashness. He was the type of man who believed 100% in his own capabilities, no matter how much he himself may exaggerate them. And with his brown eyes and charming smile, he'd make you too believe in himself.

Thankfully, he was also the type of man who had proven himself plenty of times that his boisterous attitude wasn't just for show. It was strong enough to affect everyone. Everyone... but Maurice himself.

His name was Adrian Porter, and he was the current CEO of Porter Shipping Co. He was also Maurice's father, and a man who often was the source of his son's frustrations. Right now, the both of them stood in his office, overlooking their sea-side docks. It was a typical moment for the two, though his request was anything but.

“How can I not act like this, Father?” replied Maurice as he looked to the side, “You want me to oversee one of your shipments personally? I've never done something like that before. I... I'm still going to my academic classes! What you ask of me is far beyond my station.”

“Oh pshaw,” said his father dismissively, even waving his hand through the air as he shook his head, “There's nothing those academic classes can teach you that you can't learn personally with on-hand experience. Maurice...” his father reached down, wrapping his arm around his shoulder, “When I was younger than you were, I overlooked your grandfather's shipments all the time!”

“That... that was different,” said Maurice as he shook his head, “That was years ago. Times have changed.”

“Yes, times have changed. Things have gotten even easier,” replied Adrian, making his son flinch, “When I was your age, we didn't have trucks and mobiles. We still had horses and bocos. But now? Now, we have those slick steam engines from Stahlheim! They can do anything! What would take weeks in the past, now takes us little over a few days thanks to the amount of land we can travel over in a matter of seconds. It makes everything... so much easier.”

“Haaah... I can't believe...” muttered Maurice as he rubbed his head, “Doesn't this sound insane to you? Any aspect of this? What if I mess up? What if I fail?”

“You won't,” said Adrian in a reassuring manner, even smiling as he clinched his son's shoulder, “Maurice, you are by far the smartest person I've met. You're even smarter than me when I was your age! But intelligence will get you but so far; what you need is experience. One day, you'll become the owner of Porter Shipping Co. And, sure, I don't intend on retiring soon, but we do live a somewhat dangerous life. Imagine if I died during that tempest in the East Andies.”

“Don't say that...”

“But imagine if I did! You would have become the owner of the company far sooner than intended. And then what? What would happen then?” he shrugged his shoulders, “Maybe I'm feeling my own mortality, but I understand that you can't learn all you need through books alone. You need hands-on experience. So...” he gestured towards the windows, “I have a shipment coming to us from the Jade Archipelago. It's nothing large – not like the massive cargo I overlook during my travels – but it's perfect for just one man. And I want you to be that one man.”

Maurice looked at his father, shooting him this side-eye as he felt his heart twist and turn. Even though it was a supposedly small shipment, that did not make him feel any better. His chest was still tossing and turning, fearful of his own imagined failure. What if things did go wrong? That would only prove himself an incapable leader, regardless of how young he was.

But Adrian didn't see it like that. Failure was inevitable in life; no one was perfect. He just wanted his son to learn from this experience, so that he could mitigate any future failures in his life. Maurice may have been frightened, but Adrian was honestly excited! He even wore this beaming smile on his face, one that his son was both bolstered by... and annoyed with.

“S-stop it,” he said as he averted his gaze, “Th-there's nothing to be proud of with this situation...”

“I don't think so...” replied Adrian with a shake of his head, “Again, Maurice, this shipment is important to us. It needs to be sent to our eastern branch by the end of next week. It's too small to be overlooked personally by me or by Neidorf, but it'll be perfect for someone like you. You'll learn from his experience, learn and understand what it means to overlook shipment. And then you'll take this information with you in the future. Sure, it may not exactly be like the massive shipment on boats I carry around, but you'll learn that size is relative.”

“I... I don't think so...” he muttered with a shake of his head, “Aaah... ghh... by the gods...”

Maurice could feel it again; that odd state of quandary. While he feared failing his father – and thus feared this mission – he did want to make his father happy, to make him... proud. Besides, Adrian was right; this would be an important learning experience for him. It was inevitable that – at some point – he'd have to overlook shipment, so why not do it now?

But there was so much more to it than just driving a truck containing goods. Overlooking shipment required strong leadership skills, because he would not be protecting their cargo alone. He'd have to manage his--

“Staff. What about the staff? Who will be protecting and maintaining this shipment?” asked Maurice, to which Adrian smiled and nodded.

“Yup! That's my son! Asking all the smart questions!” he replied before patting his shoulder, “Nothing gets past you, and I'm proud of that! Fortunately, I've already hired a very capable individual who will help you overlook our shipment.”

“Wait... hired...?” repeated Maurice as his head cocked to the side, “Wh... what do you mean by that? Won't we just... pick a staff member?”

“Of course not,” answered Adrian with a smile, making his son's face drop, “I told you, Maurice, that the shipment was going to be small, didn't I? Sending staff members to help you with this would be a gross overuse of manpower. I'd have to pay them my typical rate for something so minuscule? I can be boisterous, Maurice, but I'm still a businessman!”

“Wh... what...?” replied his son as he stepped forward, “Th-then what's going on? If I don't have a staff member help me out, how will I protect our cargo? What if word gets out? We'll have bandits and thieves on our shipment!”

“Calm down, Maurice, calm down,” Adrian said in a... somewhat calming manner, “I said we just wouldn't pick a staff member. That doesn't mean you'll be going alone. Look, this is also an important aspect of being a talented CEO: risk management! This shipment is important, yes, but it's so small in number and the travel so short, that if I want a good return on my investment, I'll need to cut some corners on cost. Like I said, sending a staff member with our typical payment rate would be far too much money for something like this. So instead, I decided to hire someone from another source.”

“An... another...” Maurice tilted his head, “What other source could you possibly be speaking of?”

“Heh heh! Easy! A mercenary guild!”

Silence. Incredible silence. Silence so deafening, one could hear a pen drop from miles away. On his face, Adrian wore a beaming grin, showing pride in his choice. Maurice meanwhile, sat there with his eyes twice their normal size and his mouth agape. Did he hear what he thought he heard? It begged a big and loud--

“WHAT!?”

“Hehehehehe! Yeah, I knew you'd respond like that!” replied Adrian as he gave his son a hearty pat on the back and shoulder, “I admit, it may sound unconventional for you, and maybe even for a lot of our colleagues, but I assure you, this is regular practice for Porter Shipping Co. You see, at the local city of Narn, there's a mercenary guild known as Sumter's Soldiers. We've been donating to them for the past few decades, and in return, they've given us quite a lot of manpower whenever we need some extra men. In fact, many people who work under us now, were once members of that guild. Anyway, it would be easier to hire a member of that guild now for help, as opposed to sending one of our own staff members along with you.”

“Father, this is insane! Who even are these people? Can we even trust them?”

“I assure you, Maurice, nothing will happen,” replied Adrian, “I've already performed an extensive background check on the one who will accompany you during your job. Not only that, she came highly recommended.”

“Sh-she...? I... it's a girl...?” Maurice murmured, to which his father nodded.

“Mm-hm! Like I said, when I asked for someone to accompany you at the guild, she got a commendation from Sumter himself! Her name's Lily, and they call her the... uh...” he shrugged his shoulders, “The uh... Knight-Maid...?”

“Knight... maid...?”

Whatever goodwill his father had built up so far was almost immediately drained away thanks to his own reaction to his words. Like... what even is a Knight-Maid!? Maurice's head raced with thoughts, coming up with – of course – a maid wielding a sword while adorned in armor! That confusion led him to look up at his father, who chuckled in a sheepish manner.

“Are... are you sure you did a background check on her? Did you even meet her?” asked Maurice, to which his father shrugged his shoulders.

“Well... when I went there, she was still out on a mission,” he replied, “So, no, I didn't get the chance to meet her directly. But Sumter's files are perfect and legible, and he had all the information on her one could possibly need! I ran through and read it all, and now here we are! Heh heh! That's no problem, is it?”

“Yes! Yes it is!” Maurice shouted, “How can we even trust this woman? We don't know who she is!”

“Look, I understand your problems, but don't worry about it,” said Adrian as he again placed his hand on his distraught son's shoulder, “Like I said, I trust Sumter's opinions. If he says this Lily woman is a good fit for this mission, then she's a good fit for this mission; it's as easy as that!”

“How can you be so candid about this? I'm not like you! I'm not used to working with people I've never met!”

“That's precisely the point!” Adrian replied, jolting Maurice, “If you're going to run the company someday, this is something you'll have to get used to. Meeting new people, and immediately working with them is imperative! She's not going to be a classmate of yours, nor will she be a staff member. She'll be someone wholly new, someone who will defer to you for leadership. It is important, nay, mandatory that you learn this lesson, Maurice. Haaah...” he dropped his hand, his grinning face shifting into something more reserved, “I know this sounds scary. Believe me, I was much in your shoes when I oversaw shipment for the first time. But you must learn these lessons. Not through a book, not even by listening to me ramble, but by doing it yourself. You've been on plenty of trips with me where I oversaw shipment, so now it's your turn to do it yourself, by yourself. Got it?”

This was all crazy. He was to oversee cargo with a woman he did not know, one who held the dubious status as a 'Knight-Maid', and he had to do it all by himself. Beyond even trusting this Lily woman, could he trust himself to do it and not mess up?

But on the other hand...

His father was right. Sooner or later, he'd have to learn this lesson, and he couldn't do it through some second-hand source. He had to learn how to perform his duties personally. It would be difficult and frightening, yes, but at least his first time would be on a more controlled stage. He was just looking over cargo; nothing more, nothing less.

Yeeeaaaaahh...

“Do you understand, Maurice...?” asked Adrian in a firmer manner.

“Haaah... yes, Father. I do,” he replied, drawing a grin upon his father's face.

“Great! That's perfect! The trip will be three days from now. In the meantime, I want you to prepare for it. I trust you can handle that much, can you?”

“Haah...” he nodded, “Yes father, I can.”

…

The eastern branch. That was their destination.

Porter Shipping Co. had hands all across the world. While based in the continent of Strauss, it had many business dealings with various other continents and countries, allowing it to easily deliver goods via boat, train, airship, and plenty other vehicles. It was a delivery business on a global scale, and it needed all of its members to work well so that things could go by smoothly.

And an important aspect of this delivery business is location. Having bases in a variety of areas that make it easy to deliver goods is sometimes as important as the goods themselves! Porter Shipping Co. had centuries to place their bases all across the continent of Strauss, and they even have bases in other countries as well.

Maurice kept that all in mind as he walked around his home's docking yard. It was a wide open space, one section off in various locations by gates, with a large factory behind them. This factory was where goods were often taken from the boats they arrived on, then repackaged into something more manageable, before then being loaded into various carriages and caravans.

And it was one such carriage that Maurice walked around, inspecting it thoroughly. Large and black, it was big enough to be taller than he was, though not as tall as his father. Appearing like a large treasure chest, it was stuffed to the brim with a variety of textiles and fabrics. They came in various colors – reds, yellows, pinks, blues, greens – and all appeared to be of high quality. His father was right; this was important cargo, though relatively small in number. From what he was told, this was being delivered to some distant kingdom, no doubt to become some prince or princess' royal garbs.

Placing his hand upon the large, bulky carriage, Maurice stroked it in a pensive manner, while raising the clipboard he had in his other hand. On it was a file containing an excess of information, all of which detailing the fabrics currently resting in front of him. A quizzical young man, he made sure to jot down the various goods they had, tallying them all up to make sure nothing was out of the order.

And nothing was out of the order. Everything was where it should be, and all of it had been neatly packed. Inventory may be a boring job, but it was a necessary one. Besides, he found it quite enjoyable. It helped him steady his nerves for the incoming mission.

Lily, the Knight-Maid; who even is she? That question kept him up every night during the lead up to this quest. Even now as he let his clipboard hang at his side, he pondered who this mysterious guild member would be. For her to be a knight, that meant she was powerful and rugged, right? He's met plenty of knights during his time, some of which have long and storied histories. But if she's a maid, then that must mean she was kind and obedient, right? His family have plenty of maids in their servitude, all of which give them the utmost of respect.

So... how could these two things work together? What exactly is a 'Knight-Maid'? The more he thought about it, the more confused he became. To him, the only thing knights and maids share in common is their sense of service. But aside from that? Nothing. A 'Knight-Maid' honestly sounded like something silly his sister would come up with.

Well...

Regardless of his pondering, his meeting with this mysterious Lily was happening soon. It was 9:47 AM, and their departure was planned to happen at 10 AM. With every minute that passed, he found himself secretly hoping that she wouldn't show up. At least then they could schedule this trip for a later date, allowing his apprehensive heart to relax. However...

Eeeeeaaaarrrrk!

A door opened up behind him.

“Right this way, Lady Lilian.”

“Thanks a lot!”

And a pair of voices rang out.

One of them was familiar to Maurice, belonging to Cromwell, one of his butlers. But the other voice was... different. The other voice was that of a woman. Hearing it brought a rosy tint to Maurice's cheeks, because he could instantly tell it was her. The woman who was to be his guard while delivering these goods was right beyond this door.

So... why did it feel like the earth was shaking?

Maurice turned around. Just as he expected, he first came face to face with Cromwell. He was an older man with graying hair, a well-trimmed beard, circular glasses, and a butler's uniform. But it was who was behind him that attracted Maurice's gaze, specifically, who was looming tall behind him.

Maurice has met plenty of women in his life. Being the son of Adrian Porter – one of the richest men in Strauss – he's bumped shoulders with a plethora of other businesswomen, duchesses, princesses, and yes, even queens and empresses. But of all the women he's met – all of them – none matched the sheer towering height of the woman in front of him.

And the first thing he thought when he saw her?

Her breasts are huge.

She was a woman as voluptuous as she was tall. This towering idol of a person, with this curvy, shapely figure. Her hips for instance were wide and curvaceous, her waistline narrow and slim, and her bosom was, again, busty and grand. He's seen impressive figures before, but none on her level!

And it's not like he was going out of his way to perversely leer at her body. It seemed as if her clothing – as little as it was – had been specifically created to flaunt these aspects of her figure. The bodice of her dress was low cut. Incredibly low cut. Cut so low, that if one were to slightly tug on it, her breasts would be exposed in their fullness.

Her legs too were uncovered since the long skirt she wore was opened in the front, exposing her thighs. He could see the metal shoes she wore on her feet, and the knee-high socks she wore. And all she had to cover the modesty of her womanhood, was this slim pelvic curtain that hung down the middle.

The color of her attire was black and white overall. Black dress with white frills in layers, the cleavage of her bodice too had white frills on it, and white frills around her shoulders. Everything else however was bronze. Bronze because she was also wearing armor. Armor on her arms with shapely gauntlets. Armor around her neck in this sturdy collar. And armor around her stomach in this tight, corset-like shielding.

And tying it all together, she wore a maid's headdress.

For several moments, Maurice looked at her clothing, struggling to imagine if it was even real. But then his eyes slowly moved up, coming to the face of this woman.

The cool... nonplussed... almost indifferent face. She had sharp eyes that appeared mature, ones that owned this vibrant green color that shined like emerald diamonds. And... her hair. Her long... long... long... long... long hair. It was a shimmering shade of blonde, one so yellow and luscious, it was like beholding the vibrancy of the sun. Two long bangs framed the sides of her face, while the back of it was all contained in this free-flowing ponytail which cascaded along her back.

She walked behind Cromwell, one fist resting on her hip, while her other hand held a large and bulky case of some kind. The green eyes of this voluptuous idol stroked across the area they were in... before dropping directly upon the stunned face of Maurice. And for a few moments, that's all they did; look at one another. Her appearing cool, he blushing furiously as he wore a face of awe.

And then Cromwell spoke.

“Good morning, Master Porter,” said the butler as he gave a polite bow, “This is Lady Lilian of Sumter's Soldiers. She has arrived, right on time.”

“I... um... u-uuh...” Maurice muttered before staring at the woman in front of him, “Um... L-L-Lady Lilian?”

The blonde woman said not a word as she looked him up and down, retaining this cool and indifferent face. For a few moments, Maurice feared that he accidentally did something to offend her. But after a few more seconds...

“Eh-heh!”

A smirk appeared on her lips... and she released the hold she had on her large suitcase.

KA-THUNK!

It fell to the ground, triggering a light quake that made Maurice jump. He even gasped in awe and fear of the blonde woman as his eyes snapped down upon her luggage. But before he could say a word, she reached down and grabbed her skirt. Legs crossing over one another, she performed a bow and a curtsy as befitting a maid, before saying,

“It is my pleasure to meet you, Master Porter. I'm Lilian Chessmen, the Knight-Maid!”

The way she posed and the tone she spoke with, were all reminiscent of... well... a maid. But her stature and armaments were all expected of a knight! And then there were her clothes... which honestly seemed like it belonged to something more... exotic. Though he wouldn't dare say such a thing out loud.

“Um... L-Lilian Chessmen...? The Knight-Maid...?” he repeated as she straightened back up and smiled at him.

“Uh-huh! That's me!” she answered whilst placing a hand on her chest, “But you can just call me 'Lily'! It's lovely to meet you, Master Porter!”

“Uh... umm...”

Well, he pondered what a Knight-Maid was... and he certainly got it! He still couldn't bring himself to face her however as his eyes kept scrambling everywhere but her. How could he look at her when she was wearing revealing attire such as that? Her breasts were practically in her face! And yet...

“Right! Well then... I'll leave you two to it!” said Cromwell, retaining his professionalism despite Lily's unique choice of clothes.

He turned and exited the area, leaving Maurice alone... with Lily. He briefly reached out towards his butler, only to pull back and turn, facing the Knight-Maid once again. Arms behind her back, she smiled at him, her head turning one way to the other. She appeared just as curious to him as he was to her, but whereas he could only look like a deer caught in headlights, she appeared more bouncy and playful. It only further confused Maurice.

“So... you're a... Knight-Maid...?” he muttered, to which Lily nodded.

“Yup! Uh-huh! That's me! The Knight-Maid!” she replied, her voice being deep, but not so deep that you'd think she was a mature woman. It was just... a bit brash he would say, “I can tell you've never met one before. I am one of a kind!”

“Riiiiiigghhhtt...” he muttered as he let loose a deep breath, “Okay... um... yes, I get it. I... I get it...” he then nodded, “A-apologies if I appeared disrespectful for a moment. I didn't mean to... um... stare so hard.”

“It's okay, really!” she replied with a dismissive wave of her hand, “I get gazes like that all the time. It's normal for me.”

Of that, he wasn't surprised. With the way she dressed? He'd be more shocked if she didn't get odd looks! Compare her clothes to his; these simple tan overalls with a white button up shirt and black shoes, and, well, there was no comparison! She was incredibly attractive!

Wait a second. Oh! Ooooh... he understood now why Lily came so 'highly recommended'. Was all of her supposed 'skills' only skin deep? Was she actually a knight to some degree? Or was she one of those maids?

Well...

That suitcase of hers... it was almost as big as he was, and when she dropped it into the ground, it created a rectangular crater. From eyesight alone, he could tell he had no possible way of ever lifting such a thing, no matter how hard he tried. If she could carry that thing around, then maybe she had some skills in combat.

More than he did, of that he was sure.

“Okay then... haah...” said Maurice as he regained some modicum of professionalism, “I assume my father already told you the details of our mission, right?”

“Of course,” said Lily as she crossed her arms beneath her bosom, “I am to help you oversee your cargo, am I not? I'll be protecting you, and aiding you with whatever it is you require as we make way to your eastern branch. The travel time will take anywhere between three to four days, depending on how lucky we are. We'll be traveling through Blau Route, making periodic stops at the various villages along the way. It should be a routine trip!”

“Yeah, a... routine trip...” Maurice repeated.

Lily smiled, proud of her recollection of information, while Maurice could only tilt his head. He was still trying to gauge this woman; see if she was real or if he had stricken his head sometime this morning. Jury's still out on that one, but so long as this wasn't some strange dream, he still had a job to do.

He and Lily, traveling towards Porter Shipping Co.'s eastern branch. All alone.

Hh...

“Now then... we were supposed to make our leave at 10 AM, were we not?” asked Lily, making Maurice nod.

“Y-yes, yes we were,” he answered as he again took in a deep breath, “I... I suppose now we should start moving, right?”

“Well... eh... you are in charge, Master Porter,” said Lily as this cool smile adorned her cheeks, “So... we leave when you decide to leave.”

“Right. Yes. That's true.”

He appeared stilted, and he felt stilted. Despite this, Lily remained upbeat as she wore this kind smile on her lips, and kept her sharp green eyes locked on him. He stared back for a moment, before turning to face his carriage.

It was connected to another vehicle; the truck he would be commandeering during their trip. It was a bulky vehicle, one with a sterling silver color and an open hood. The engine stuck out of said hood, it had four wheels on it, and the seat was an open hood that was wide enough to hold two people and only two people.

Walking up to the truck, Maurice's hand gently stroked upon its surface, before coming to its door. Keys in hand, he slipped it inside and pulled it open, where inside were milk-white leather seats that were smooth to the touch. He brushed his hand along it, before turning to face Lily behind him.

The Knight-Maid had walked close, a look of genuine awe painted on her face as she looked the truck up and down. She's seen cars before despite their rarity, but she's never seen one this exotic before. The look was enough to bring a smile to Maurice's lips, who chuckled and tilted his head.

“You've... never seen a truck like this, have you?” he asked, to which Lily nodded.

“I'm not really a vehicle kind of girl,” she replied, “Horses, I understand. But mobiles like this?” she shook her head, “Apologies, but I wouldn't trust myself behind the wheel of one.”

“It's okay. I was planning on driving anyway,” Maurice said as a calm smile appeared on his lips, “Come on. Once I turn on the truck, they'll open the gates, and we'll be on our way. But before I do that...” he looked over towards the suitcase she brought with her, “That is your... luggage, correct?” he walked over towards it, “Let me get it for you.”

“Um... are you sure about that, Master Porter?” asked Lily.

Actually... no, he was not sure of it! She dropped her suitcase down on the ground, and it actually embedded itself into the stone beneath them! But it couldn't be too bad, right? Lily walked around with it like it weighed nothing at all! All he needed to do was grab it by its handle and pull... right?

Lily's suitcase was big. Far bigger than the suitcase he brought with him in fact! It was also black, and seemed to be made of metal. Reaching down, he grabbed it by its handle, and--

“Hnggh!?”

Oh... that was not a smart idea!

With all of his might, Maurice pulled on the suitcase... only for it to go nowhere. It didn't even budge! It sat right there in the middle of the ground, perfectly content to remain in place. And no matter how hard Maurice tried to move it, it would remain in place. Even pushing and pulling it did nothing, as the luggage stayed firm like a small wall!

“What the...?” he mumbled in disbelief, “I've never experienced something so heavy before...”

“Here. Let me get that for you,” said Lily as she walked over.

To his shock and awe, the Knight-Maid grabbed her luggage by its handle... and lifted it without any issue. His eyes grew wide, shocked by how effortless it was for her. In return, Lily gave him a smirk as her cheeks turned a slight red.

“It's a bit heavy, ain't it?” she said, to which Maurice meekly nodded.

“I think calling it merely 'heavy' is underselling it,” he muttered before straightening up, “If I may be so bold to ask... what's in that thing exactly?”

“Oh, the essentials!” she replied, “My clothing of course, but also camping equipment, cooking equipment, tailoring equipment, blacksmith equipment, and bladed weapons of various sizes and styles!”

“W-weapons? Various? Is... is all of that really in there?” Maurice asked in disbelief.

“Mm-hm! Of course!” Lily responded, “In matters of safety and comfort, a Knight-Maid is always prepared!”

Maurice again looked over at Lily's suitcase, marveling at its size and weight. He knew of magic – it was common in their world – so he expected her luggage to contain some amount of hammerspace within it. But wasn't hammerspace supposed to make things lighter? It didn't feel like her luggage had magic in it at all! Instead, it felt like all of those many, many, many items, had been ruthlessly crammed into that large suitcase! It would explain the weight!

And it explained just how powerful Lily was.

“Ooookaaay then...” muttered Maurice before taking a deep breath.

Eyes closed shut, his chest swelled as he regained his professionalism again. But when his eyes reopened, he saw that Lily's once smirking face had shifted into a more relaxed smile. It took him aback... though he couldn't explain why.

“You... you may put your luggage in here,” Maurice said as he opened up his vehicle's trunk, “Hopefully it'll be able to hold your things...”

“Thanks a lot, Master Porter!” she replied.

With that same flawless strength, she swung over her luggage, looming it above the trunk of his truck. And when it crossed Maurice's eyes, he felt his heart immediately plunge. The moment that thing dropped...

Swift!

GA-THUUNK!

“GAH!?”

Yup! He expected that to happen!

Lily's large luggage fell into the truck with so much force that the silver vehicle visibly bounced. Maurice pulled that, alerted and frightened that his truck would collapse in on them, perhaps break apart. Thankfully it remained sturdy, and after a few moments, its wobbling came to a halt.

“Phew... okay then...” Maurice murmured as he closed the trunk before shifting his gaze over towards his truck, “Well... let's get on.”

“Right behind you, Master!”

Nodding, the young Porter mounted his vehicle, climbing into and manning its driver's seat. Everything was in order; he had his keys in hand, their luggage was in the truck's trunk, and the goods were attached via a sturdy lock and chain. Now all they needed to do was get going.

Maurice felt his heart shake again, realizing that there was now no turning back. Everything was in order, and Lily was here. No matter how much he prayed to his gods for a way to get out of this, it would change nothing. Once those gates opened up, he'd be performing his first official duties as a member of his family's business.

His first true steps to adulthood.

Maurice felt antsy and apprehensive. It even showed as his fingers visibly trembled. But as his eyes focused on the gates before him, he heard the heavy 'Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!' of Lily's footsteps. Turning over, he watched as the buxom blonde climbed into the vehicle, where her towering height and voluptuous figure made it somewhat difficult for her to fit inside. But once she got settled.

“There!”

She turned over to face him, this warm smile on her lips, and this cool look in her verdant eyes. Meeting her gaze caused Maurice to briefly tense up, before sighing and relaxing. Regardless of his own hesitation, it was time to push forward.

Maurice pushed his keys into the truck, twisting it and activating its ignition. It cranked up a few times, before its alternating engines began grumbling to life. Its bouncing movements coaxed a gasp from Lily's lips, who looked around as her green eyes grew wide. She didn't get the chance to comment however, as the gates before them began cranking and opening.

Maurice's eyes fell forward, landing on the stone roads outside. No more hesitating; he just needed to put his foot down and get moving. So... he put his foot down.

Vrrrrrrrmm!

And they started moving forward.

…

Blau Route. Quite the unique name, isn't it? It was named so thanks to its location, and the views one gets when traveling upon it. Blau Route was once a major highway/trade route used in days past before the creation of the steam engine and trains. A long strip of land, it covered a wide horizontal distance along the continent of Strauss, leading from the western oceans, all the way to the eastern marshlands. Due to the lack of any dangerous land masses such as rocky cliffs, sticky swamps, or thick forests, the Blau Route was used as safe travel.

But, again, that was long in the past before trains became the normal way of traveling. Huh... now that he thought about it, why did his father want them to travel this way instead of using a train? Just to save on money? Yeah, probably.

Hands on the wheel of his truck, Maurice kept it on the quiet stone roads before him, his eyes locked on the oncoming horizon. Blau Route was nothing more than wide open fields where the blue mountaintops of the Eisin Mountain range could be seen. In times past, he remembered traveling this route infrequently as a child. Now as an adult, he came to realize just how... empty it all was.

His eyes traveled around their surroundings, before sweeping over towards the blonde at his sight. Lily was leaning over on the truck's edge, one hand propping up her head, her other hand resting on her lap, while her emerald eyes gazed out towards the green fields surrounding them.

He didn't mean to – he really did not mean to – but he could not stop his eyes from wandering. They traveled along the Knight-Maid's body, exploring her unique physique. There was a strength to her form, one that seemed to shake the very ground beneath her feet. But there was also this voluptuousness, this curvaceousness that naturally appealed to a male's baser instincts. Honestly? He blamed it on her breasts.

Her big... bountiful... busty... breasts.

It wouldn't be too bad... if his truck was more subtle. While far from the jumpiest vehicle around, it still had a bit of jerkiness to it. And that jerkiness caused Lilly's chest to... well... it caused her chest to... to... to...

Bounce. And it bounced a lot.

Thanks to her uniform which both exposed and flaunted her cleavage, the glorious breasts of the Knight-Maid could be freely ogled as they bounced, jiggled, and wobbled up and down. The thumping of his truck sent waves throughout her voluptuous body, and he could do nothing but be shamelessly drawn to her like a magnet. Every shake, every bounce, every jump, was quickly committed to his memory.

“Nnghh...!”

“Hm? Is something wrong, Master Porter?”

Her tone too didn't hurt. Just like the unique blend of her body and her attire, Lily's voice held the cool firmness of a swordswoman, but with this gentle, submissive edge to it. A knight and a maid mixed together in near perfect harmony, both highlighting and distracting from each other's qualities.

It was then that he realized he had – again – fixated firmly on Lily's breasts. And, oh yeah, she was looking directly at him!

Maurice's cheeks turned red and his eyes shifted up, falling on the face of the Knight-Maid before him. She stared back, a soft smirk on her own lips... though her green eyes were sharp and piercing. Tensing up, Maurice didn't know how guilty he looked... but he could feel how guilty he looked. Red cheeks, eyes wide, rumbling lips; he couldn't be any more guilty if he tried.

And Lily?

“Are you uncomfortable, Master? Your cheeks are red,” said the Knight-Maid as she looked at him, her head tilting left and right, “Is there anything I can do to help you relax?”

“I...! I!” he looked away, staring ahead as his grip on the steering wheel grew twice as tight, “A-apologies! I...! I didn't mean to... to!”

“To... what exactly?”

Her response felt like a slap to the face. There was no way she couldn't have noticed the fact that he was staring at her chest, right? Then again, with clothes like hers, she was probably so used to being perversely gazed at, that it no longer registered in her mind. She is a maid after all; she's probably had worse things happen to her than just lewd leering.

“I was just... um... I...” he shook his head, “I was just curious, is all. If I may... Ms. Chessmen... what is a Knight-Maid?”

“What is a Knight-Maid?” she repeated... before smirking as she placed a hand atop her huge chest, “I am a Knight-Maid! No doubt, the only Knight-Maid in all the world,” she tilted her head at him, “And... you are curious to what makes me worthy of such a prestigious class?”

“Um... yes...?” he answered, making her chuckle.

“Kyuhu! I appreciate you asking!” said Lily, a beaming smile on her mature face... only for said face to shift, growing more reserved as her boisterous attitude faded, “Have you... ever been to a place named Vescus?”

“Ves... cus...?” Maurice repeated... before shaking his head, “No, I'm afraid not.”

“I'm not shocked,” said Lily as she straightened back up, “It's not really a massive land, and it's far from here, not being in either Strauss or Dohlr. Vescus is where I was raised, and I served as a maid for practically all my life. But... heh... there comes a time in everyone's life I think where you want to be more than what you're born as. When I turned eighteen, I decided to start traveling the world as a swordswoman! For reasons I can't explain, blades of all kinds have always felt... natural in my hand. Swordplay is a cinch for me, and I've always been incredibly strong. So I left Vescus, and started traveling on my own! And I've been traveling for a year now.”

“A... year...?” Maurice repeated as he tilted his head, “But, wait... you said you started traveling when you turned eighteen. So if you've only been traveling for a year...” his jaw dropped and he looked over, “You... you're a... you're... you're only nineteen?”

“Heh heh heh! Hah! Yeah! I'm only nineteen!” Lily answered with this wide smile on her lips, “You sound surprised! Does that shock you?”

“I...!”

Well... YES! Yes it did shock him! Look at her! Lily was this towering, voluptuous woman, one who carried around her luggage with ease despite it weighing so much! Comparatively, he was a bit shorter than average, and couldn't even move her suitcase, let alone carry it. Not to mention the fact that Maurice appeared as young as his age suggested. Lily on the other hand looked to be older than only nineteen. Maybe 26 or 27 at the oldest. 23 at the youngest. Definitely not 19!

Where was Vesucs? Were all people from there as ambiguous with their age as Lily was?

“So... you're... only 19...” muttered Maurice as the shock of the situation fell from him, “That's... surprising, yes,” he looked back at her, “I dare say, I'm impressed that you have made your way all the way to Sumter's Soldiers despite only being a maid. Oh... apologies. Being a former maid.”

“Khyuhu! Thanks!” she said with a smile, “Though to be honest, I don't think I got my position as one of Sumter's Soldiers from my hard work alone. Kyuhu... I'm no idiot; I can tell that I have such... dashing looks. It doesn't matter anyway; I have no intentions of staying a member of that guild forever anyway.”

“Is that so...?” he tilted his head, “You're not... afraid of your future? Wouldn't it be wiser to stay a member of Sumter's Soldiers? You'd be able to keep a steady income.”

“That may be true, but...” she shook her head, “Haah... I have goals, goals that I cannot accomplish if I stay a member of any one guild for too long. I don't mind swooping in and taking jobs every now and then, but I intend on traveling far beyond. One day... one day...”

“One day... what...?”

Lily shook her head.

“Bah! It does not matter, Master Porter,” she said whilst looking at him, smiling once again, “What about you? I've spoken so much, I'd love to learn a little about you! I've worked for plenty of lords and ladies throughout my years, but...” she paused for a few moments to look him up and down, “I dunno... something about you seems different.”

“I... haah... I don't know...” he shook his head, “I'm sure you've met plenty of so-called lords like me. I'm just... the son of Adrian Porter. For generations, my family has moved goods all across the world via our plethora of ships. Even now,” he looked over his shoulder towards the carriage behind them, “I'm just overlooking shipment,” he stared back, “I don't think I'm that special.”

“How could you say that?” asked Lily, taking him aback, “You're an aristocrat! Your family helps connect people and items all across the world!”

“Ah... I think you're being far too optimistic,” replied Maurice, “We are a business first and foremost. We only take requests that are financially viable. If we lose money and gain no meaningful connections, then there's no point.”

“Hmmm...”

Lily's face shifted, becoming more quizzical as her emerald eyes traveled along his body. In an attempt to appear indifferent, Maurice looked towards the roads before them. He could tell that his response was unsatisfactory, and was just waiting for Lily's next response. Instead...

Grrrrrrrrrrkk!

“Hm?”

“Oh my? Khyuhu!”

Maurice's cheeks turned red and his eyes grew wide. That sound... was the sound of his stomach. He was so apprehensive towards today's mission, so antsy and uneasy, that he barely ate his breakfast this morning. Now that was coming back to bite him, for his stomach started turning!

Pulling back a hand from the steering wheel, Maurice laid a hand on his belly, patting it down. He then swept his gaze over towards Lily... who was smirking at him. That look caused him to blush even harder as he again looked forward.

“Master Porter... are you hungry?” asked Lily, to which he jumped in place.

“I-I'm fine!” he answered, “The next town is just a few miles away. We'll be there in under an hour.”

“No, no, no!” said Lily as she turned to face him directly, “You are hungry, Master Porter. And I – as your loyal Knight-Maid – will do something about it! Pull the truck over to the side. In my chest I've collected a lot of things that could help you out!”

“I! I uh...! I--”

Maurice gasped. Lily's hand had moved over, where she placed it upon his shoulder. Giving him a tender squeeze, she caused his entire body to lock up like he'd been wrapped in chains. The Knight-Maid's hand was gentle, yes, but there was a firmness behind her touch, a power. And that power was more than enough to take hold of him, no matter how lightly she gripped him.

“Let's stop here for a quick snack!” said Lily as she shot him a wink, “I'll make you a sandwich that'll knock your socks off!”

Maurice paused for a moment... and nodded.

“Sure...”

Despite his internal arguments, Maurice pulled their truck over to the side, stopping it. As soon as said vehicle came to a halt and he turned the engine off...

“Fuaah!”

“Wh-what?”

Lily hopped over the edge of the truck, landing on the ground. Like a black and white blur, she rushed over towards the trunk of the truck and popped it open, revealing their luggage within. Pulling out her onyx chest, she laid it down on the ground beside their carriage, with Maurice rising up.

“What are you...?” he whispered as he slowly climbed down from the trunk.

Gazing over Lily's shoulder, he watched as the Knight-Maid popped open her suitcase, revealing--

FWUNK!

“Gah!?”

The suitcase flipped open, revealing... a mess! A bevy of items seemed to explode from the trunk, be they clothes, camping equipment, cooking equipment, tailoring equipment, and, yes, blacksmith tools as well. She wasn't lying before when she said she had all of this collected within her luggage. Moreover, he wasn't wrong in thinking she didn't have a hammerspace trunk. Somehow, in some way, Lily was capable of cramming all of those items into her suitcase!

And she was carrying it all around with one hand!? No wonder he nearly broke his wrists just trying to pick it up!

Her luggage was sectioned off into different compartments, some of which could extend out via stands. Most striking of all however, was the collection of blades that were wrapped up in a thick quilt. He could only catch glimpses of Lily's weaponry, but he knew there were plenty.

She did say she was a knight...

“Sit right there, Master Porter,” said Lily whilst shooting him a smile, “I'll be with you in a second! Just a quick little sandwich for you.”

“Um... yeah... sure...”

It wasn't that Lily was just a maid or just a knight; it was how dedicated she was to being both. Reaching into her luggage, she pulled out a small table that could be extended, making it great for travel. She then pulled out a white table cloth, and draped it upon said table. Next she reached into her luggage to pull out a basket, of which collected inside was a small cold crate. And contained inside of that crate were various articles of food.

With Maurice standing idly by, he watched as Lily moved through her basket with great speed. She had various forms of bread, various flavors of cheese, various meats, and various jars of sauces, all of which she tossed onto the sandwich she was crafting. For the most part, he just thought she was creating a simple meal.

But then she pulled out a knife.

It was a simple kitchen knife... and yet she wielded it in such a daunting manner. Bringing it down to the sandwich she was creating, she easily sliced through it like it was paper. Her hand moved with such deadly precision, cutting his sandwich into perfect little squares.

“Fuaah!”

It all went by in a blur and before Maurice realized what was happening, Lily was finished. Bringing up a handkerchief, she cleaned the condiments off of her knife and placed it aside. But she still wasn't done, for reaching back into her trunk, she began preparing more for his meal.

Eyes wide, Maurice watched as Lily pulled out an entire tea set! She had a beautiful white teapot, coupled with a matching teacup and small plate. Still moving with great speeds, he watched as the Knight-Maid went about preparing a drink for the both of them. She even had a small, portable oven to help out. With the use of some flint...

Zwish!

She lit a fire within this small furnace, and began using it to start boiling water she had on hand.

Maurice gasped in awe of Lily's skill. She moved with speed and precision, performing her duties in under a few minutes. What it would take a team of servants to create in an hour, she did so in under half the time! Before he knew it...

“There! Done and done!”

The Knight-Maid turned to face him, this proud grin on her lips and green eyes in a sharp leer. With the poise and grace one would expect of a maid, she presented her meal to him on a silver platter, holding it up with pride, before placing it back down on the table.

“Your meal, Master Porter.”

“Um... uh... th-thanks...” he said as he walked forward.

Sitting down before the table, Maurice gazed down upon his sandwich, scanning it thoroughly. Again, it had such flawless cuts, as if sliced through by a true artisan. The hot cup of tea too had steam flowing from it, and carried with it this sweat smell. There was nothing left to do than to just take a bite, right? So...

Maurice reached down and grabbed a slice of sandwich. Bringing it up, he opened his mouth, took a bite, and...

Oh... oh my... oh dear... oh gods... oh no...

This was awful!

Maurice's eyes grew in size as his tongue swathed around the morsels of food in his mouth. The bread was moist, but not in a good way, the meat was a bit coarse, the cheese tasted a bit sour (that can't be good!), and the sauce was so damn tangy! The only good thing about this sandwich was that it was cold thanks to her keeping it in that cold crate. But aside from that, nothing!

Maurice showed visible discomfort for what he ate, questioning if he was even eating it. Once, no, twice he chomped down on the food, thinking that he was just giving it a poor first try. But, no, the sandwich remained bad. It wasn't so bad that he wanted to spit up or puke, but daaaaammnnn was it just on the rim of being that awful!

He needed something to drink this down. So, reaching out for his teacup, he grabbed it by its handle, pulled it up, blew on it a few times until it was cool enough to sip, tipped it to his lips and...

Oh... oh my... oh dear... oh gods... oh no...

This was awful too!

Maurice's eyes again swelled in size as the Knight-Maid's tea danced on his tongue. Not only was it hot, but it was too hot. Hot enough to burn his tongue in fact, despite having blown on it a few times! But, no, that's not what was worse about it. It was so... damn... bitter! This tea lacked flavor of any kind, instead tasting like a void of taste. Truly, its bitter flavor was strong enough to steal his ability to taste flavor!

“Ack!”

“Everything okay, Master?” asked Lily... completely unaware of his discomfort.

He looked over at her, reading the smile on her lips. It was this odd blend of arrogant pride, and gentle softness. Prideful that her meal was immaculate, while soft enough to look for his praise. Despite her sharp eyes, the expression she made was genuinely cute. So cute in fact, that he couldn't bring himself to tell her how bad it was.

“Y... yes... it's just... um...” said Maurice as he tried to muster up enough courage to tell her it was bad.

“Oh? Do you need something?” asked Lily, “Hmmm... Oh! I know what you are missing. Apologies for the mistake I made...”

Mistake? She realized she made a mistake? Oh thank the gods, that means--

“Cream or sugar, Master?”

Oh... not asking if he wanted cream or sugar was a mistake... but it wasn't the exact mistake he was looking for. Was she truly unaware of just how subpar her meal was? More importantly, did he have the courage to tell her how bad it was?

“Uh... yes, I'd... I'd like some... c-cream and sugar, please. T-two spoonfuls of creams... and t-three spoonfuls of sugar.”

The answer is a hard no.

Smiling and clapping her hands together, Lily rushed to her luggage to gather the cream and sugar he needed. All the while, Maurice sat there, stunned both by her poor meal... and his inability to tell her how bad it was. He's never had to tell someone they've done something wrong before. Not his servants, not his maids, not his fellow classmates at the academy; no one. Being the son of Adrian with no executive power in the company yet, he's never had to take a firm stance when it came to others and their duties. Putting it lightly...

He lacked the ability to tell someone they've done something bad.

He tried to gain the courage though. He even looked over at Lily, his hand raised as he opened his mouth to get her attention. There was just one slight problem...

Lily's butt.

The Knight-Maid was positioned in such a way before her chest of items, that it caused her butt to stick out towards him. Even with her long, flowing half skirt covering her backside, he could see the rotund curvature of her shapely buttocks stick out towards him. Maurice grew tense at such a sight, as the thoughts of her poor meal were instantly tossed from his mind. All he could focus on was her butt as he marveled at its juicy silhouette.

Ya'know... it's not uncommon for masters to sleep with their maids. It happens frequently in the world of socialites and aristocrats. Speaking from experience, as he's learned of plenty of extra-marital affairs when it comes to his father's colleagues. And, sure, Maurice would never do such a thing – he was a very refined and professional young man... but he could imagine.

Ooooooh could he imagine.

He could imagine touching it. He could imagine grabbing it. He could imagine squeezing it. He could imagine spanking it. He could imagine groping it. Oh, yes, he could imagine groping her ass as much as he could imagine groping her tits.

Those lewd thoughts absolutely dominated his head. Up until he raised his hand, pulled it back, and--

Slap!

“Huh? Master?”

Lily straightened up from the sound, where she turned to face him. Maurice's eyes were closed, his cheeks were red, and he was gazing towards the distance... while this noticeable hand print laid on his face. He had stricken himself.

“Is... something wrong, Master?” Lily asked, to which he shook his head.

“N-no,” he lied as he kept his eyes focused on the distance, “I'm... just waiting for my cream and sugar.”

“Oh! Right! Khyuhu! Right away!”

Turning back around, Lily collected a jar of sugar and a small closed off cup of cream. With them in hand, she returned to the table, standing at Maurice's side as she began to enhance his cup of tea. First the cream, of which he asked for two spoonfuls... but got several instead. And when it came to his requested three spoonful of sugar, Lily--

Swwwiish!

“Ooops... khyu... my bad...”

Let's just say she dumped a lot inside.

Maurice's eyes were wide as he stared down at his 'enhanced' cup of tea. Despite it now swimming with copious amounts of cream and sugar thanks to her mistakes, the Knight-Maid was still dedicated enough to stick her spoon inside and start swirling it around. He sat there, watching her do so while she wore this beaming smile on her lips. It went on for several seconds before she stopped and placed the teacup back down. And then – with both hands resting on its tiny plate – she pushed it towards him whilst bowing.

“Your tea, Master.”

She was bowing... which meant she was bending over... which meant he was gaining a front-row seat to Lily's glorious cleavage. Her meal may have been horrible, but her body was anything but. All of those curves, placed atop her staggering height, with her glorious tits; how was she real? And how was she only as old as he was!? Was something wrong here!?

Oh no! Oh no no no! He really needed to stop this!

Looking away from Lily's tits, his eyes fell on his teacup and he grabbed it into his hands. And after a few moments of hesitation, he brought the cup up to his lips, tipped it back, and--

“GLK!?”

Oh. Oh my. Oh dear. Oh gods. Oh no. How was this even possible?

This was even worse than before!

Maurice's eyes swelled in size, absolutely stunned by the sheer terror that was sitting in his mouth. It was bad before, but it was downright apocalyptic now! He could taste the sugar in the tea, but it was rough and thick, almost as if it was old. The cream too seemed aged, because it now carried with it this sour taste, not unlike the cheese from before. It was so bad, he was starting to fear for his health! Seriously, was this safe for consumption?

Swathing her food around in his mouth a few more times, Maurice brought his gaze up and looked over at Lily. The Knight-Maid's thin eyes were gazing at him, this proud smile resting on her lips. Again, she showed pride in her skills, seemingly unaware of how utterly abysmal it was.

He wanted to tell her it was bad. He reeeeeaaaaaaaaaally wanted to tell her it was bad! But he just... couldn't. He lacked that firmness that a managerial position should have, not having the gusto to strike down Lily's happiness. So he sucked in air and nodded, accepting his fate and returning to the meal at hand.

Grabbing another piece of his sandwich, Maurice opened his mouth and...

Bite!

…

He really... really... really wished he had the courage to tell her 'no'.

Along Blau Route, there were several towns and villages. They weren't large, but they were some distance apart from one another. Due to the length of their travel, they had plans in place to visit these towns in order to rest and recuperate. They had even rented out various inns to stay at during their trip.

One such town was the humble village of Podunk. It was the first town they were to visit, being a collection of stone buildings and brick houses that all surrounded a central fountain. The main road they traveled upon ran straight through the city, heading from the western gates all the way to the eastern. Honestly, despite Podunk's small size, it was a rather beautiful little town.

Too bad Maurice couldn't enjoy it...

Whap!

“Ugggh...”

“Um! H-hello? Is this Sonnenuntergang Inn?”

They stumbled through the door; a lewd maid with armor on her body, carrying her young master in her arms. And his face was green.

Lily's culinary skills were 'nauseating' to put it lightly. While it was disgusting to eat, and just as uncomfortable to feel sliding down his throat, Maurice thought the worst of it was over. But once they got back into their truck and started driving off, he felt his stomach start to turn. Minutes later, he felt hot and sweaty. Shortly after that, his face began turning green.

Was it food poisoning? Was he merely sick? Did Lily try to poison him? No. Lily's meal was just so unbelievably bad, that his body was actively rejecting it! Thankfully, the Knight-Maid was as dedicated to his health as she was his protection.

Sonnenuntergang Inn was one of the lodgings they had rented out during their trip. A high-class hotel, it was the only one of its kind in the town of Podunk. Upon entering inside, Lily immediately gained the attention of everyone in the front lobby, with the receptionist stunned most of all.

“Um... are you Maurice Porter and his housemaid?” she asked, causing Lily to shoot her an annoyed look.

“I am not his housemaid,” corrected the blonde, “I am his Knight-Maid,” naturally, her response garnered even more confusion from those around, “Bah! That doesn't matter! Can you please tell us where our rooms are? As you can see, Master Porter can really use a bed... and a lot of water.”

“Rriiiiight,” said the receptionist, “Um... this way. This way.”

After calling another staff member, Lily and Maurice were led upstairs to the hotel's penthouse room. It was a wide open space, one that was sectioned off into a small cooking area, a separate living area, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a balcony that overlooked the hotel's central courtyard. Still, this penthouse was smaller than Maurice's bedroom... not that he could really appreciate it with his current illness.

Carried into the room in Lily's arms, he was brought to the bedroom, and rested upon its luscious white sheets. Sinking down into it, he kept his gaze locked on the ceiling... up until Lily leaned over in his field of view. Face one of concern, her green eyes ran up and down his body, looking for anything wrong with him.

“A-are you okay?” she asked, “Oooh! No! Ah! I should've made sure my cold crate kept my drinks in order! Th-that's my fault! I-I take full responsibility for it!”

“Uugghhh... Lily... nmmphh... i-it's fine... r-really,” he said, though the Knight-Maid shook her head.

“I-I promise, I'll make it better! You just need some water!” she said whilst springing back up to her feet, “I've been traveling by myself for a while now, so I know what to do in a situation like this. What you need is a lot of water. The staff of this inn should have some, so...” she looked towards the door, “I'll go get some right now!”

“W-wait...!”

But it was too late! With the promise of water, Lily turned and rushed through the door, leaving Maurice alone. He tried to move, but the disgusting aftertaste of Lily's lunch remained in his mouth and throat, sapping him of his strength. So he laid back in his rented bed, staring up at the ceiling as his chest raised up and down.

This was all his fault. Sure, Lily's lunch was absolutely horrendous, but if he just told her it was bad, he wouldn't be in this mess. She's a maid; she should be able to make a good meal! But he's a future CEO; he should have the ability to tell someone when something is wrong. How will anything get fixed if he doesn't grow a backbone? What good is there in noticing problems if he won't call out people for them?

If he didn't learn how to do so, it would make him someone who was easily walked over and used. On the other hand, Lily didn't strike him as a malicious person. Her attempts to make a sandwich were genuine... it just so happened that she was genuinely terrible at it.

Oh well... at least he was starting to feel a little bit better. Maurice could feel his stomach start to settle, and his face was returning to its natural color. Even the sweat that formed on his body was starting to subside, and his vision was beginning to return to normal. All he needed was some rest, and he'd be back to normal. He just needed to make sure that the next time Lily offers to make him a meal, he tells her no.

Whud!

“Master!” called the Knight-Maid as she returned, holding in her hands two jars of ice-cold water, “I've returned! Here's some water, drink some of this and-- Aahhn!?”

How does a person trip over a rug?

SPLASH!

…

Is it any surprise that he couldn't sleep well that night? And, no, it's not because he got a face-full of water some hours ago. Nor was it because the aftertaste of Lily's terrible sandwich and tea was still sitting on his tongue. No, he couldn't sleep because of one simple question...

What if he failed?

His father told him that this shipment was small and not so important that it required an experienced overseer... but it was still important. If he messed up, then his family's company would lose out on money, and could possibly damage their reputation.

That would be a horrible first showing for the future CEO.

Maurice's eyes opened, falling on the dark ceiling up above. The windows to his balcony had been closed but the curtains were open, allowing him to see the full moon that hung in the skies up above. Seeing it reminded him of how much time had passed since he first came here... and how long he's kept himself up mulling about his future.

Leaning up, Maurice turned to face the windows as he kicked his feet over the bed's edge. For a moment he sat there, again thinking lowly of himself and his poor leadership skills. Then he stood up from his bed and walked over towards the balcony windows, where he pushed them open. A cool gust of night wind blew into his bedroom, making his curtains ruffle briefly as he stared over the metal banister he currently gripped upon.

Being a high-class though small hotel, Sonnenuntergang Inn had a courtyard in the middle, one that contained a small garden. Even up at the penthouse, he could hear the rushing of water that ran through the garden. It was calming... soothing... it helped relax him of his negative thoughts, while further attracting his eyes to the garden.

And the blonde who stood in the middle of it.

Gasping, Maurice's gaze fell upon Lily. The Knight-Maid was in the center of the gardens, sitting on her knees with her heavy suitcase next to her. That's all he could see due to the distance, but he could tell she was focused on something. But... what?

Pulling back, Maurice exited his bedroom, and quickly exited the penthouse as a whole. The rest of the inn appeared to be asleep, save for a few staff members such as custodians working their night shift. He passed them by as he headed downstairs, and eventually arrived at the inn's courtyard.

The sound of rushing water was greater now. The garden had this little man-made river that ran around its rim and down towards its fountain within the center of the gardens. Benches sat around as well, waist-high bushes and shrubbery dotted the walkway, and there were small pillars that stretched up towards the skies. Mouth again, Maurice drank in the imagery before him, all as he came closer and closer to the center.

And he stopped.

Just as he saw from up above, Lily sat close to the relative center of the empty garden. Sitting on her knees, she was wearing black and white robes, ones that clung close to her body, highlighting her curves and definitions. Giving a back view of her profile, he could marvel at her curvy shoulders and wide hips, as well as her slim midsection thanks to the robes being tied so tight around her waist.

But that's not all. Beside Lily wrapped up in a quilt, were her collection of blades. It was the same bundle he saw in her luggage, all neatly packed up. Silently Maurice approached her, his hand outstretched and mouth opening. But before he could reach her, the Knight-Maid's hand fell down to her bundle of blades at her side.

Grabbing the tight knot that kept it contained, she pulled them open, allowing the blankets to fall open. Maurice thought she had a few swords, perhaps a longsword, a basket-hilted sword, some knives, and maybe even a rapier. And, yes, Lily did have all those blades... and so many more.

The Knight-Maid was stuffed with weapons, all of which were neatly packed alongside one another, and sheathed appropriately. She had weapons that came from a variety of different locations, such as a black and gold scimitar from Gaurudia, a cutlass from the southern seas of Karibas, even exotic spears from the mountain nation of Orchestra.

But among them all, there was one blade that stood out from the rest. A blade whose size and craftsmanship was impossible to determine its origins. What Maurice could tell was that the blade was big. Very big. A claymore, it was a two-handed weapon that only the strongest of the strong could possibly handle. One end of the blade was wonderfully curved, giving it the powerful ability to cleave its enemies in twain. The other side was flat, no doubt better at bashing enemies to death if need be. The hilt too was thick, with a black and white coloration, and a curved hilt. Almost like a basket-hilt, but not exactly either.

It was this blade that Lily palmed for. Grabbing it by its handle, she stood up and brandished the mighty claymore, holding it in one hand. Again, claymores are two-handed weapons. In fact, this blade appeared to be even bigger than usual! And yet, the Knight-Maid held it like she was carrying around a mere stick. With great ease she handled the weapon, twirling it around at great speeds, before swinging it back and--

Thunk!

Resting it on her shoulder.

Maurice marveled at the sight, amazed by Lily's strength and skill. But then she brought her blade down, where she grabbed it by its scabbard. With a pull...

SHWING!

“Guh!?”

“Hmm...?”

Lily pulled her blade out, revealing it in full. And it was glorious. As befitting a woman of her caliber, the wicked zweihander's blade was this staggering silver color, one that caught the light of the moon upon its glorious sheen... as well as the reflection of Maurice's face.

Turning around, Lily's gaze fell on her master, who stared back at her with a curious look in her eye. For several seconds the world seemed to stop, allowing him to marvel at the blade-wielding beauty currently standing before him. The robes she wore had a split at the side, allowing him to see one of her powerful legs, and the top too was slightly opened, letting him gaze upon her chest.

Most striking of all about Lily, was something he hadn't noticed before. On her shoulder there laid a leather pauldron. It was what she was resting her blade upon, so as to not accidentally injure herself.

“Master...?” said Lily, snapping Maurice from his trance.

“M-Miss Chessman...” he replied... to which a soft smile appeared on her lips.

“Hey... you don't have to call me 'Miss Chessman'. It's Lily. Just Lily. I appreciate your respectfulness, but I would prefer it if you were a bit more relaxed around me.”

“Li... Lily...” he muttered back as he grew more relaxed, “Haah... Lily...”

“Are you okay, Master? I'm sorry if I left you alone in your room. I wanted to tell you I was leaving to train, but you looked so cute sleeping, I couldn't bring myself to bother you.”

“It's... fine,” he replied whilst slumping forward, “I was just... surprised, I guess... um...”

Walking forward, his eyes began to once again trail along her body. Whether or not he meant to, he couldn't help but to marvel at her powerful and erotic physique. But then his eyes traveled up towards the mighty claymore she had laying on her shoulders, before sliding over to the plethora of bladed weapons resting beside her.

“Are these... all yours...?” he asked somewhat rhetorically.

“Uh-huh! Yup! They're all mine! I made them myself,” replied Lily, this proud and boastful look on her face as her nose pointed upwards, “Pretty cool, right?”

“I'll say...” he muttered as he approached her bevy of weapons, “They're so many of them. And they're craftsmanship is immaculate. We've shipped plenty of blades from various countries before, but I don't think I've ever seen them of such high-quality...” he looked over at her, “You must have had an amazing teacher.”

“A... teacher...?” Lily repeated... before shaking her head, “Geeze, thanks! I'll be sure to thank all of those books I read on blacksmithing! I'm sure they'll appreciate it!”

“B-books? You... wait...” he shook his head, “You didn't have a proper teacher? You made all of these swords from reading about them in books?”

“Yup!” Lily answered, “In Vescus, blacksmithing is considered a... high-class job. Someone like me...” she shook her head in a despondent manner, “We weren't seen as being worthy enough of learning such a skill. Maybe some were lucky to get a teacher, but that number was small. I made these swords during my travels. Getting books that teach the art of blade making is easy, and once I got enough materials, I began making my own blades. I needed to anyway.”

“Why's that? Couldn't you just buy your own blades?”

“I did when I first started working for guilds and taking on missions... buuuuuut, all the blades I bought had a very nasty habit of breaking into pieces. I think I swung them too hard.”

Lily's response took Maurice aback, and caused his face to turn pale. The Knight-Maid's physical strength had no equal; of that, he was sure. He wouldn't be surprised if she could pick up an entire engine by herself, maybe more. With her staggering height and powerful figure, there appeared to be very little Lily couldn't do.

Well, aside from making a meal... and not being clumsy as well. It seemed as if she was good at all the 'knight' aspects of her class, but not exactly the 'maid' part.

“Did you... want to inspect it more thoroughly?” asked Lily, causing his gaze to snap up towards her face, “You can hold my blades to your liking, Master!”

“R-really...? Um...” he looked back down, “O-okay then...”

Getting down on his knees, Maurice loomed over Lily's assortment of weapons, his eyes looking them up and down. From their scabbards to their hilts, each blade was clearly made with the utmost of attention. There was just one slight problem. Reaching out for a sword – one that was long, skinny, and slightly curved – Maurice grabbed it by its handle and scabbard, attempting to pick it up. 'Attempting' being the keyword, because he could barely make the sword budge.

“What the...?” he muttered in confusion.

Reaching out for the sword, Lily grabbed it by the middle, attracting his gaze up. The green eyes of the Knight-Maid were looking down at her sword, while her body loomed forward on her knees. And in her position with her glorious chest, and her slender robes, Maurice again gained a lovely view of Lily's cleavage.

“This is called a katana,” she said as she held her blade in her hand, “They're native to Takanaka.”

“You've... been to Takanaka...?” Maurice asked, to which Lily shook her head.

“Gah... I wish,” she replied whilst looking back at him, “Like all my blades, I learned of it from a book. There's this book I read about a wandering warrior, one whose blade was so quick, they said his sword was like light! I was inspired by that book to create this sword. Khyuhu!” looking up, she gave him a cool smirk, “Sorry if it's a bit too heavy for you. I had to make it this way.”

“Does it... drain you out carrying around such heavy swords...?” Maurice asked, to which Lily shook her head.

Shwing!

Withdrawing her katana, Lily handled the elegant sword with the greatest of ease. With one hand she held it, pointing its deadly tip towards Maurice. He could feel the fine point of the blade as it hovered just a scant few centimeters away from his head. If she pushed forward or he moved forward, it would penetrate him easily.

“Nope!” replied the blonde as she pulled her blade back, cutting through the air before twirling her katana around, “I like my weapons being heavy. If they're too light, I feel like they slip out of my grasp,” she leaned in, “Speaking from experience.”

“I... I can tell...” Maurice muttered, before leaning up straight as he watched Lily pull back, “Do you... practice with your swords all the time? Is that why you're down here?”

“I have to keep practicing with it,” answered Lily as she hung her blade out towards the distance, as if pointing it towards some invisible foe, “I don't get into fights too often... but often enough that I need to be prepared for them. So... Hah! Hah! Hee-Yaah!”

Swing! Slash! Swish!

Maurice pulled back. In the blink of an eye, Lily performed a series of slashes, cutting the air with such precision that he could feel the wind break. His gaze grew wide in awe and fear at her impressive feet, while his mind scrambled to figure out how it was even possible. Lily was a towering amazon, and yet she could move with such great speeds. And she did so while brandishing a katana he couldn't even pick up, let alone wield.

It was frightening... it was impressive... it was enthralling.

Sitting back, Maurice watched as Lily held her katana, where she positioned it near her hip. She appeared focused, her green eyes peering towards the distance as if sizing up an opponent. Next her body began to shift, slightly bouncing up and down as her legs parted from one another. Gaining a battle-ready stance, the Knight-Maid continued facing down her imaginary enemy, all as Maurice watched.

Her stance was flawless, her green eyes powerful, the grip on her blade was immaculate... and her body was bouncing. One of her legs stuck out from her robes, allowing him to gaze upon her flawless flesh and powerful shape. Her breasts were bouncing up and down, up and down, up and down, thanks to her lack of a bra. And even her ponytail fluttered around her head, but never fell in her face to obscure it.

Try, try with all his might to not lewdly leer at Lily's body, Maurice failed again and again. There was not one aspect of the Knight-Maid's body that was flawed, whether it be her curvy figure, her tall height, or her deadly skill. Sure, you might say her breasts may be a bit too big... but Maurice certainly didn't agree.

He liked it... he liked it a lot.

For the rest of the night, he watched Lily practice. That is until...

“Hiiiyaaaah!” SLASH!! “Oops...”

“O-oops...?” Maurice repeated.

Lily stood before him, her legs parted and body frozen. In one hand she held her katana's scabbard, while in the other hand she held her katana outstretched towards the distance. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary, confusing him further as to why Lily said 'oops'.

And then...

Grrrrrgglblblblblbblb... SLAM!

Remember those stone pillars this garden had set up? The one's meant for decoration? Well one of them had been perfectly cleaved in a slant slash, where it steadily slid down... and then fell apart. Despite there being a good bit of distance between herself and this pillar, Lily somehow sliced it clean in half!

That... that indeed was an 'oops'.

…

Three days. It was a three day long trip. On the first day they stopped at Podunk, a relatively small yet welcoming community. On the second day, they stopped at the town of Halls, a much larger, much louder village.

“What's going on here?”

“Woooow... looks like a festival!”

Halls was the midpoint of Blau Route, and was one of the larger settlements resting along the path. Much like Podunk, it was a city mostly made of stone and brick, with bridges arching over small rivers, and a glorious town center. Along the roads were various vendors and tents, with peddlers and merchants alike selling their wares to any traveler willing to pay them any amount of attention. It was so loud and so dense with people, that one could mistakenly believe they were in the market place of a much bigger city!

Hands on the wheels of his truck, Maurice stared around towards their surroundings, marveling in silent awe at what he saw. Lily however was far more outgoing with her expression. Eyes wide and mouth curled into a smile, the Knight-Maid's head would turn left and right, drinking in the image of the hustling and bustling market street before them.

“I've heard of this place,” said Maurice, “It's because of its location along the Blau Route, that a lot of merchants sell things here. It's like a giant flea market.”

“I think it's awesome!” Lily cried as she pumped her arm in the air, “We really need to go snooping around!”

“I... I don't know...” Maurice shook his head, “We are on a schedule...”

“A very lenient schedule,” replied the Knight-Maid as she turned to face him, this wry and playful grin on her lips, “We need to make sure our shipment makes it to its location at the end of the week, right? But the trip's only three days long. Currently it's Tuesday, so...” she shrugged her shoulders, “I think if we spend at least an hour or two futzing around, we won't have any problems!”

“I... well... um...”

Oh, the curse of a cute girl. How can any man deny a woman when she looks at him in such a way? When Maurice looked over at Lily, she was wearing this impish grin, and her green eyes were locked in on his face. Coupled with how she was bent over slightly, letting him see her cleavage while pinning him in place, further painted a blush upon his cheeks... and made it difficult for him to say 'no' to her.

No, Maurice was not immune to the allure of a lovely woman... no matter how bad her sandwiches may be.

“Well... I guess you're right...” he replied as he looked forward, “We can go shopping for a little while.”

“Khyah hah! Yeah!”

Grabbing a hold of his truck's wheel, Maurice pulled their vehicle into a nearby parking lot, alongside other motor vehicles and horse-drawn carriages. Lily was bouncing up and down, so as soon as he turned the engines off, she hopped out of the truck with barely restrained excitement. Maurice wasn't as energetic, but was no less excited. But... not exactly excited by the prospect of shopping.

Let's face it; he's rich. He's been rich since the day he was born! Never in Maurice's life has he ever had to worry about money; it was just a word to him! So, no, he wasn't excited by the marketplace. He was excited by Lily, specifically the chance to spend more time with her.

There was something infectious about the Knight-Maid's personality. How she hopped up and down like a girl half her age, or the brash smile she wore on her lips, and especially those thin, sharp, mature eyes of hers. Watching Lily move about and listening to her hoyden voice, constantly drove Maurice in closer. Especially whenever she said--

“Master!”

Oh that word. He's been called 'Master' plenty of times by the servants of his estate, but this time it felt different. Maybe it was because of who it was coming from. Back at home, he was left in this strange state where he recognized the faces of his various servants, but couldn't really tell you their names outside of a select few. But with Lily, whenever he heard her say 'Master' or some variation thereof, it imbued him with power.

Not enough to go to his head thankfully, but certainly enough that he felt it.

“Master, Master! Over here!” said Lily as she pointed at a vendor, “This place right here!”

“Right... here...?” he muttered.

Following behind Lily, he read the wicked grin she wore on her lips, before sweeping his eyes over. She was standing in front of a vendor – an older man with this curly mustache, one who wore a kind grin. Before him on his desk were a plethora of trinkets, all of which being jewelry of some kind. He saw diamond necklaces, golden bracelets, regal watches...

And they were all fake!

Seriously, not one piece of jewelry that this old man was selling was real. This was fool's gold, this was imitation diamonds, and these pearls were nothing more than little glass orbs! Maurice was no gemologist, but he's been around enough riches to know when something is fake. And this? This was so fake, it was physically painful!

But...

Lily didn't think so.

“Isn't this great?” she asked whilst reaching down to grab a 'gold' necklace laced with 'emeralds', “And it's all so cheap too! Khyuhuhu! It looks wonderful, doesn't it?”

“Um... y-yeah,” Maurice replied with a sheepish chuckle, “It really does.”

“Heehee! I knew you'd agree!” said Lily as she reached for her pockets, “I have to have it. I'm sure I have enough pocket change to buy this...”

“R-really? You want this necklace?” asked Maurice in disbelief, to which she nodded.

“Yeah, why wouldn't I?”

How was Lily real? She was a woman whose self-taught blacksmith skills led her to produce a number of weapons that would make trained artisans blush! That meant on some level, she had to know what ores were, and what makes certain metals better than others. But she was completely enraptured by this obviously fake jewelry.

Seriously, was Lily real?

The Knight-Maid finally found her wallet, pulling it out and ready to pay for the gaudy bit of gold. But before she could reach inside to procure her money, a hand fell on her wrist. Stunned, Lily looked over, where her eyes fell on Maurice.

“Master?” she said, to which he shook his head.

“Let... let me handle this,” he said as he gazed towards the merchant, his hand slipping inside to grab his own wallet.

“A-are you sure...?” she asked, making him nod.

“It's not too expensive,” he answered, “I think I can part ways with a mere pittance.”

Standing idly by, Lily watched as Maurice casually bought the necklace for her. He couldn't believe he was spending money on something so obviously phony, but he also couldn't believe he was buying this at all. Why? Why was he buying this imitative necklace for Lily?

Ah... that's why he was buying it for Lily. It was because of her smile. The Knight-Maid had this wonderfully beautiful smile. The slightly red cheeks, the thin and mature eyes, the softly curled lips; it was the kind of smile that felt like a dagger to the heart. He'd never experienced a smile quite like hers before. So if buying her this obviously fake and gaudy necklace was enough to make her keep that smile, then so be it.

“Thank you, kind sir,” said the vendor as he took the money in exchange for the necklace... and was no doubt laughing in his head having pawned off the false jewelry.

Maurice didn't care, instead holding the necklace in his hand as he shifted his gaze towards Lily. For several more moments they looked at one another, neither saying a word, before the young heir looked back down towards the necklace. Clutching it tenderly, he lifted it up and moved in close, coaxing Lily to turn around.

By the gods, she was so much taller than he was. But by standing on the very tips of his toes, Maurice was juuuuuuuuuusssttt tall enough to clear the distance with his hands, allowing him to wrap the necklace around Lily's neck, and snap its hook in place.

“There...” he said as he fell back to the soles of his feet, “How do you feel?”

“I feel...” Lily replied, her voice trailing off.

Raising her hands, she gently stroked her talented fingers along the necklace. It rested along her chest, with the center-most 'emerald' having fallen perfectly between her breasts. Gazing down upon it, the false diamond caught the sheen of the sunlight up above, causing it to glow even brighter.

“Amazing...” whispered Lily, before she looked over her shoulder towards him with a smile on her lips, “This feels amazing.”

He wanted so desperately to tell her that this necklace was fake. He wanted to tell her that the watch he currently had around his wrist right now, was expensive enough to buy everything this vendor, that vendor, and the vendor beside it! But Lily's smile – that damn smile – was just so... earnest. Whether or not the necklace was real or fake, did not matter to the Knight-Maid. Why?

Because it was hers.

Maurice's face shifted as he began thinking about the conversations he's shared with Lily. Specifically, he thought about her skills in blacksmithing, and how she claimed that in her homeland, blacksmithing was considered a high-class job... and that she wasn't seen as being worthy enough of learning it. At the time, he didn't understand what she meant. To him, blacksmithing was just... well... a job. Sure, it can be special – there were certainly blacksmiths out there who were artisans in their craft – but it was just the crafting of weapons; how can it be high-class?

“Lily... are you...” Maurice paused.

“Am I... what...?” she asked, that smile of hers penetrating his heart.

“Are you... are you...” he mumbled... before balling his hands into fists and shaking his head, “Ah... nothing... it's nothing. Uh...” then he looked forward, “So... ready to get back to our truck?”

“Khyah! So soon?” she replied, “You are the boss, Master... buuuuuut, if we're gonna shop, we have to shop for a bit longer. There's so many things to look at! So many clothes and... sniff sniff... hm? Is that food? Hot dogs I'm smelling? Let's enjoy ourselves before we get back to driving in silence for hours on end!”

“Aaah...” he shrugged his shoulders, “Weell...” Grab! “Whoa?”

Maurice looked down. Holding his hand was the armored hand of Lily. Despite the bronze steel that separated them, the Knight-Maid's touch was still tender and kind. So easily she could crush his hand and his arm like a twig, but instead she used that power to draw him in. And when he looked back up towards Lily's face, he saw that hoyden smirk on her lips again.

She wasn't gonna let him go, not yet. He chuckled back.

“Alright, alright... I guess we can spend a little more time in Halls' marketplace.”

“Khyuhu! Yeah! Let's get goin'!” Swoop! “I wanna see what kind of clothes they have sellin' here!”

“W-wait! Lily!”

Her arm wrapped around his arm, and with her superior strength, escape was impossible. He may have been the 'Master' in this situation, but she was the one in charge as she tugged him along.

At first his feet were unsteady, but as he caught up with Lily's pace, Maurice looked up towards the smile on her face. And that smile... haah... such a lovely smile. Were they gallivanting around? Yes. Should they have returned to their truck and returned to their trip? Of course. Did any of that matter at the moment?

Absolutely not.

Around the city, Maurice and Lily walked, exploring the marketplace from one end to the other. It was far denser, far more packed on the inside than it would have looked like if one were to just casually drive by. And, yes, almost everything on sale was on the cheaper end of things. And, also yes, Lily couldn't tell the difference between real jewelry, and counterfeit jewelry.

But it wasn't too bad, not whenever he looked over and saw that smile on her face. Lily's warm personality placed atop her alluring and somewhat mature features, made her into this charming and infectious woman. He just lacked the ability to point out her flaws, like her inability to notice knockoff jewelry, or her failure to prepare meals.

Yes, he was still suffering the aftershocks of her lunch from yesterday!

But all of that didn't matter, not now. He didn't care about her perceived flaws, didn't care about the time bleeding by, he didn't even care about his duties as Maurice Porter. Right now, it was just him, her, and the marketplace around them. Everything was so... peaceful.

And then reality came crashing down.

“Slick! Lick! Slik! Mmph! This ice cream isn't half bad,” said Lily as they walked down the sidewalk, “Could use some more chocolate though...”

“Even more chocolate?” replied Maurice, “Are you sure about that? It's practically drizzling over your... huh...?”

Their little shopping trip concluded, the duo returned to where they parked their truck. There was just one slight, itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny problem. A problem so small, so minuscule, that you'd probably not even notice it unless someone pointed it out to you. And what is that problem?

Their cargo was gone.

So, yeah, it wasn't slight. It wasn't itsy-bitsy. It wasn't Teeny-weeny. It was not small, nor was it minuscule. It was big. It was very, very, VERY, big.

Alerted, Maurice quickly rushed into the center of the parking lot, his eyes wide and face pale. Nonsensical babbling left his lips for a few moments as he stretched out his hands, grasping at the air like their cargo had magically turned invisible. But, of course, that wasn't the case. The large trailer that contained their fabrics was gone, as if it had evaporated into thin air.

“What the? Wh-wh-what...?” he mumbled to himself.

“Hm...? Is something wrong?” Lily asked.

Of course, she was completely unaware.

At first, Maurice was in a state of such mania, that his mind struggled to catch up with what was going on. But then his heart started beating faster... and faster... and faster. This was followed by buckets of sweat, which all began oozing down his body. And finally, the sheer horror of the situation wrapped its claws around his body.

Their cargo had been stolen. His job was a failure.

“No... no... n-n-n-no...!” he said as he continued grasping at the air, his head twisting left to right, “Th-th-this cannot be. No...! NO! I... I REFUSE!!!”

“M-Master...?” said Lily as she rushed to his side and placed her hand on his shoulder, “Is... is everything okay...?”

“No, Lily! No!” he said as he looked at her, his teeth gritted as tears began streaming down his face, “This is not okay! Everything is not okay!” he looked back, “Our cargo... our carriage... it's... it's...” a delirious smile spread on his lips and he gripped his head, “Heh... heh... heh heheh...! Hah! It's... it's...” and then...

Thump...

He collapsed to his knees.

“It's gone. Our cargo is gone...”

In waves, the shock of the situation kept coming to and leaving him. It was like his brain was struggling to catch up with itself; constantly needing to reboot in order to comprehend how monumentally he fucked up. This was his job – his first job – and yet his cargo had been stolen under his watch?

HOW WAS THIS HAPPENING!?

No, better question...

WHY WAS THIS HAPPENING!? WHAT COULD HE HAVE POSSIBLY DONE TO DESERVE THIS!?

Maurice sat there on his knees, mouth agape and eyes wide in utter disbelief of this event. And Lily...?

“Master...?”

Her hand fell on his shoulder, gently kneading it in a reassuring manner. Slowly, Maurice turned to look up at her, reading the smile on her face. All throughout the day, she had been this charming and beaming sunflower; a radiant force to spend his time with. But now, that smile of hers – no matter how comforting it could be – left him feeling void and empty on the inside.

“Lily... our cargo...” he whispered as he looked down at the ground beneath him, “It's... it's... it's been...”

“Stolen...?” she answered, to which he nodded, “Well... look, we had a lot of cargo, right? There's no way it could have just vanished into thin air, right? We need to go and talk to the town's authorities; I'm sure they could help us out.”

“I... hnngg... I...”

Her words failed to reach them. While they made sense – they should speak with Halls' authorities – that didn't leave him feeling any better. Even when Lily began tugging him onto his feet, he struggled to follow along. His legs were like noodles, and his mind was like mush. All he could think about was his failure.

His failure.

How could he be so naive? How could he take his eyes off of his cargo for even a moment? They had rich fabrics in that trailer! Real fabrics? Not this artificial crap that was being sold in this marketplace, or was currently hanging around Lily's neck! If anyone got even a whiff of what they were containing, of course they'd be robbed! They should have kept pushing until someone learned of their precious cargo!

But no! Noooooo! Lily just had to make a stop at this marketplace. And like an idiot, he let her convince him to do so? Why? Because she had a cute smile? The so-called Knight-Maid couldn't do anything right; why would he ever listen to her request!?

And the problems kept rising.

“Does... does this town even have a police force...?” Lily mumbled as she continued pulling Maurice along, “We've run around several times now, but I haven't seen one department. Ah! There's a guard right there, maybe he knows something. Excuse me, sir!”

“Huh?”

The guard turned, facing the maid and her crestfallen master. And after the initial shock of seeing Lily for the first time, he grew more focused as she approached him.

“Y-yes ma'am...?” he muttered, to which Lily smiled.

“Apologies for wasting your time, sir, but I'm afraid my Master and I have had our things stolen from us. Do you know where the law enforcement is so that we may ask for a proper investigation? Time is of the essence for us.”

“Law... enforcement...” the guard repeated as his eyes jumped between her chest and her face... eventually focusing on the former, “I... uh... I'm afraid Halls doesn't have any law enforcement camp. With it being such a small town, we guards actually serve from the neighboring city of Joltmir. If you need a proper investigation set up, you'd have to go there.”

“Go to Joltmir...?” Lily remarked, “Hm... that shouldn't be too hard, right?” she turned to face Maurice, “Master?”

“A-are you kidding me!?” he shouted back, making her jump, “Yes, it will be too hard! Lilian, Joltmir is two hours away! By the time we get there, request an investigation, and get back, who knows how much time would have passed!? The thieves could be anywhere in the countryside, and we'll never get our cargo back!”

“Well... when you put it like that...”

“S-sir,” Mauriuce said as he faced the guard and marched forward, “You patrol this place, correct? That means you must have some information on who these thieves can possibly be! So, please, tell me something, anything of who they might be or where they might be! Please, I'm begging you!”

“I-I... w-well...” he mumbled back, “There is this gang of bandits who sometimes hound the plains around us. They're not too dangerous unless you're some low-rent merchant without any proper guards. They typically hang out in a place called Blue Grotto. They may have stolen your things.”

“Blue Grotto? Th-thank you so much,” said Maurice with a bow... before he quickly turned and began running away.

“What!? W-wait! M-Master!”

Shocked by how he bolted off, Lily ran in chase, quickly catching up behind him. Maurice turned however, and slammed his foot down, where he looked up at his Knight-Maid. And his face was one of anger.

“Lily. Go away,” he growled through gritted teeth, making her flinch.

“Wh-what...?”

“YOU HEARD ME!” he shouted even louder, “Go away, Lilian! I no longer request your services!”

“What? But...?” she tilted her head, “Wh-why? Did I do something wrong?”

“YES! YES YOU DID!” he roared, before calming down... though only barely, “Lilian Chessman, your duties were simple; my father hired you to help me protect my cargo. However, due to your childish desire to enjoy the marketplace, we left our load unintended, allowing a bunch of thieves to abscond with it! Now I have to go and chase them down to regain my trailer, if I wish to regain some modicum of respect from my father.”

“Ah... M-Master...” she muttered, her face appear visibly hurt by his words, “L-look, I'm sorry, bu--”

“Yes! Yes you are!” he shouted, cutting her off, “You are sorry! You're a terrible maid, and I shudder to think what your knight skills are like! So please! Away with you!” he turned around, “You're fired...”

Was he cruel with his rant? Perhaps. Was he being stupid on his quest? No doubt. Did he care at this moment? Absolutely not.

So much anger, so much rage was built up within Maurice, numbing him to his own volatile emotional state. He cared not if he hurt Lily's feelings with his digression, nor did he care that he was putting himself in danger. All he cared about at the moment was getting his cargo back. He absolutely refused to let his first job be a failure!

Returning to his truck, the emotional young man reached into his trunk to pull out... a pistol. He was no fool; even if he had a guard, it was important to be armed for one's own protection. While he wasn't the best shot, having any firearm would go a long way to defend himself against some thieves.

Strapping his pistol sling to his shoulders and holstering it inside, Maurice quickly got on his truck. He was filled with all the piss and vigor of a young man his age, and his focus was narrow. He cared not about Lily, cared not about the world, didn't even care much about his own safety. All he cared about was getting back that cargo at any means necessary.

He slammed his keys into his truck's ignition.

…

Blue Grotto. You see, most of the Blau Route was fields and plains with the backdrop of the Eisin Mountain range visible. But Blue Grotto was different. Located near Grizzo Lake, Blue Grotto broke up the peace of the green fields with rocks and boulders. They were collected in this small area, with a single well-worn path treading down the center of it. And with the nearby lake reflecting its blue lights upon their surfaces, it gained the name it had now.

The small little grotto was recognized as both a pleasant spot to travel through, and a lovely place to stay during a long trip. Of course, that's assuming you have adequate protection from bandits and thieves. Unfortunately for Maurice, all he had was this pistol at his hip.

Grunkle! Grrrrrrnn...!

Foot on the breaks of his truck, Maurice brought it to a halt right outside his destination. This was where the bandits were... at least... that's what that guard told him. Was he completely sure they were here? Of course not! Did that matter in his current, excited mind-state? Again, of course not.

Maurice was alert and tense, his body fidgeting as he felt anticipation and apprehension mix together within him. All he could think about – all he could focus on – was getting back his cargo. The entire world didn't matter outside of that; not Blue Grotto, not Lily, not even himself. He was so terrified of failing his father, that he desperately – and foolishly – kept pushing himself forward.

Dismounting from his truck, he readied his pistol in his hand and began stalking forward. There were various boulders and rock formations resting around, giving him ample cover from any wayward eyes. He couldn't see any bandits, nor could he hear any, but that didn't matter at the moment. His focus was so singular, he only cared about finding his trailer... wherever it may be.

Around this corner, over that border, and under these vines; Maurice kept pushing himself deeper and deeper into Blue Grotto. Eventually, he found the grotto itself; a small cavern resting right outside Grizzo Lake. Could it be? Was his trailer inside of that cave? There was only one way to find out.

Leaping over the small ravine he stood above, Maurice landed in a soft patch of grass. The area around him was still quiet, save for the chirping of bugs on the ground and birds in the skies. Was that a good thing or a bad thing?

Definitely bad. But Maurice didn't seem to care.

Brandishing his pistol, he continued walking forward, heading towards the entrance of the cave. His movements were jittery, his hand twitching around his gun's handle, while his eyes darted from side to side. Still, he saw nor heard a word from anyone else, even as he came to the cavern's entrance.

Blue lights from the lake's surface were reflected in the entrance of the cave, creating enough of a light for him to see inside. Apprehensive though he was, Maurice peered over the edge of the cavern and gazed inside. He expected to see things like grass and foliage, and yes, there was plenty of that... as well as discarded items.

They were numerous in number, ranging from simple trinkets, to small chests, to outright money like gold and coins. From what Maurice could tell, all of these items had only recently been stolen. Still, the sheer number of it all was enough to make his mouth gape in slight awe. But, no, that's not why he was here. He was looking for...

“There!”

His cargo.

Resting far at the back of the cave, was the large, bulky and black carriage he had been ferrying around with Lily. Like the other items, it appeared to only have been recently placed in here; perhaps a few hours ago. Not that Maurice cared. He was sooooo happy to see it, he foolishly ran up towards his cargo.

Hope filled him up as he placed his hand upon its smooth surface. His eyes then trailed over towards the trailer's hatch, opening it up to reveal the bevy of fabrics within. Thankfully, the thieves hadn't manipulated their textiles in any way; it was all pristine and untouched. Now, he just needed to do was--

“Okay... let's check out our things...”

Nothing. All he needed to do was nothing.

Maurice's eyes grew wide as he heard those voices echo in the distance. Looking up, he saw shadows begin to approach the cave; the bandits were returning! Quickly the young man scrambled, hiding himself behind his trailer as he brandished his pistol. All the while, the bandits came closer and closer.

Alarmed, and – understandably – terrified, Maurice hid himself behind his trailer as reality came crashing down around him. Like some narrow-minded fool, he rushed into his cavern without considering the consequences of what he's done. He had no backup, no guards to help him, no mercenary for protection, and not even a plan for how to get his trailer out of here! All he had to rely on was himself... and his paltry pistol.

Stupid, stupid, stupid! How could he be so stupid!? And why now? Why did he realize his stupidity now of all times!? He should have realized his own foolishness during the trip here, not now when there was practically nothing he could do!

“Alright,” said one of the bandits as he pointed forward, “Check up on our goods. We can't stick around here longer; Joltmir's guards are probably gonna start dickin' around here sooner rather than later.”

“Keekekeee! Yeah boss!” answered another, more nasally voice with this insipid chuckle, “Fuck! We had such a good fuckin' haul today! Keekekeee! Can't wait to go get us some good booze, 'stead of that watered down shite we been drinkin' as of late.”

Maurice gritted his teeth and crouched down further, hiding himself in the shadows behind his trailer as he scrambled to think of a way out of this mess. Should he announce himself? Tch, yeah; if he wanted to die. So, should he make a run for it? That wouldn't be much better! Well, he couldn't do nothing; they'd just find him and kill him then! All of these choices were terrible!

As he scrambled to think up some escape, he heard the soft clicking of pebbles as those bandits came closer and closer. The one sent to expect their goods was just a few feet away, coming to the hatch of his trailer. Bringing up his hand...

THANG! THANG!

He slammed it upon his trailer, causing its hatch to pop open.

“I can't believe we found this thang just restin' there,” said the nasally bandit, “Keekekee! Who just leaves such good shit sittin' around? Were they stupid or somethin'?”

“You know those rich idiots,” replied his boss, “Probably didn't think much of it. Oh well... their loss; our reward.”

“Ya got that right!” said the nasally bandit as he 'SLAMMED!' the hatch shut, “Let's get this thang down near Gengir! We can sell it to Rosetta. She'll know what to do with this shite,” he turned, “'Kay! There's just one thing left to do...” and his head tilted, “Heya, buddy-boy!”

“GLK!?”

Maurice looked up. He saw the crooked smile of a weasel look back at him. Gasping, he pulled back, only to feel a hand fall on his shoulder. With casual ease, he was lifted up by a mighty alligator of all things! And before he could say a word--

“OOF!?”

He was tossed away like a bag of trash, where he rolled over towards the entrance of the cave.

Groaning with pain, he writhed upon the floor before gazing upwards. His eyes fell on a tall man, one with a bandanna around his head, and this scarred appearance. Looking down upon him with a gaze of disdain, this man – this bandit – gave an annoyed scoff... before raising his boot.

“AH!?”

STOMP!

“NNGH!?”

Quickly, Maurice scrambled out of the way of this man's boot press, just barely getting away from him. Mind racing with a myriad of twisting thoughts, he rushed out of the cavern, while those bandits slowly began approaching him. Coming to the edge of the lake outside, he gripped his pistol tight and turned around, taking aim at the trio of men.

“S-s-stay back!” he shouted as he held his gun with both hands, constantly switching his aim from one man to another, to another, “I said stay back!”

They did not listen.

“Looks like we did good, ain't we?” said the weasel as he and his allies came closer, that wicked grin spreading wider on his twisted lips, “What's wrong, buddy-boy? Somethin' come up? You were dickin' around our cave and shite! What'sa matter!?”

“Calm down, Cibert,” muttered the human, who rolled his eyes at his ally's antics... before focusing his gaze on Maurice, “You... you were messing around with that trailer, weren't you? And going by your clothes...” he looked him up and down, “That's your trailer, isn't it?”

“Y-yes! Yes it is!” Maurice shouted as he slammed his foot down, “And you've stolen it from me! I've come to get it back! So leave! Just return my trailer, and I promise no harm shall fall upon you!”

“Tch... heh... heh heh... hah ahahahahahahaha!” laughed the bandit, causing his partners to do likewise, “Do you hear that, guys? If we just return his trailer, he'll promise no harm will fall upon us. Haha! I'm shaking in my boots...” he then cut his laughter off as his brown eyes locked in, “Cibert. Take that pistol from 'em.”

“Keekekeee! Got it boss!”

“WHAT!?”

With surprisingly sprightly leaps and bounds despite his lanky appearance, the weasel cleared the distance towards Maurice in a matter of seconds! The young man flinched and pulled back as the bandit quickly appeared in his face, and swiped his pistol away like a brown blur! He didn't even have enough time to fire off a single bullet! And to add insult to injury...

Kick!

“Oof!?”

Splash!

With a single boot to the gut, Maurice was knocked back into the rim of the lake behind him. Water erupted around him, soaking into his clothes while he stared up to the sunset skies overhead. All the while, he heard the taunting laugh and chortles of those bandits.

Forcing himself up on his hands, Maurice looked at the bandits, this palpable fear in his eyes. Now more than ever, the reality of the situation had settled in, telling him just how screwed he was. He opened his mouth to mount some defense, but he swore the laughter of those bandits was louder than even the beating of his heart.

Slowly, Maurice got to his feet, before looking over to the side. Maybe if he ran, and he ran fast, he'd be able to escape his madness. He didn't even give himself enough time to think about any other options. He just bolted and--

Yank!

“ACK!?”

Was pulled back by his collar.

Held in place, Maurice looked up. Holding him still with superior strength was that alligator from before. His eyes were reptilian, his scaled body layered with various markings and scars, and his figure was akin to that of a living wall. Struggle, struggle with all his might, he'd never break free of his grasp.

“You had big balls comin' all this way, kiddo,” said the leader of this troupe as he walked around to face Maurice, “Stupid big balls, but big balls nonetheless. Usually, rich merchants like you get guards to come lookin' through the place to find their things, and we're usually gone by then. But you? Hah... you came by yourself,” he crouched down, coming face to face with Maurice, “So... what should we do now?”

“I... ghnn...! I...!” he kicked about, trying to escape the alligator's grasp, “L-let me go!”

“Heh heh heh...! Well, you heard him, Harn. Let 'em go.”

“Kaaay...”

Releasing his hold on Maurice, the alligator allowed him to run forward... where he immediately tripped over his feet and fell face first into the ground. Now both terrified and embarrassed, he slowly pulled himself up from the ground while the taunting chortles of the bandits echoed around him.

It didn't matter. None of this mattered. He just needed to get the hell out of here!

Maurice pulled his head up, staring towards the open distance in front of him. There was someone else standing there.

“Release my Master. Now.”

She spoke in a manner calm... and yet her voice was still thunderous enough to sound off throughout the grassy ravine. Everyone turned in the direction they heard the shout come from, where their eyes fell upon a maid. She stood there, wearing an outfit that – for the bandits – made it difficult to tell if she was a servant... or a concubine. She was showing so much skin with her glorious cleavage and exposed thighs. And yet, she wore this focused face as one hand sat on her hip... and the other hand was holding up her heavy metal suitcase.

“L... Lily...?” whispered Maurice.

“And who do we have here...?” said the bandit leader as his eyes fell on the blonde in the distance, “Is this your maid, kiddo? Heh...” he smirked, “Quite the beautiful thing you got here.”

“L-Lily!”

Bolting forward, Maurice quickly cleared the distance between himself and the Knight-Maid, where he rushed head first...

Plap!

Between her breasts.

But there was nothing lewd about this embrace, nothing sensual. Wrapping his arms around her waist as best he could, he gave her a tight hug; tighter than any hug he's ever given anyone in his life! Despite all that had happened thus far, he felt safety and comfort in her. Despite all that had happened – despite all he had said to her – she still came for him, still called him 'Master'. And when he looked up...

He saw a reassuring smile on her face.

Until her face shifted into a glare.

“There... you got your Master back,” said the leader of the bandit group, “Heh heh...” he leaned forward, “Are you thinkin' about sticking around a little bit longer?”

“Maybe...” Lily replied as she gripped Maurice by the shoulder and pushed him behind her, “But I'm not through yet...” she stepped closer, “That trailer you stole from us... I want it back.”

“Ah... I see... escaping with your life isn't good enough, is it?” replied the leader, “And here I was thinking today would be an easy day... haah...” he looked back up and pointed forward, “Harn... go get her...”

“'Kaaaaaaay...”

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

The alligator – Harn – was a weird one. Barrel chested and as large as a mountain, he somehow had the ability to move as silently as a hare. That wasn't true now. As if showing his force, the alligator purposefully triggered audible footsteps as he came closer... and closer... and closer. But Lily wasn't frightened. Standing her ground, the Knight-Maid watched as he approached her, before releasing her hold on her suitcase.

KA-THUNK!

Lily's suitcase was still louder.

Parting open, the Knight-Maid reached inside her suitcase... where she pulled out one of her blades. It was the same claymore he saw her briefly wield the night before. The same curved side, the same flat side, and the same immaculate size. And just like before, she easily lifted it up with one hand, and rested it on her shoulder.

“Last chance...” she warned, “Return our goods, and no pain shall befall you. Otherwise...”

“Tch... she's bringing me down,” said the bandit leader, “Harn... shut her up...”

No verbal response; the alligator merely raised his hand. Cowering behind Lily, Maurice watched as the towering reptile balled his hand into a tightly woven fist, and hung it right above the Knight-Maid's head. He did not fear her nor the blade she carried, nor did he seem to care at how nonplussed Lily was acting at the moment. Just one punch; that's all it would take.

Fwish! CLANG!

The sound of leather striking steel echoed throughout the small, grass knoll. Maurice had flinched when the alligator's fist dropped... but Lily did not break or move. Eventually, he gained the courage to look up... where his eyes swelled again. The bandit's punch had been caught in Lily's free hand. And with a mere flick of her wrist...

“Tch...”

“GUH!?”

She flung the alligator aside, sending him tumbling through the ground where he landed right on his face. Both of his allies stared down upon him, their eyes wide and mouths agape with shock. The alligator meanwhile gave a deep growl, before slowly rising back up to his feet. Looking over his shoulder towards the Knight-Maid, a vicious snarl echoed from his scaled lips, and he extended the claws on his hands. Even his tail struck at the ground in a showing of force, being strong enough to trigger a loud 'Thwak!' noise.

Despite being easily flung aside mere seconds ago, the alligator again began to approach Lily. In response, the Knight-Maid parted her legs, taking a battle-ready pose not unlike what she did the previous night. Her upper torso began swaying from side to side as well, which meant that, yes, her breasts began to bounce.

Her energetic movements masked just how dangerous she was. Even her enemies seemed to underestimate her, despite the impressive showing of force she just exhibited. Closer and closer, the alligator approached Lily, his head lowered, his open mouth oozing with spit, and his claws sharp. All the while, she kept her green eyes sharped, trained on him as she watched his every movement.

“RAAWWRRR!!!”

Perhaps spurned by his earlier humiliation, the alligator didn't hesitate to strike. So powerful and deadly were his claws, that if he touched flesh, he'd easily slice it into ribbons. But instead of meeting flesh...

CLASH!

His claws met the silver sheen of Lily's claymore. Eyes wide, the alligator gazed forward towards his own reflection within the blade's surface... before slowly looking up towards the Knight-Maid. Her expression was focused and tense, glaring back at him with determination. That sight only doubled his anger, driving him to pull his claws back and--

CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLAAASHH!!!

Again and again, the alligator slashed and swiped at Lily. And again and again, his attacks were easily deflected and parried by the Knight-Maid's immaculate swordsmanship. Handling her claymore like it was a lightweight baton, she easily kept pace with the mighty reptile, no matter how hard he pushed himself against her. And she did it all with one hand.

Her blade was more a defensive tool, stopping the alligator from lashing at her with his claws and soon after...

“GRARL! SNAP!”

His attempts to bite her.

The alligator bit down hard upon the surface of Lily's blade, where he used the full strength of his jaws and his body to push against her. Any normal blade would have been deformed, if not outright shattered by his monstrous bite. But the Knight-Maid's blades were not normal... and nor was she. As she kept her claymore pressed against him, she pulled back with her free hand and--

THWAK!

“GRRN!?”

With one, decisive strike to the head, Lily sent the alligator tumbling back, his hand pressed up to his snout as he recoiled in pain. Both of his allies grew wide eyed from shock, while the Knight-Maid let out a deep breath. Pacing herself, she again swung her claymore around and rested it on her shoulder, before glaring up towards her enemies in the distance.

“Try again...”

“Gltch...! Fucking bitch,” growled the leader, “Cibert!”

“Already on it!”

Reaching for his hip, the weasel pulled out a pistol and took aim. No hesitation; once his iron sights fell on Lily, he pulled the trigger and--

POW! CLANG!

His bullet met her blade.

“Wh... what...?” said the weasel, flinching.

With speeds that could only be described as inhuman, Lily pulled her claymore over and deflected his bullet, sending it careening into the ground. Both the weasel and his leader looked at one another, before he took aim again.

POW! CLANG!

And the same thing happened. He pulled the trigger of his pistol, only to have his bullet swiftly deflected by the incredible speed and precision of the Knight-Maid before him. Again, the eyes of the weasel swelled with confusion, before his frustrations got the hold of him. Placing both hands on his pistol, he slammed his foot down on the ground, and--

POW! POW! POW! POW! POW! POW!

Despite his (admittedly) stupid appearance, the weasel was not dumb. One does not live life as a bandit for as long as he has without some modicum of intelligence. He didn't just shoot at Lily's chest; he shot at various areas of her body! He aimed at her shoulders, her head, her legs, her stomach, her everywhere! And each and every shot...

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

Was effortlessly deflected by the Knight-Maid, whose silver blade moved with the speed of a blitzing blur. Before they knew it...

Click! Click!

His pistol had run out of ammo.

Both the weasel and his leader looked at one another, while the alligator at their side finally recovered from his punch. Together, the trio all focused their eyes on Lily, who again swung her claymore around before resting it on her shoulder. It may have been three against one, but watching Lily approach them was daunting in its own right. Her every footstep made the earth quiver, and her emerald eyes held the fury of a mighty warrior. The trio of bandits felt anticipation steadily mounting as she came closer and closer... but weren't smart enough to realize how outclassed they were.

“G-get her!” shouted their leader as he pulled a dagger from his hip.

Mirroring him, the weasel at his side too pulled out a knife, while the alligator's claws once more extended. All together, the bandits rushed Lily, attempting to overwhelm her through numbers and sheer force! And to make the most of it, they wisely surrounded her on all sides. Unfortunately, it would not help them much.

SLASH! CLASH!

STAB! KLASH!

SWIPE! KRASH!

In a flurry of blows, each one of them struck at Lily, lacking coordination or style. One would swipe for a slash at her head. Another would thrust in for a stab at her gut. Another would strike for a cut at her hip. And yet each blow – each blow – was parried, blocked, and deflected by the Knight-Maid's superior skill. Despite her being in the center – surrounded by such deadly foes – Lily battled them without a break or flaw in her body.

And Maurice watched it all.

Sitting back on his hands and knees, his mouth agape in sheer awe, he watched as the Knight-Maid battled against the bandits. And it was magnificent. Moving with poise and grace, he watched as her blade clashed with theirs, sending sparks and lights flashing through the air. No one could push Lily, and it became increasingly clear that she was in charge of this deadly dance. Up until...

KICK!

“GLGG!?”

With a swift boot to the gut, Lily launched the weasel towards the distance, where his body slammed up against a rocky wall. She didn't stop there, for with a mere swing back of her hand...

THWAK!

“URK!?”

She struck the alligator, knocking him aside and causing him to stumble on his feet. That left the leader of this bandit troupe last, who pulled back with eyes wide and mouth agape as Lily focused her gaze upon him. Whatever defiant strength he had in his body was lost in the moment as he watched the Knight-Maid raise her claymore up high...

“HAAAH!!!”

JAB!

And stabbed it into the ground...

THOOOOOOOOOOOSSHHH!!!

An eruption of powerful energy roared from the ground, taking on a bright green and white color! Vibrant and wonderful, it blew away the trio of bandits, and even uprooted grass and sediment! The overflowing vent of power flooded like water and air combined, before fading away. And in the center, still standing there with her blade planted firmly in the ground, was Lily.

The trio of bandits laid on the ground, gazing at the Knight-Maid as she pulled her sword out from the ground and rested it back on her shoulder. Not only did her explosive wave force them back, but it was also a show, telling them just how thoroughly trounced they were. They got the message.

“Fuck this!” shouted the leader, “It's just some fucking fabrics anyway; this shit ain't worth losin' my life over! Harn! Cibert! Let's get the hell outta here!”

Like rodents beneath a floorboard, once the light had been shown upon them, the trio scurried off, running into separate directions. Lily remained still, watching them make their cowardly escape with a serious and stern face. It wasn't until they had vanished from sight that she finally cut her bouncing movements to an end and straightened up. Lifting her blade from her shoulders, she swung it around and planted it firmly into the ground... then turned.

Sitting there on his hands and knees some distance away was Maurice. He watched it all with unflinching eyes, stunned to complete silence. And now that the battle was over, his eyes slowly swept up towards Lily, watching as the Knight-Maid stroked her fingers through her hair. Blonde hair billowed softly in the wind, while she wore this warm and comforting smile on her alluring lips.

“Master...” she said, before giving him this cutesy wink, “Are you okay, Master?”

“L-Lilian...” Maurice whispered back, still astonished that she was even here, “What are you...? Why did you...? F-for me...?”

“Khyuhu... yes... for you,” she answered as she knelt down before him, her hand offered up.

“But I was so... so rude to you... so... so callous...” he replied, to which she shook her head.

“I wouldn't say that,” she retorted, “I made mistakes as your Knight-Maid, and you rightfully reprimanded me for them. I admit... haaah... I'm far from the best maid around. Hm... still... for the foreseeable future, I am your maid. And as your maid, I shall faithfully serve you until my services are no longer required.”

“I... aah...”

Maurice cut himself off as his eyes focused towards Lily's hand... and the warm smile on her lips. Whatever apprehensions he had before, were tossed to the side. He reached up... and grabbed her hand. She grabbed back, and gently pulled him up onto his feet. Shaky though his legs were, the Knight-Maid had suddenly become a pillar of strength, emboldening him to stand straight before her.

“Thank you, Lilian.”

“Khyuhu! Don't mention, Master! Now then, let's get our things.”

“Y-yeah...”

Still holding Maurice's hand, Lily began tugging him along towards the cave's entrance; like a mother to her child. It left him feeling a bit embarrassed, both by how gently he was being treated, and how horribly he had treated her.

Yes, he was angry, and yes, some may say her actions deserved such reprimanding, but he didn't completely agree. Regardless of Lily's perceived flaws, she didn't mean to make the mistakes she did. Above all, she risked her life to save him when he so foolishly ran into the middle of trouble. Now – after all had occurred – they stood before his trailer, which was left undisturbed following its theft.

“I just need to get my truck,” Maurice muttered as he walked up to his cargo, though Lily shook her head.

“Heh... no need,” she replied before pumping up her arm and flexing, “I think I can pull this easily.”

“R-really?” he replied as he watched her grab the chain of his trailer, “You don't have to... ah..” he then cut himself off as he shrugged his shoulders and shook his head, “Oh, who am I talking too? I'm pretty sure with your strength, you can move a mountain with ease. This trailer is nothing to you.”

“Aaaawwww!” Lily said, a blush of pride adorning her cheeks as she gave a wide smile, “Such sweet words of yours,” she then turned to the trailer, where her smile shifted into a more devilish grin, “You're right though. This trailer is nothing to me. Humph!”

Grrrrrrrrrrrnnnggg!

Chain slung on her shoulder, she casually began pulling the trailer out of the cave, leaving Maurice behind to marvel at her. What it took his truck to do, Lily did with ease by herself. How could a woman be so strong? That question bounced around in his head, until he shook it in a dismissive manner. It mattered not how strong she was; it was just another attribute of Lily that made her... Lily.

Yeah, that's it.

“Master? Aren't you coming?”

“Y-yeah,” he stumbled, “I'm coming. Just... give me a second.”

…

The moon... Maurice could not remember a time when the moon looked so bright, so beautiful. Standing out here on this abandoned road, the young master looked up to the starlit skies overhead, his chest swelling. He felt distant; almost like he was having an out of body experience. Was he watching the stars? Or was he watching himself watching the stars? And – more importantly – was he proud of himself? Was he proud of how he handled his first job as an overseer?

No. He was not proud of himself. He was not proud of how he handled his first job as an overseer.

Things got bad. Things got really bad. But instead of keeping his cool and managing both himself and Lily, he so quickly flew off the handle. He yelled at her, fired her, then ran into a bandit's den like an idiot where he nearly got himself killed. Had it not been for Lily... well... no, he didn't want to think about how poorly things would have ended up for him.

Lily...

Looking over, the Knight-Maid had gone through the trouble of creating a small campsite for them. His truck rested nearby, his cargo too, a small tent had been erected, and a fire was softly cackling in the center of it all. It was all very neat and coordinated, with a small cooking grate having even been placed above their campfire. And cooking on said grate was meat... charred meat. Meat that really should have been flipped over several minutes ago. Meat that was probably as hard as stone.

Well, Lily was amazing at being a knight... not so much at being a maid. Speaking of the Knight-Maid...

“I'm back, Master! Sorry for my tardiness!”

“Lilian...”

She walked out from behind their carriage, revealing a change of clothes. Gone was her maid uniform and armored parts, instead replaced with the robes she wore the previous night. Walking up to her Master, she had one hand on her hip, while the other hand held up one of her skinnier swords by its scabbard. That sword... it was a--

“Katana,” said Maurice, “That's a... katana, right?”

“Khyuhu. Yup, it's a katana alright,” replied Lily as she pulled the elegant blade forward, “I'm happy you remember!” her nose then quivered, and her face paled, “Oh... oh no, the food!”

Dropping her blade down, she rushed for the fireplace and the cooking plate that hovered above it. But as Maurice already knew before, the meat was a lost cause, being nothing more than slabs of charred stone. Lily gasped in surprise, growled in anger, then groaned in defeat, while her head slumped down. Maurice walked up behind her, but instead of being angry or annoyed, he smiled at her.

“S-sorry, Master,” she apologized, to which he shook his head.

“It's okay, Lily, really,” he said in a reassuring manner, “I'm just happy that... haah...” he gazed skyward, “I'm just happy everything ended up as well as they did.”

Sitting down on the ground before the fire, Maurice looked up towards the expansive heavens overhead. The twinkling stars, the silver moon; it all gazed back down upon him, painting a smile on his lips. His day was nothing but incredible highs and depressing lows; one after another. But he was alive, and here he was...

With her...

Whump!

“Aaah... oh man...”

Maurice looked over. Sitting beside him, an exhausted look on her face as she dragged her arm across her brow, was Lily. The Knight-Maid was the one who put in the most work. She fought off a trio of bandits, and showed just how deadly she could be when in her element. If anyone deserved having some R&R, it was her. But to see this face on her lips, to watch her even smile and chuckle, brought a smile to his lips as well.

“Lilian,” he said, causing her to look over with an eyebrow raised, “Thanks. Thank you so much for what you've done.”

“Oh, Master,” she said as she pulled her knees up and rested her chin on it, while her green eyes gazed upon him, “There's no need to thank me. It is my duty as your knight and your maid to give you the best service you could possibly have! Although...” she looked to the side, “I often fall short of accomplishing those lofty goals.”

“I... I wouldn't say that,” Maurice replied as he too looked to the side, “Maybe your culinary skills aren't the best. And maybe you're a little clumsy... but you are also incredibly strong. You're incredibly talented with your swordsmanship as well. And you're... you're so nice and dedicated. And... haah... you sound so cool... and... and and... you're so tall and... you have such lovely blonde hair and... you're so... you're so...! Ngh...!”

Maurice stopped and his eyes grew wide. Had he... said too much? Yeah, yeah; he definitely said too much. Realizing this, he felt sweat start to ooze down the side of his head and his chest began to swell. There was no way Lily didn't hear everything he just said. He didn't want to look over, but... he knew he'd have to sooner or later. So...

He turned... slowly... and...

Lily was smiling at him... and her eyes were in this devious gaze.

“Lilian...” Maurice whispered, though she shook her head.

“It's just Lily, Master,” she whispered back, “There's no need to be so formal...”

“I... haah...

She was so close to him; her face was just a scant few inches away from his. And with her leaned over as she was, Maurice was given an amazing view of her deep, plunging cleavage. The robes she wore did so little to contain her powerful and voluptuous body. How it clung to her body, highlighting the curves of her sides, hips and bosom, as well as the narrowness of her midsection. One would think with how skimpy her attire usually was, nothing she wore could be so surprising. One would be oh so wrong.

“Lily... I--” whispered Maurice before he cut himself off.

“You... what?” she replied in this purposefully devious manner as she began crawling forward.

With every push, Lily began to take hold over his body. Maurice pulled back, allowing the Knight-Maid to crawl nearer and nearer. Before he knew it, his body was being pinned beneath her superior form, all while she wore this smile that was somehow both playful and dangerous. The glow of her emerald eyes, the curve of her pointed nose, the shine of her blonde hair, and all atop her erotic and voluptuous body; it all had Maurice utterly and completely trapped.

“L-L-Lily,” he whispered again, his cheeks turning an intense red

“Khyuhu... are you uncomfortable, Master?” she asked, making him shrug his arms.

“I... I uh... I...” he stammered.

“Heh... if you're uncomfortable, just order me to climb off of you,” she said, “I am your humble and dutiful Knight-Maid. Make any request you please, and I'll follow them to the utmost of my abilities. So... if you want me to get off, order me to get off.”

“I... haah... I...!”

“Are you uncomfortable, Master?”

“Ngh... y-yes...”

“I see... then...” extending her hands, Lily placed them upon Maurice's cheeks, framing his face with her own, “Do you want me to help you get comfortable?”

“Haah... yess...”

“Khyuhu... then... what can I do to make you feel better, Master?”

Maurice swallowed his spit.

“Give me a kiss.”

Years from now, Maurice wouldn't be able to tell you why he made the choice he did. Something came over him in that moment, something strong, something gripping, something that absolutely refused to let go. And that something...

“Ara ara... okay~ nmph~”

“Hmmmff...!”

Was desire.

Lily's lips pressed to Maurice's, taking him into a kiss. He froze up at first, having never done this before. But the same could not be said for the Knight-Maid. With an erotic skill, she pushed open his mouth with her lips, and slid her tongue inside. Again he grew tense... only to start melting. Lily's taste began to dance on his tongue, while her warm breath flowed into his maw. Her hands too held his face firmly, keeping him in place so that she could keep overwhelming him.

Overwhelming him...

Lily was the servant, but that could not be said right now. With her superior strength and greater body, she easily pinned Maurice beneath her as she continued lapping at his lips. He tensed up, groaned too, while her head tilted to the side, allowing her to push her tongue inside even deeper. The young master groaned against his maid, who so effortlessly dictated the pace of the kiss. Kiss after kiss from her sweet lips fell upon his own, and when she pulled back with a loud and lewd--

Pop!

“Haah! Haah! Aah! Haaah!”

Maurice was left panting for breath.

Placing her hands down beside his head, Lily pinned her master to the ground while wearing this alluring smile. Soft, almost inaudible chuckles left her lips, before she sat up before him. No longer trapped beneath her, Maurice leaned up and stared at her, watching as she placed her hand on his chest... and then slowly drew her fingers down. They slid and slid and slid, not stopping until they fell upon...

“Haaahh...!?”

His crotch.

Maurice was still wearing his slacks, having not changed into any night clothes like Lily did. But while he may have been wearing more clothing than her, that didn't mean his clothing was any less... revealing. Specifically, the tower he was sporting between his legs.

Maurice's eyes grew wide at the sight of his own erection. Seeing it was similar to being punched and not feeling the pain right away. Why? Because he suddenly felt extreme discomfort having such a raging hard on beneath his slacks!

Biting into his bottom lip, the young Master gave a stifled groan, which caused Lily to giggle.

“It's okay, Master,” she cooed as her powerful hand drifted forward, “Just relax yourself! These duties too are important for a Maid. Whatever irritation you are feeling, it is my duty to quell it. So, please...” Clink! “Relax yourself.”

“Ah...”

That noise he heard, that 'Clink!'. That was the sound of his belt buckle being undone. With flawless hands, Lily undid his belt, unbuttoned his pants, and then zipped it down. Maurice's breathing stiffened further as he stared down, watching her talented fingers move... before finding himself attracted to her emerald eyes. They glowed softly in the night, while she wore this alluring and mischievous smile. All of it kept him dominated, even up until he felt his fly being opened... and his cock be revealed.

“Oh myyy~!”

Lily's magnetic voice filled the air as she stared down upon his throbbing cock. Like a mighty tower of lust, it pumped with blood and vigor, and twitched with a desperate need. Smiling from cheek to cheek, the Knight-Maid brought her hand forward... and wrapped it around Maurice's cock.

“Haah!”

A sharp gasp left his lips as Lily's immaculate hand gripped his dick. The same skill she used to handle her blades was now being put forth upon his member as she gave it a taunting squeeze. Her other hand fell upon his lap, pushing down upon him to hold him in place. Good thing too, because Maurice could feel his body desperately want to jump up like a bunny rabbit!

Back and forth, Lily began to stroke her hand along Maurice's rigid cock. Despite his shorter height in relation to her, his member had this great length and burly width to it. That's good. Much like her blades, the Knight-Maid preferred it if her partners had a bit of... well... let's say heft to them. And this rod sticking between his legs? Oh yes, it was appropriately hefty.

Handling him like she was handling one of her blades, Lily squeezed her hand around Maurice's dick, and began jerking him off at a quicker tempo. The sudden roughness coaxed yet another cry from his lips as his eyes grew wide and his body lurched up. But Lily said not a word, instead chuckling as she continued pumping her hand along his length.

Each squeeze, each jerk, each stroke, caused his throbbing member to produce copious amounts of precum. Like a clear syrup, it oozed from the tip of his dick, traveled down its shaft, and tracked upon her fingers. But even that wasn't enough to stop Lily from jerking his dick. Continuing on with her handjob, Lily's other hand raised up to tuck some of her blonde hair behind her ear, all while her head descended down.

“Such a big cock,” she whispered, “Nnggh~ it's so swollen. I'll have to be more... thorough if I want to handle my Master's discomfort. Nnnggh~ okay. I'll just open my mouth, and... mmphh~”

“Hoooh!?”

Hands digging into the soft ground beneath him, Maurice threw his head back as Lily's mouth wrapped around his turgid length. Inch by inch of dick steadily slid into her awaiting maw as she took her time to slooowwwllly descend down around him. Such a devious maid; he felt his cock grace along her teeth and tongue all as she pushed him inside; deeper... deeper... deeeeeepeeeeerrrrrr...

“Mmmfff~ Mmmf~ Mmh~ Mph~”

“Haaah...! Nnggh...! L-Lily...! Haaah!”

The erotic sound of her fellatio danced in the air, while her head softly bobbed back and forth. In stroke after stroke he felt the fullness of her lips, the pointed tips of her teeth, and her stroking tongue. They licked and lapped at his length, while spit oozed from the creases of her mouth.

Panting, Maurice watched as Lily's head bobbed up and down on his dick, steadily picking up in pace with every passing second. At first she appeared unsure, with this face twisting into a curious and slightly apprehensive one. But it became clear to him that this face was for show.

Opening up her green eyes, Lily shot her master a coy smirk, followed by a wink, before raising her hands. One fell upon his thigh, pushing down on him to pin him in place. The other wrapped around his dick, keeping it angled perfectly with her lips. Following this she--

“Mmph~! Mmmf~! Mm~! Hmmph~! Mmffph~!”

“Haaha!?”

With a pace far greater than before, Lily sucked hard on the first third or so of Maurice's cock, giving the audible 'Slurps!' as well. Her hand did not remain idle, as she also stroked his length off, pleasuring every inch of it. Whether it be by her mouth or her hand, there was no escape for Maurice.

Not that he wanted to...

Teeth gritted, his hands and toes both curled as he watched the Knight-Maid perform such devious fellatio on his throbbing member. Every lick, every slurp, every suck, sent jolts down his spine, and even coaxed a howling groan from his lips. He even felt his balls draw up close! Virgin or not, Lily's oral skill was just too good!

POP!

“GUH!?”

And then she stopped.

Pulling her lips from Maurice's cock, Lily caused him to drop back and flop like some wet blanket. Desperately he gasped for breath while his mind struggled to catch up with what was going on. The Knight-Maid meanwhile sat up before him, this lurid smile plastered on her sultry lips.

Soft giggles ruminated through her form while her hands traveled along the curves of her stunning, statuesque body. Coming down to the sash in the center of her robes, she undid the knot keeping it together, allowing her already loose robes to grow even looser. And after bringing up her hands to the middle part, she pulled them open to reveal--

Bounce-Bounce!

“Ah-haah!”

Her glorious breasts.

Maurice's eyes swelled in size as he came face to face with Lily's bare chest. Their incredible size was matched only by their wonderful shape, both of which were fixed on her form to give her this voluptuousness that he's never seen anywhere else. Wide hips, narrow waist, and great breasts; Lily was a goddess given form.

And this goddess wore such a sensual smirk on her hoyden lips.

Raising her hands, Lily placed them to the sides of her tits, giving herself this strong, taunting squeeze. She then lifted her tits up, further presenting her bosom to her Master as she moved in closer and closer. What was she doing? What was going on? What was--

Plap!

“Oh!?”

Oooooh... that's what she was doing. Lily's big, busty, glorious tits, fell down around his long and turgid cock. Like the world's loveliest, bounciest, firmest pair of pillows, the Knight-Maid's breasts completely surrounded him. Looking down, he could see the head of his cock poke out from between the valley of her breasts. That is until she moved up with a giggle, swallowing his dick whole.

With these lewd, erotic, skillful movements, Lily brought her breasts up and down on Maurice's dick. He felt the full gamut of her breasts run along his dick; from the tip, to the base, and back again. Each pump, even stroke, not only caused him to groan with a lewd desire, but also sent this succulent bounce throughout the Knight-Maid's tits. All the while, a stronger and stronger pleasure was sent rushing through his form.

“Wh... nnggh...! What is this...?” Maurice moaned, drawing a giggle from Lily's lips.

“Khyuhu~ this is called a paizuri,” she replied, “It's a technique in a distant land. Perfect for maids to give their darling masters,” batting her eyelashes at him, her head tilted to the side, “Just lay back and relax, Master. Let your maid service you.”

Maurice gave a moan from wobbling lips as Lily's paizuri continued on. Picking up the pace, she was practically bouncing her breasts upon his cock and waist, causing him to arch his back and moan to the air around him. This was followed by her gripping her chest as she began alternating her breasts movements; moving up while moving the other down, again and again and again.

Each squeeze, each stroke, each brush, triggered more and more pleasure within Maurice. Mind racing with thoughts – all of them lewd – he felt heat and even power begin to circulate through his form. And he allowed that heat and power to take hold over him.

Almost too much...

“LILIAN!”

“GAH!? M-MASTER!?”

FWUMP!

How did they end up in this position? One moment Maurice was laying on the ground, the next moment, it was Lily. And instead of Lily being on top of him, he was on top of her! More importantly, his cock was still buried deep in the Knight-Maid's cleavage.

Eyes wide, Maurice straddled Lily's body as he looked down upon her. She appeared stunned for a moment... before shifting that face back into a smirk. Despite being sat upon, she was so tall and strong that he felt as light as a feather. She even raced her hands and placed them to the sides of her tits, giving them a nice, tight squeeze around his dick. And for added flavor, she gave him a flirty wink... even blew a kiss too.

If Maurice wasn't fired up before, he was fired up now!

PLAPPLAPPLAPPLAPPLAPPLAPPLAP!

“AH! YEAAH! HEH HEH! MASTER!”

“AAH! HAAHH!”

Hips a furious blur, Maurice slammed his dick in and out of Lily's tits at an incredible pace! A howling moan left his lips as he felt the full breadth of the Knight-Maid's breasts swallow his dick; again and again and again. A sliver of drool started hanging from his lips as the sheer pleasure began to swallow him, coaxing more moans from his needy lips.

“Yeeeesss...! Nnggh...! Haaaahh...” he groaned as his head tipped up to the skies.

“More... Aahhnn~ Moreeee...” Lily moaned back.

Resting her hands above her head, the Knight-Maid endured blow after blow to her tits from her young Master. He was like a horny little monkey; fucking her tits with a relentless aggression. He couldn't stop; wouldn't stop! He just fucked her; harder... harder... HARDER! By the gods, this was amazing! So amazing, he couldn't believe he could handle himself this far!

And, really, he couldn't. It didn't take long for him to...

“AAHH!”

“OH!?”

SPLURRT! SPLOOORT! SPLUURRRK!

Thick ropes and wads of seed were launched from Maurice's dick, firing off strong enough to strike Lily's chin and neck. The rest of his seed came oozing down upon her curvaceous and glorious tits, marring her fair skin white with his cum.

For several moments, Maurice sat there, panting for breath, while his Knight-Maid gave one more squeeze of her tits. But if they thought this was the end of his climax.

SPLURT! SPURT! SPURT! SPLORT!

“GUH!?”

“WH-WHAT!?”

Even more cum was launched from Maurice's dick! It took the both of them by surprise as Lily flinched and pulled back. Before his seed shot far enough to strike her chin. This time, it was launched high enough to fall on her face! Lily's blonde hair and mature features were all painted white with his cum, which tracked upon her nose, her lips, her everything. His wonderful odor infested her nostrils, and his delicious taste slipped into her mouth. And when she licked her lips...

“Nmmph~”

A deep, erotic moan was coaxed from within.

“So goood,” she cooed, “Haaaahhahaaa~~”

Maurice gazed down upon Lily, marveling at his erotic handiwork. He's known the pleasures of the hand before, but that paled in comparison to what he experienced just now. Lily's breasts were amazing; he knew he was already addicted to the feeling of it. And for added flair, he slowly pulled his cock from her tits with a lewd and loud

Shlop!

Followed by the 'Snap!' of his cum being flung upwards.

“Fuck... ghnn~” Lily moaned as yet another line of cum was launched down the center of her face, “So thick...! Haaah~”

Slowly, Maurice stood up to his wobbling feet. He could feel energy both rush into and drain out of his body at the same time, leaving him in this odd state. Lily on the other hand propped herself up as this lurid smile spread out on her lips.

Drawing over her hands, the Knight-Maid began to stroke his cum along her breasts and face, before licking the seed which oozed on her lips. Her green eyes then opened, shooting an erotic gaze towards Maurice as she moved herself up.

Grabbing her robes, she pulled them off of her body, revealing herself in all of her nude glory. Her powerful, stunning, statuesque and curvaceous body was on full display as she hung her robes around her waist, before dropping them completely from her form. Sitting there, Maurice marveled at her form, drinking in the voluptuous shape of her figure, and the thin pair of panties she had covering her crotch.

“Have you ever fucked before?” asked Lily, her crash tone making Maurice bit into his bottom lip.

“N-no...” he replied, to which she giggled.

“Heh heh! Good~ guess that means I'll be taking your first time.”

Lily spoke with such pride about something so lewd. Fuck, that sent shivers down his spine. He'd never seen a woman be so authoritative, so forward with her sexuality. In his life, it was expected of women to be prudish, but clearly, this did not hold true for the Knight-Maid.

Slipping her thumbs beneath the waistband of her panties, the voluptuous blonde began pulling them down her shapely hips and thighs. She even sensually swayed her body from left to right whilst giggling in a playful manner. And all Maurice could do was sit there, his mouth slightly agape as he watched the slowly dress dooowwwn.

“Aah... there... muuuch more comfortable~” Lily cooed as her panties hung around her finger.

Wearing this saucy grin on her lips, the Knight-Maid stood tall above Maurice with one hand resting on her hip. Between her legs, her womanhood was exposed without anything to defend it. Pink in color, it had a sleek shape and soft blonde pubic hair resting above it. Nectar too oozed from her cunt and down her thighs, glistening in the light of their fireplace. All of it drew Maurice in, who could not gaze anywhere but at Lily.

Until his legs began to shift.

Getting up on his knees before the Knight-Maid, he scooted close to her, and placed his hands upon her shapely hips. A teasing giggle left Lily's lips, but she said not a word. Why speak, when her body could sing a symphony all its own? All she had to do was softly shake her hips, and it would tell Maurice everything he needed to know. For instance...

He was quite thirsty wasn't he?

Maurice's nostrils flared, taking in the erotic scent of Lily's pussy. It danced in his nose and drew him in closer, up to the point that he opened his mouth. He knew not what came over him in this moment, but fuck, was he so happy it did. Because once the sweet and sour taste of Lily's pussy fell on his tongue...

“Hggnnh~ Yes~ Haaah~”

Maurice knew he needed more.

Gripping tighter upon Lily's hips, he held the Knight-Maid in place so that he could have greater access to her tasty cunt. His tongue lacked style and finesse, having never done something like this before. Every lick, every slurp, every suckle, gave him more of that sweet nectar which he so greedily drank down.

He had never tasted something like this before. Every time he licked her, he felt himself desire more of her superior body. He even gripped her hips harder, while the other hand slipped around to squeeze upon her shapely ass. Groping her body as hard as he possibly could, Maurice further dined on Lily's cunt, even raising his lips to suckle on her clit like it was a nipple.

And Lily?

“Haaah~ Haah~ Oooh~ Fuck...! Nngghh~ Keep going~ Oh Master, you're so good at this~”

She wasn't lying, mind you. Despite this being his first time ever performing cunnilingus, you could have fooled Lily! Admittedly, her previous partners weren't exactly the best at oral sex either, but Maurice was still a cut above average. Perhaps it was his refined nature as a rich businessman's son. Or maybe it was his intelligent nature. He was incredibly perceptive; easily able to pick up on even the slightest pleasurable movements of her body, and react accordingly to it.

“Nnggh~ yeeessss...! Aaahh~”

“MMMPH!”

“OH~ FUCK~”

Lily's legs began to wobble as Maurice suddenly empowered his already vigorous oral! He pressed his face into her cunt as hard as he could, and grabbed tightly upon her taut and fit body. Putting all his strength into his tongue, he speared open the Knight-Maid's folds, and pushed his tongue deep inside her awaiting honeypot. Lily's back arched and she gave a deep moan, while she placed both hands upon the back of his head.

“Get in there~” she cooed, “Nggh~ eat me ouuuuttt~~!”

Like he needed to be told to do so. Putting as much strength into his mouth as he possibly could, Maurice began writhing and curling his tongue around within her tight cunt. Walls were spread apart and ridges were ruthlessly licked, causing Lily to clinch her teeth. A sliver of drool even slipped down her mouth and fell from her chin as the young man voraciously dined on her sweltering pussy.

She could feel it! That growing, bubbling, rising need to climax! It was like a knot being tightened in her womb, and Maurice was undoing it with his tongue! Just one more lick! Just one more suckle! Just one more slurp! And--!

“HAAHAHAAAAAAHAAAHHNNN~~~!”

SQUUUUUIIIIIIUIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRT!!!

“MMMPH!?”

So... this is what a woman's orgasm is like. It was thick and clear, and it shot out like a splashing bucket. And this pressure! It squirted so hard!

Maurice didn't pull back, instead sitting there as Lily's cunt spasmed within his awaiting mouth. He caught as much of her orgasm as he possibly could, while the rest splattered on his face and chin, marring his features. Now more than ever, the erotic odor of her pussy filled his nose, followed with the rawest, sweetest taste of her pussy he had ever got. His chest pushed out and his back arched, all as he gave a deep moan which reverberated through his Knight-Maid's pussy.

And then he pulled back.

And then Lily collapsed.

Fwump!

Falling down on her butt with her legs still spread, the Knight-Maid sat on the ground with this grinning smile on her lips. Fuck, her pussy was still quivering from her orgasm, and her legs felt like jello. Bringing over her hand, Lily stroked them along her cunt, feeling her tone and smooth labia press back. She even curled her fingers, briefly dipping them inside of herself... before pulling back out.

“Aah~ Hnngggh...! Fuck... I... fuuuh...” she whispered, before smiling as her teeth bit into her bottom lip, “Hoooh... I can still feel shudders... felt so good... hnn~” she looked up and giggled, “And it looks like... haah... you could use some help too, Master...”

“Hnnngg...!”

Maurice looked down. Looking back at him, was his hard, long cock. Standing between his legs like a spire of lust, his dick throbbed with a desperate need. Feasting on Lily's cunt sent rumbles throughout his body, returning his cock to the absolute zenith of length and rigidity. When he looked down with his cock staring back at him, he felt the aches and pains of having untamed lust.

“So thick~” Lily whispered as she scooted forward on her knees before Maurice, “What good maid would I be if I didn't properly service my Master?”

“Lily...” he whispered back.

Placing her hands on his hips to hold him in place, the Knight-Maid once more positioned her face before his throbbing cock. This time however, she pursed her lips, planting a soft yet strong kiss on the head of his dick. This kiss was followed by another, and another, and one more. Each kiss pushed his cock up and made it throb, causing such sweet precum to ooze out and slip into her mouth.

Her green eyes looked up at Maurice's face however, keeping him place. Opening her mouth, Lily let his cock sit upon her tongue, before pushing her lips down upon him completely. Wrapping her mouth around his cock, the Knight-Maid began to gently suck on his dick, drawing groans from his lips and even causing him to push up with his hips. Her tongue even traced along the veins of his dick, running from the base to the tip and back again.

But it was all not to last. Just as quickly as she started sucking on his cock, she pulled off of him with a loud and lewd--

Pop!

Spit and precum were flung as she sat back, while her hand continued jerking his dick off. Keeping him at maximum rigidity and girth, the Knight-Maid stood up before Maurice... and then turned around.

Face flummoxed, Maurice watched as Lilian offered him an unending view of her backside. From the curves of her shoulders to the straights of her back; the Knight-Maid was truly a portrait of beauty. But it was that butt which attracted his eyes the most. Not only was it wide, not only was it juicy, but it was shapely too. Like an erotic peach, her ass garnered the entirety of his gaze.

And Lily knew this. So Lily flaunted this.

With a smirk on her lips, she placed her hands on butt, and gave it a generous lift. He watched the taut skin of her plump flesh rise up, marveled at the way it curved and raised, and then gasped when Lily pulled her hands away, allowing her ass to bounce. She wasn't touching him directly, but he felt his cock jump with desire and need.

Drawn in by Lily's stunning body, Maurice walked in closer to her. She said not a word, instead smirking as she watched her young master press his chest against her back. Even that only coaxed a gasp from her.

His hands fell on her sides, where they gently stroked up and down her body. His touches were gentle at first, as if afraid he was going to hurt her. But then, yeah, he remembered that she was perhaps the strongest person in this world. She could handle it if he got a bit firmer with her.

So he did. He sensually dragged his hands along the curves of her body, marveling at her nude form as it glistened in the moonlight. An airy sigh left Lily's lips as she raised her arms, offering more of her body up to him and his touch. Around to the front his hands traveled, where they stroked along her flat and toned stomach. Fingers ran along every ridge of her abs, before slipping up towards her breasts.

“Hngggh~ Oh Master~”

He wasn't hesitant in the least bit. The moment his hands touched her tits, he gave them a tight and hard squeeze. So big, busty, firm, and most importantly, heavy. When he lifted them up, it was like feeling soft bricks push back down upon his hands.

His hands curled around Lily's tits, hugging them in close as he embraced his body against her. Despite the difference in height, he was still capable of sliding his cock in against her ass and between her legs. His dick stuck out from her thighs and ground against her moist slit. The touch may have been slight, but it still coaxed a moan from Lily's lustful lips.

His cock was so hard, so long, and so damn hot. Every stroke against her sweltering folds increased her desire for him. All the while, she wore this grinning smirk on her lips, allowing him to indulge in her remarkable body.

But it was not to be. As much as Maurice enjoyed touching her body, he felt his hungers explode again. It drove him to lean in and purse his lips, where he placed a kiss on Lily's back. This was followed by another kiss, and another kiss, and another and another. Each kiss coaxed erotic moans from the Knight-Maid, all while he traveled down.

Kiss after kiss. Lick after lick. Bite after bite. He was treating her like a lover he hadn't seen in a long time. Was this his own special way of paying her back for, ya'know, saving him? Or was Maurice just naturally this romantic? Whatever the case may be, Lily could feel herself melting.

And then he stopped. Lily looked over her shoulder to see why. She came face to face with the top of Maurice's head.

Sitting on his knees before the Knight-Maid, his gaze was utterly dominated by her plump, shapely ass. His fingers drifted forward to touch her rotund butt, gripping it to the point that his fingers sank in. An erotic moan was coaxed from her lips and she pushed out her chest, giving yet another moan that filled the air.

Dipping his fingers into the crevice of her ass, Maurice softly pulled her cheeks apart, revealing her pink pussy and her tight anus... before releasing his hands.

Clap!

“Oh! Khyuhu~!”

Fuck, why was her butt so perfect? An appreciator of art, he's long since found the female form to be incredibly attractive. But Lily's body was something else entirely. Like some Grecian idol, he thought her figure appropriate to be forever encapsulated in a marble bust. And nowhere was that more obvious than with her butt.

Its size and shape was a marvel all its own. If one were to see her silhouette, they'd be instantly enamored by it alone. But Maurice had it better. He was free to grab her ass, to grope her ass, to squeeze her ass. His each and every touch triggered erotic moans which filled the air, even causing her to softly shake her hips left and right. She then pushed her hips out, pressing her ass more into his awaiting palms.

When she bent over, her butt was so big and wide that Maurice's entire view was utterly dominated by her butt. He couldn't look anywhere but at her, and he refused to break his eyesight. Cupping his hands beneath her bosom, he gave her ass a generous lift, before closing his eyes. He's never done something like this before, but...

Chu~

“Oh~ Khyuhu~! So kinky of you, Master~”

Oh... why did kissing her butt feel so right?

“Chu~ Chu~ Chu~ Mmmphfff... CHU~!”

Again and again, Maurice kissed Lily's butt, layering it in the erotic worship it so rightfully deserved. Feeling every kiss, the Knight-Maid bit into her bottom lip and groaned, before pushing more of her ass out into his awaiting face. Spurned further by her response, Maurice grabbed her legs and began licking at the curvature of her butt, indulging in her delicious taste and form. Each kiss and lick – no matter how soft – was felt by the Knight-Maid.

“Mmph~ You are so passionate, Master,” Lily cooed, “Haaah...”

PLAP!

“MMPH!”

“OH!?”

Without building, warning, or pressure, Maurice dove his head between Lily's luscious butt. Her soft, shapely, curvy but cheeks, gently pressed against his face, coaxing a hungry and lewd groan from his lips. On all sides he was surrounded, whether it be by Lily's superior body, or by her erotic odor... and sweeter taste.

Again proving his courageousness, Maurice's tongue began to lick and lap at Lily's pussy. His tongue was wild, lacking style, lacking precision, but more than making up for this with sheer desire. His lewd licks were strong, slipping, sliding, and grinding against the Knight-Maid's delicious folds. Each strike of his tongue coaxed a lurid groan from her erotic lips, followed by a desperate pant, all as she continued pressing her butt up against his face.

She could feel every ridge of his tongue as he traced it along her sweltering cunt. The bumpy ridges and folds of his slithering appendage, made sure to scoop up delicious drop after delicious drop of feminine cum. Lily could feel her legs grow weaker and weaker from his erotic assault. Taking advantage of this, Maurice placed his hands on her curvy butt, gripping her hard in place and bracing himself against her.

“Oh... haahah~~! Masterrrrr...!”

Fwump!

Falling down on the ground, Lily rested her head upon her arms while she kept her backside lifted. Completely defenseless and vulnerable, the Knight-Maid allowed her Master to continue his attack, driving him to start eating her out in earnest. No more of these licks; he outright pressed his lips to her pussy, giving it a hard kiss! And then, as his mouth opened up, he began pushing his tongue into her pussy, splitting open her folds as he gained the rawest taste of her juicy cunt as he could.

“Oooooh~~! Oh~! Fuck~! Nngghh~” Lily moaned, her hips swaying side to side desperately, “Oh~! You treat me so well, Master! Nngghh~! Eat me out as much as you please~ All for yooouuu~”

Yes, yes. All for him. All for him!

He's had plenty of servants throughout his years, all of which gave him the utmost of respect. But for some reason, never had the word 'Master' carried with it such erotic strength. Hearing her call him 'Master' again and again, sent bolts down his spine. An audible groan was even pulled from his lips, one that reverberated through Lily's delicious folds.

Chu!

Pulling back, strands of pussy juices hung from his lips like a bridge of honey. For a moment he sat there, panting for breath as he drank in his messy handiwork. So much spit, drool, and nectar oozed down Lily's cunt and streaked down her thighs, all while he sat there, panting for breath like a hungry fool. Briefly he licked his lips, slurring up her feminine jizz and drinking it... before looking down between his legs.

His cock. His hard and heavy cock. He knew what to do with it. But when the moment finally came after all of this build up, he found himself hesitating. These doubts did not remain for long.

“Master~”

Reaching back, Lily placed her hand upon her butt, squeezing it tight. For several moments he watched her idly grope herself, mesmerized by the sensual sight of her fingers pushing into her pliable and curvy flesh. He could have sat there watching her grope herself for hours if need be, but it was all shattered when Lily pulled her hand back and--

SMACK!

“Ahhhnn~”

Swatting her own ass snapped Maurice in place, and caused him to get up to his feet. With a hand on her hip, he held his Knight-Maid in place, while his other hand reached between his legs to grab his cock, angling it with Lily's pussy. Looking down, he watched as she placed her fingers on her womanhood, before spreading it apart to reveal her vaginal tract. There was nothing else that needed to be said.

Gently pressing his cock to her folds, Maurice coaxed a groan from both of their lips. He felt his dick gently part her pussy open, slipping inside. Pushing more, he split her outright, drawing a deep groan from her erotic lips, and sending a shudder throughout her body. But he pushed into her more, delving down as he outright connected the two.

So big, so long, so thick. Maurice's shorter stature betrayed the girthy member between his legs. Spread apart as she was, Lily's back arched and she moaned, while her eyes looked over her shoulder towards her Master. He too was getting used to the tight, moist, warm depths of her pussy. Her folds didn't just squeeze his dick, it clamped around him, gripping tight and milking him off.

For several moments they sat there, panting and breathing in the same hot, sweaty air of one another as he placed his hands on her hips. Having never experienced something so amazing before, Maurice was at a loss of words. He just wanted to sit here, indulging in this feeling, loving this feeling, groaning in this feeling.

What could be said about Lily that he hadn't said before? Her body was superior. Her body was erotic. Her body was perfect. Her strong and shapely back widened out into this plump, shapely butt, and he could see her tight anus between the curves of her ass, all as she sat impaled on his throbbing member.

Drinking it all in, he placed his hands on her hips and gripped her tight. Then he pulled his hips back, drawing his dick along every ridge and fold of her pussy. Each stroke, pluck, and grind of his cock, coaxed a moan, groan, and a sensual sigh from Lily's lips. And when he bottomed out of her – his dick hanging just on the tip – she shook her hips left and right in a gleeful manner.

“Master~” she whispered, “Hnnnghh~ fuck me Master. Fuck me~” Pat! “Ngh~! Fuck! That's it!” Pat! “Haaahaha~ Yes...! More of that!” Pat! “Oooh~! So deep Master. So fucking... deep...!”

With a tepid though strong pace, Maurice thrusted his cock into Lily's awaiting folds. The impact of his hips against her body sent rippling waves through her curvy ass. The waves flowed like the surface of the ocean on a windy evening, rumbling upwards through his back and to her hair.

Such an erotic fucking sight. He could sit here indulging in the sight of Lily's body for hours. The way she recoiled from impact from impact, and the sound of her voice crying with pleasure, all sent

Biting down into his bottom lip, Maurice struggled to keep in his desires as it exploded within his chest... and flowed straight to his loins.

Oh gods! Was he already about to cum? No! He needed to hold himself back. He didn't want to be one of those lovers; a quick-shooter who focused more on his own pleasure than he did that of his partner. Besides...

It would be a shame to not indulge in Lily as much as he possibly could.

Doubly over, Maurice wrapped his arms around the Knight-Maid's slim waist, where he gripped her tight. Embracing her hard, his chest rested against her back, and his head rested on her shoulders. Face filled with desperation, the young master slammed his hips forward at a blistering pace, driving his burly cock in and out of his Knight-Maid's awaiting pussy.

“Lily!” he cried out, “LilyLilyLilyLilyLilyLilyLily!!!”

“Oh Master~” she cooed, this smile spreading on her lips, “Haaah~ Haaa~ Khyaaaahnn~ Oh... nggh~ You're so... good to me~”

Maurice's desperate fucking sent waves through Lily's body. Not only did her ass bounce and clap against his pelvis, but her breasts swayed obscenely beneath her chest. They were swaying so much and so fast, that they raised high enough to smack against her chin, making her flinch, and causing her to giggle.

Next to the campfire that illuminated their sweaty bodies, the both of them glistened and glowed like sexual idols. A master and his servant, entangled in the throes of passion and flesh. A tale as old as time.

Maurice's hands couldn't stop. Scrambling to gain purchase over Lily and his body, he brought his greedy mitts up towards her tits, where he squeeeeeezzzzed them tight. Fingers sank into the busty flesh of her breasts, groping and rolling them around and around in circles, while his hips continued swinging at desperate speed. Harder and harder his cock tightened within her folds, while his balls began drawing ever closer to his body.

No matter how hard he tried, he could not deny the limits of his own flesh. Lily was a warrior; a woman who singlehandedly got back his goods with use of her strength and skill alone. He was but a young businessman. And, sure, he had studied in various physical activities, but it means nothing compared to one of her might.

Being blunt, he was about to cum.

That desperate pleasure and need surged up and through his cock. Teeth clinched, Maurice could no longer hold himself back. He tried; he squeezed himself so hard he swore he felt his blood vessels turn into concrete! But no one – and certainly not he – could deny the pleasures of the flesh. And finally, after one... two... three... four... five final thrusts! He...

“AAH-HAAAHAH!”

“NMPHH~~~!”

Rising, undulating, erupting; Maurice's cock blasted thick wad after thick wad of spunk right into Lily's pussy. His climax was so thick, so voluminous, so loud, that one could hear it even from a distance. Audible 'Glorps!' and 'Glurks!' echoed from the Knight-Maid's pussy as her master tanked his balls into her awaiting womb. It was like he was dousing a flame within her womb with his overwhelming lust.

And Lily smiled, a sliver of drool hanging from her lip. Bringing up her fist, she dragged the back of it against her lips to clean it of her spittle... while her master slumped upon her back.

“Aaaooooooooohhhh...”

Maurice's groan filled the air, tickling the Knight-Maid's ears, and making her giggle.

“Tired, Master?” she asked, to which he could only reply with a...

“Gghghh...”

Yeah, of course he was tired. Who wouldn't be tired after the day they had? The emotional highs and lows would be enough to make a person pass out on their own, let alone all the running he did. Running around the town looking for his things, searching for those hooligans who stole their goods, nearly being killed himself by them, and ultimately being rescued by Lily. With all that in mind, Maurice was impressed that he managed to... ahem... perform at all for the Knight-Maid!

Oh yeah, and let's not forget that this was his first time!

His body was weak and sweaty, and after the rush of sex left him, it felt like all the day's events had stricken him all at once. He melted against Lily's chiseled back, groaning against her while he struggled to move. Thankfully, the Knight-Maid was nothing if not a seemingly infinite engine of energy.

With ease, she reached around and pulled her Master close. He groaned as his head rested against her busty bosom, feeling like a child compared to her statuesque height. Looking up, he came face to face with the cheeky grin she wore on her face, while she lifted him up, and carried him off into their tent.

“Sleep well, Master~”

…

“So this is the place?”

“Yes... uh... this is the place.”

“Hm... doesn't look too dissimilar to your home, Master Maurice!”

Maurice's home was the main headquarters of Porter Shipping Co. It rested in a key location, being on the west coast of the continent of Strauss. There, many goods and packages from other nations and many islands would typically arrive through his family's docks, where they would then send them to wherever they needed to go.

But the continent of Strauss is a grand landmass. One building could not possibly send all the goods to their many destinations. And that is where Porter Shipping Co.'s eastern branch comes to play. For while the main HQ was seaside, the eastern branch was completely landlocked. It was here where many packages would be processed before being sent off to other locations; sometimes to their destinations, most of the time to other storage facilities they own. There they'd get processed again, and the operation would repeat itself. Over and over and over again until it finally arrives at its final destination.

The same could be said for Maurice and Lily.

Their trunk thumped and hummed along, driving along the road towards the facility. Head tipped back, Lily's eyes grew wide in awe. She hadn't seen the main HQ's backside where all the boats were docking into the bay to unload their cargo. Here, she saw so many other vehicles – other trucks and caravans – driving into and out of the factory. They even had their own massive rail yard spreading from the facility, where various trains were being loaded with goods.

“Huh... I never realized how big the Porter Shipping Company was until now,” said the Knight-Maid as she sat back down in her seat, “I can't believe your father manages all of this...” she then looked over, “And one day... you'll manage this too.”

“Ah...” he shook his head, “Yes... one day... but... haaaah... not today.”

“Hm? Is something wrong, Master?” asked Lily as she tilted her head at him.

“I... uh... this trip has been a learning experience for me,” he answered, “I was unsure at first that I could handle it. And after all that happened... haaah... I feel as if those fears were confirmed...” he shook his head, “I lost my cool back there, and had you not come back for me, I would have lost my cargo and failed my father.”

“You don't have to be so hard on yourself, Master,” said Lily as she rubbed his back, “I've already accepted my own mistakes, and accept that I did fail you. You had every right to treat me as you did.”

“Be that as it may...” he shook his head, “I should have been able to see the capabilities of my workers. I should have been able to see your capabilities. I shouldn't have gotten emotional as I did and fired you so hastily. And I definitely shouldn't have tried to get my cargo back by myself. I would have gotten myself killed if you hadn't arrived... or worse.”

“Hey, Master. Take it from me; a maid who has broken more cups than she's successfully served,” said Lily as she bumped her shoulder against his, “There's no use crying over spilled milk. What's happened has happened. We should thank our gods that nothing bad truly happened, and dedicate ourselves to learning from this situation. Even though...” a hapless grin appeared on her lips, “It may take a few times to really get the lesson through our heads. Speaking from experience, khyuhu.”

A blush adorned Maurice's face, and he looked up at Lily in a demure manner. Calling the Knight-Maid 'curious' would be an understatement. She was unlike anyone he had ever met. Charming, and bubbly, and energetic, and kind! She was also clumsy, a terrible cook, and the tea she prepared was awful. But she was also incredibly powerful, strong enough to move mountains, and so skilled with the blade that none could call themselves her equal.

And yet, it was all contained in this woman who saw herself not just as a knight, nor as just a maid, but as both. Which ultimately made her something entirely unique.

“Hey! Maurice! Over here!”

“What? Father?”

Maurice and Lily looked forward. Standing outside the open gate of a nearby dockyard was Adrian Porter: CEO of Porter Shipping Co. A big smile on his face, he waved down his son and the Knight-Maid, causing their truck to pick up speed. Driving into the gated yard, Maurice parked next to his father and hopped out of the truck. Without even thinking, he ran to his father and--

Hug!

“Whoa? Heh heh... I'm guessing things went well, eh?”

Maurice didn't know what came over him. It was like he was possessed, driving him to walk up to his father and give him the biggest hug he could muster. And he didn't just stop at the initial hug, as he was sure to really squeeze his father. And Adrian let him, this affable smile on his face as he chuckled.

“So... how'd it go?” Adrian asked as he and Maurice pulled away from one another.

“It... well... uh... it...”

Looking down, the young Porter took a deep breath, before gazing over his shoulder towards Lily. The Knight-Maid was just getting out of the truck, a smile on her face. It brought a smile to his face too, where he looked up at his father.

“It went... great.”

…

The City of Herschel. That was the general location of Porter Shipping Co.'s eastern branch. The facility sat right outside of the city, making it easier for products to be delivered to their destinations. It also didn't hurt that the City of Herschel – being, well, a city – was also one of the main exports of their goods.

According to his father, shortly after Maurice and Lily left, he took an extended trip to Herschel. Adrian claimed it was for business-related issues, but his son knew better. Maurice was convinced this was his attempt to make sure everything went well for his son and his first job as sole overseer. Had it not been for his own low self-esteem, Maurice may have been upset at him. But after all that he experienced, he really realized he had a long way to go. Not just in terms of being an overseer, but in terms of how to properly manage his subordinates.

This experience was enlightening for young Maurice. As he stood in this grand hall and looked out the window towards Herschel, he committed this moment to memory. While he may not have liked how he handled himself, the job was a success. The goods arrived at their destination, and he and Lily survived. Speaking of the Knight-Maid...

“Thank you, Master Porter!”

The blonde's voice rang from the side, and Maurice turned. Exiting from his father's office was Lily. A smile was on her face, and in her hand was a pouch containing various coins; her payment for a job well done. She swung the pouch around, before tightening its string, and slinking it on her hip. Now all she needed to do was grab her suitcase, and she'd be off.

“Lilian...!” called Maurice, drawing her attention to him.

“Oh! Master Maurice, there you are!”

On excited feet, Maurice ran to Lily's side before skidding to a halt. Head tipped back, he gazed up at the towering Knight-Maid, who stared back with this charming smile on her face. Heart racing, he struggled to think of what to say. His mind was a maelstrom of thoughts, and it showed on his face. Instead of being the refined and professional young man she had seen all throughout their journey, Maurice was this babbling idiot.

Not unlike how he was last night in the throes of passion.

“Master...?” said Lily, her head tilted to the side as she bent over, coming face to face with him, “Is... everything okay?”

“Ah...! Did... did everything go well?” asked Maurice, “With my father, I mean.”

“Of course!” she answered, “Master Adrian was very polite and kind, and he paid just as he promised. It came with a bonus too!” she clasped her hands together, “Khyuhuhu! People always speak so highly about Porter Shipping Co. at bars and pubs. Now I see why!”

“I... uh... y-yeah...” Maurice mumbled as he looked down, “Father has always been respected and loved by our workers...” he shook his head, “Where... uh... where are you going...?”

Such an odd question. Even Maurice realized how strange it was as soon as it left his lips. Clinching his teeth and tightening his eyes, he mentally kicked himself for how clunky his words were. But when he finally gained the courage to gaze up and look Lily in her beautiful emerald eyes, he saw a smile on her lips.

“I was just about to head down and grab my things,” she explained, “Did you... want to walk with me?”

“YES!” Maurice shouted so loud he physically jumped. Lily giggled, but his cheeks turned red with embarrassment. And after a few forced coughs to regain his composure, “Ahem... I mean... yes. I'd love to walk with you.”

“Khyuhu! Then let's go!”

The Knight-Maid turned and began walking off. And after a few moments of mental preparation, Maurice followed behind. Together, the two of them headed into the direction of the facility's lobby where Lily left her suitcase... although the clumsy maid nearly got lost several times.

As they walked, Maurice would steal not so subtle glances over towards the Knight-Maid, marveling at her staggering height, and voluptuous body, and her athletic physique. Lily was a woman who you did not meet often in life. She was youthful and vibrant, beautiful and erotic, powerful and dedicated, among many, many other things. While she may not have been the best maid in the world (he'd honestly say she was probably one of the worst maids who has ever serviced him), he would say without hesitation that she was the best partner he could have had for his first job as overseer.

And, no, the sex they had at night wasn't the reason why... though that didn't hurt.

When they returned to the lobby, resting next to a chair was Lily's suitcase. The Knight-Maid walked over to it and picked her luggage up, swinging it around as if it wasn't a deadly weapon due to how heavy it was. But Maurice tensed up. Hands clinched together, his eyes began to quiver as he watched Lily check her things and make sure everything was in order. There was a question he wanted to ask, but the time to ask it was rapidly diminishing. And when Lily turned to face him.

“Master Maurice?”

He suddenly blurted out...

“STAY WITH US!”

Oh gods, he was making himself look like such a fool with his inability to keep his emotions in check.

Nevertheless, the question was out there. He couldn't believe it himself, but the moment he asked that question, it felt like a weight had been lifted off of his shoulders. Despite Lily's admittedly terrible domestic skills, Maurice would rather spend his days with her than without. And with his family's breadth of wealth, becoming one of their valued employees was far better than being some sellsword... right?

Well...

When Maurice looked back at Lily, he did not see overwhelming happiness, but was instead met with a more affable smile. And while the Knight-Maid had not yet spoken, he already knew what her answer was going to be.

“I appreciate the offer, Master Maurice,” said Lily as she pumped up her chest and nodded victoriously, “But I'm not too surprised. Many who the Knight-Maid works for wish for me to take on a more permanent position! Khyuhuhuhu!”

“But you're not going to take it... are you...?” Maurice replied weakly, his body slumping over.

“Hey, Master, don't take that tone,” said Lily as she placed her hand on his head and ruffled his hair, “Working with you was a lot more fun than I've had in a long time! Honest! Truthfully! So don't take me turning down your offer as an insult or anything. It's just that...” she shook her head, “There are still many things in life I have to do. And I can't do them if I'm tied down to any one job.”

“Ah... uh... what... what are those things, Lilian...?”

She smiled at him... and shrugged her shoulders.

“Don't know,” she answered, “And I won't know until I get there.”

Such an odd response... and... a response that Maurice didn't believe. Not the fact that there were things Lily hadn't yet done – he believed that. But more that he didn't believe Lily didn't know what her goals were. The Knight-Maid may have been clumsy, ditzy, a terrible chef, among many other things... but she wasn't stupid. She knew what she wanted in life, and while she didn't know how to get there, she knew she would get there.

Someday...

So with her suitcase in hand, Lily turned to face the exit of the facility. But before she left off, she turned to face Maurice one more time. Leaning in, her eyes closed shut, she pursed her lips, and--

Chu~

Kissed him on the cheek.

“Take care of yourself, Master Maurice.”

“Aah... Lily...”

With her duties fulfilled, the Knight-Maid began walking off. Maurice stood there, watching her, his hand clutched close to chest. Lily came to the doors and stopped one more time, before looking at him with this bright and beaming smile on her face. And with one parting wave of her hand, she slipped through the doors... and out of Maurice's life.

Perhaps they'd meet again someday. She was a sellsword working for whatever guild would hire her. With that in mind, there was a good chance that he could hire her for aid sometime in the future. Assuming of course, she stuck around long enough to be hired again.

She was a knight without a lord. A maid without a master. A woman who walked the path she set out for herself. And while Maurice knew not the goals she had in mind, he knew without a shadow of a doubt that she would accomplish them. For while she may be clumsy, it matters not when she was strong enough to move the heavens themselves.

Footsteps echoed behind him, and a hand fell upon his shoulder.

“Maurice?” said Adrian.

“I'm... tired, Father...”

Chuckles...

“Then get some rest, son. You've done well. You deserve it.”