After a short while, a figure emerged from the shadows, approaching Tatsuo. "Your Highness," a soft voice spoke, "the Dragon Cry Mercenary Guild is thriving. Our membership has grown, and we are prepared to serve you at a moment's notice."
Tatsuo turned to see Lady Anne Veatmoss standing before him, her form revealed in the dim light. He was taken aback, noticing that she was completely naked. He maintained his composure. "You have done an excellent job, Lady Anne," he said, his voice steady.
Anne stepped closer, her eyes gleaming. "Am I not beautiful, Your Highness?" she asked, her voice a sultry whisper.
Tatsuo, caught off guard by her boldness, found his control slipping. He stood, closing the distance between them, and kissed her passionately. He swept her into his arms, carrying her to the bedchamber. He removed his own clothing, and they spent the rest of the night in each other's arms.
The morning light streamed into the room, awakening Tatsuo. He looked over at Anne, her beauty even more striking in the daylight. "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen," he said, his voice sincere.
Anne blushed, her cheeks turning a delicate pink. Tatsuo leaned in and kissed her, and soon, they were entwined once more, their passion reignited. They made love twice more before finally rising from the bed.
After showering together, Tatsuo became businesslike. "Anne," he said, "I need you to gather all the key members of the guild. I wish to have a meeting with them."
Anne nodded. "Of course, Your Highness." She went outside and instructed the guards to summon the guild's executives.
After a short wait, the guild's executives gathered in Anne's office. Tatsuo recognized several familiar faces: Fubidon, the Chief Minister; Fetti, the Chief Officer; and Diza, the Chief Examiner. These were the half-elf siblings he had rescued with Anne during their raid on the slave company, and Diza, one of his original guards.
Anne introduced Tatsuo as Prince Tatsuo, the founder and Chief Master of the Dragon Cry Mercenary Guild.
The room erupted in a mix of shock and surprise. Everyone, except Fubidon, Fetti, and Diza, was taken aback by the revelation. The siblings, however, greeted Tatsuo excitedly, happy to see him after more than a year.
"Please, settle down," Tatsuo said, his voice commanding. Anne helped calm the crowd.
"I commend you all on your hard work," Tatsuo said, addressing the executives. He gave special praise to Fubidon, Fetti, and Diza, acknowledging their dedication and contributions.
Then, he made a significant announcement. "I have decided that the Dragon Cry Mercenary Guild will relocate its headquarters to Dragonsden City, within my domain. This will allow for closer cooperation and greater opportunities for growth."
He continued, "We will also establish a branch headquarters in Emberfall Town. Diza, you will serve as the Branch Chief, while continuing your role as Chief Examiner. Your knowledge and experience will be invaluable in both locations."
The executives were overjoyed by Tatsuo's announcement. They had long desired to relocate to a larger city, but Anne had always resisted the idea. They were also hesitant to push the issue, knowing that Fubidon, Fetti, and Diza, all S-class mercenaries, were fiercely loyal to her.
With the meeting concluded, Tatsuo dismissed the executives, leaving only himself and Anne in the room. He informed her that he was departing for the capital to meet his betrothed, the princess of the Tigerheart Kingdom.
Then, he made a surprising offer. "Anne," he said, his voice gentle, "I would like you to become my concubine." He acknowledged that concubinage was not common in the Empire, but it was not against tradition. The first Emperor had taken multiple wives and concubines, though the current Emperor was known for his loyalty to the Empress.
Anne looked at Tatsuo, her eyes filled with affection. "Your Highness," she said softly, "I will accept any role you give me. As long as you give me your love, I will be content."
Tatsuo looked at Anne, a warm smile gracing his lips. He leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss, a silent promise of his affection. Before leaving the room, he instructed her to begin a full-scale relocation of the guild from the harbor town to Dragonsden City.
Stepping outside, he found Fubidon standing guard. "Fubidon," he said, "I need you to take me to Mosuke."
Fubidon nodded and led Tatsuo through the bustling city streets to the City Hall. The harbor town had grown into Harbor City, a Level 1 city, thanks to its thriving arms industry. Mosuke, formerly known as Old Kie, had become the city's first mayor, his wealth and influence soaring alongside the city's prosperity. Harbor City had also risen to become the third-largest producer of arms in the entire Lion Flame Domain.
Tatsuo entered Mosuke's office, finding the mayor engrossed in reading reports. "Old Kie!" he called out, his voice filled with amusement.
Mosuke's head snapped up, his eyes widening in recognition. Only one person called him by that old nickname. "Your Highness!" he exclaimed, rising quickly from his seat.
Mosuke gave a respectful salute to Tatsuo, his eyes filled with genuine admiration. Tatsuo smiled warmly. "Mosuke," he said, "you've done an incredible job transforming this town into a thriving city. Your dedication and skill are truly commendable."
Mosuke beamed, his chest swelling with pride. "Thank you, Your Highness," he said. "It's been an honor to serve this city."
"Continue your good work here," Tatsuo instructed, "but I also have a small request. Make Dragonsden City a priority in your production. I want to see its armaments reach the same level of quality as those produced here."
Mosuke nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Your Highness! It will be done. It will be easy for me to do," he chuckled.
After an hour of conversation, Tatsuo left Mosuke's office, finding Fubidon waiting for him outside the City Hall. "Your Highness," Fubidon said, "the ship is ready to take you back to the capital."
As they walked towards the harbor, Fubidon relayed a message from Anne. "Lady Anne requested that we fly the Imperial Family's flag, the Red Dragon, from the ship's mast," he explained. "She also created a personal flag for you, a black dragon with outstretched wings, stepping on a bed of roses. It symbolizes your rise, starting with the conquest of Blackrose City."
Tatsuo smiled, appreciating Anne's thoughtfulness and the symbolic gesture. "That's very kind of her," he said. "From now on, I will use that flag alongside, and at times, instead of, the Imperial Family flag."
He boarded the ship, and they set sail for the capital.