Office Romance with a Werewolf - Chapter 163

After detailing what happened the last couple months, and introductions, Randell moved on to the more serious topic.

“We need to decided our travel arrangements, I don’t think taking the labyrinth is the wisest choice right now.” Those present were confused, and Ranz asked,

“Isn’t it the shortest way to get there? And we need to worry about soldiers if we take another route.” Randell nodded, what Ranz said was the exact reason he started using the tunnels to begin with, but Randell then stated his reasoning,

“Yea, but unlike the situation where we started using them with the dwarves, these people have been chained up, imprisoned, and have experienced a living hell for who knows how long. It wouldn’t be good if they were then trapped underground for several weeks right after escaping that situation, the dwarves would be ok with it, but I bet the rest won’t. Plus above ground we have better chances for hunting game, and replenishing our necessities. As for the soldiers, at the moment the human kingdoms would be more confused, and scared. I doubt they’ll quickly send people after someone who wiped out the heart of a kingdom singlehandedly in a single night. Any soldiers we find on the road shouldn’t be too hard to take care of.”

They digested his words for a while, before deciding he might be right. Even if it was with the help of a goddess, Randell destroying a kingdom overnight is a feat living people could only attribute to Wendell, until they get more information, they shouldn’t be rushing to antagonize Randell. What Randell didn’t say was also the fact that being underground wouldn’t be healthy for Nida in her condition. Given what’s happened so far, he wanted to ensure she was not at all stressed out when he could help it. He then turned to elder grandma and Nida, and said,

“With this situation though, I expect that the kingdoms would now be aware of our existence. Elder grandma, I’m guessing you know the areas around City best, can you lead City and some other dwarves to build watch towers on the mountain tops to the south of City? It’s time we start worrying about real defenses.” Elder grandma was surprised Randell brought it up, and was more than happy to comply. They discussed a few more details, before deciding to retire for the night, beginning the long walk in the morning.

They had been on the road for nearly two weeks now, and Lady was pretty miserable. She had practically lived in the library her whole life, so she was completely unbuilt for this kind of lifestyle. She tried not to complain about it though, to avoid troubling Randell as much as possible. As she walked along she heard some whispers,

“That’s the former princess.”

“She was part of the royal family.”

“Her father ordered my peoples deaths.”

“Why didn’t she burn with them?”

She had been trying to ignore the growing number of insults and occasional threats directed at her, due to her background. She made sure Randell didn’t hear about it though, as she already felt as if she caused him enough problems. As she thought about Randell she looked towards him and Nida, who was sitting on a carriage. Whenever Randell wasn’t focused on making sure things were as smooth as possible, he was catering to Nida, making sure she was as comfortable as possible. Lady didn’t feel any resentment towards her, but she did feel bitter he wouldn’t look her way. As she watched them, she saw Nida briefly meet her eyes, before saying to Randell,

“You don’t suppose there’s any Ranz lopes in these woods, do you? They would go good in some stew about now.” At her words Randell suddenly looked serious, and dragged Ranz to help him hunt for some Ranz lopes, as he learned they actually existed in City. Once Randell was away, Nida looked at Lady again, and gestured for her to join her and Angel. Lady walked up to her nervously, and climbed up onto the carriage seat. They were both silent for a moment, before Nida said,

“I don’t mind you know.” Lady was confused before realized what Nida was talking about. She then said,

“Even if you don’t mind, I don’t think Randell cares for me, at least in that way.” She couldn’t say he flat out didn’t care about her, as he even made sure she alone was safe during what the slaves had started referring to as the blood riot, due to the blood moon. Nida smiled bitterly, and said,

“I know how politics works in this world, and it was normal for me. When we got married I even came to terms with it. But while we were in San antonio, Randell saw that people of influence would be attended to by several women, sometimes against their will. I think he just doesn’t want to be considered the same as them, and Wendell, especially after the blood riot.” Lady was silent in contemplation, as she had noticed people comparing him and Wendell recently, since Randell had managed to destroy a kingdom by himself. It may not have been as casually as Wendell does, but the fact he did so didn’t change. Nida then continued,

“If he knows we both accept it, then he might be able to as well. Besides, if i think about it, you’re my first real friend in my life. As my husband Randell obviously doesn’t count, but as my friend, I want you to be happy.” Lady was struck stupid by nida’s words, and saw that even Angel was thinking about them, before eventually nodding her head. She then thought about it, and realized she herself had no friends in her entire life. As she noticed this herself, she suddenly felt a lot better than a moment before.

“Thank you, friend.” She said to Nida with a genuine smile on her face. Nida smiled as well, pleased to have cheered Lady up. Now, they both realized that they just needed to get Randell to accept Lady. Angel smiled as she listened to them, while also thinking that Randell better not either of them down.

That night Lady was laying down for bed, her mind racing to figure out the best way to get Randell’s attention. As she closed her eyes, she soon drifted off to dreamland, or so she thought. Instead of her dreams being filled of Randell like normal, she instead open her eyes as if she never went to sleep, and was in an unfamiliar place. She looked around and saw rows of different gowns and dresses, mirrors, and a woman she had never met before. The woman looked like beauty incarnate, before her appearance suddenly seemed to shift, but she still seemed beautiful, perhaps even more so than before. She turned to Lady, and said,

“Welcome Lady. I, am the goddess Mila.”

Lady looked in surprise at the self-proclaimed goddess in front of her, only to hear,

“How rude, then again I shouldn’t expect much from mortals, especially with how your father was.” Lady froze when she mentioned her father, before the goddess laughed and said,

“Don’t worry about it dear, the fathers sins don’t belong to the child. What I wish to talk to you about is much more interesting.” At her words one of the mirrors seemed to melt and an image appeared on it, Lady being pushed up against the side of a building.

She then watched as right before those men defiled her, Randell rushed in and saved her from them, killing each and every one. She slowly turned to face the one who saved her, and said,

“My hero.” Before she kissed him for the first time. Lady felt both warm, and awkward watching the scene where she fell for Randell, and could see how he and Nida thought it was strange. Mila let out a sigh, and said

“Ah, young love. No matter how many times I see it, the tragic heroine falling for the dashing hero always moves my heart. Which brings me to why I brought you here.” She turned to look at Lady once more, who felt even more awkward being under the goddesses’ spotlight. Mila then had a somewhat serious face before saying,

“You see, with all the gods mobilizing against Wendell, I can’t have it said I’m not doing my part. And while I do currently have a champion, she was a worthless disappointment, and will naturally parish in a year anyways. So, this is the deal, I want you to be my next champion.” Lady had an idea of why she was brought here, but actually hearing it stunned her.

She then was suspicious, if Mila wanted a capable champion then Nida would be the best choice, as she belonged to no God or goddess, and was a very capable warrior.. Then Lady realized what was most likely going on, Mila was more than likely trying to cause strife between her, Randell, and Nida! She was suddenly quite angry, and glared at the goddess.