Chapter 103: A “Date” with the Saintess
The morning light filtering through the window was different from what Nero remembered before the apocalypse.
Not the warm golden glow of a normal sunrise, but the strange white illumination from the violet sky that had become the new normal.
He stretched, feeling surprisingly well-rested despite everything.
Beside him, Aurelia was already awake, her golden eyes watching him with a faint warmth in her expression in her usually stoic demeanor.
"Morning, Aury." he greeted with a grin.
"Good morning... Lord–"
"Mhm?" Nero raised an eyebrow.
"G-Good morning, N-Nero…"
The way she said his name without a title despite her stuttering made his heart skip a beat.
'So cute.'
"!!!"
He hugged her while rubbing his face against hers, her whole naked body stiffening.
"What are you so stiff for? We had a pretty hot "talk" last night, baring all of our "problems"... We did it so many times we both passed out, remember?"
"..."
Aurelia, despite having laid her body bare in front of Nero and experienced orgasms with him many times cannot get used to such affectionate displays as she felt her whole body heat up in embarrassment.
'Really cuuute.'
Despite having lived for eons, this girl is just so innocent that Nero wishes he could just cuddle her for eternity!
'... But unfortunately there's a plot to cover, and a story to progress…'
Jest aside, there's a lot of things that need to be taken care of for today.
And that includes making sure that his lover gets used to their lovey-dovey sessions on both the family-friendly side and R18 side…
And to make that happen,
"Oh well, I just have to shower you with more love to get you used to it then."
He pecked her undefended lips as he then stood up before she could even react,
"Come on, Aury. Let's go."
"..."
Aurelia stood frozen like a rabbit caught in a trap as she thought,
'S-Shameless…'
Her Lord Nero really moves at a fast pace huh.
… Not that she hates it though.
***
After freshening up and getting dressed, they gathered with the others in the inn's common area.
Breakfast was simple but satisfying – bread, cheese, some kind of meat that tasted vaguely like bacon, and a fruit juice that was definitely not from Earth's original ecosystem.
"Alright, everyone."
Nero addressed the group as they finished eating.
"Today we're splitting up to explore the city properly. I want everyone to find whatever useful information or supplies they can… You can treat yourselves too on the way."
He pulled out several gold coins from the pouch he'd taken from those bandits yesterday.
Each coin gleamed in the morning light as he distributed them.
"One gold coin each. Spend it on whatever seems valuable – maps, information, equipment, supplies. Just make sure you're back at the designated meeting spot by evening."
"Where exactly is the meeting spot?" Frila asked.
"The fountain in the central plaza," Nero decided. "Niya mentioned it yesterday. Hard to miss, apparently."
The six girls accepted their coins with varying expressions of excitement and determination.
This was their first real opportunity to explore independently since joining the group.
"Try to gather intelligence too," he continued. "Rumors, news, anything about the other territories or significant events. Information is just as valuable as physical supplies."
"Understood," Carmen nodded.
Aurelia stood, clearly preparing to join one of the groups.
But before anyone could move, Celis remained seated.
Her gentle smile unchanged, her posture relaxed.
"..."
Nero noticed immediately.
"Celis? Aren't you going with them?"
The Saintess tilted her head slightly, her half-closed eyes studying him with that mysterious depth that always made him feel like she was seeing something others couldn't.
"I would like to accompany thee, my Savior."
Her melodious voice carried gentle insistence.
"Is this not a wonderful opportunity for us to spend time together? A chance for summon and master to grow more familiar with one another?"
"..."
Nero blinked, caught slightly off-guard by the directness.
But her logic made sense.
They hadn't really had much one-on-one time since her summoning.
And building rapport with his summons was important, right?
"If a gorgeous lady such as yourself is offering, how could I possibly refuse?"
He lightly chuckled, offering his hand naturally.
Celis's smile widened just slightly, a hint of satisfaction coloring her serene expression as she accepted his hand.
Aurelia's gaze flickered between them for a moment before she simply nodded.
No jealousy, no protest.
Just quiet acceptance, approving of the development.
… Best girl indeed.
The group dispersed shortly after, each heading in different directions to maximize their coverage of the city.
Nero found himself walking through Eidralis's winding streets with Celis at his side, the Saintess moving with graceful elegance that turned heads despite the city's diverse population.
And to add to the immersion,
*Boing!*
She grabbed his arm interlocking it with hers as the bountiful breasts of hers were pressed against it in between.
'I thank thee for the blessing.'
Of course, he didn't forget to thank both the Gods and Goddesses alike for the blessings his arm could feel.
But as a man, he has to keep his cultureness reeled in for now, his face remaining stoic just like what Aurelia taught him. (Disclaimer: She didn't teach it, he learnt it from her.)
"Our primary goal is finding a map," Nero explained as they navigated through a busy market district. "Something that shows the new geography of the Reformed Earth. The 13 territories, major landmarks, anything that could help us plan our next moves."
"A reasonable objective," Celis acknowledged. "Though I suspect such information may prove... elusive."
"Why's that?"
They paused at a stall selling what appeared to be enchanted compasses and navigation tools.
The vendor, a dwarf with an impressive beard, showed them several items.
But when Nero asked about maps, the dwarf just shook his head.
"No proper maps yet, lad. Too soon. Geography's still settling from the merge."
Similar responses came from the next three vendors they tried.
Then the bookshop Niya had mentioned.
Even a cartographer's workshop they stumbled upon.
"Seems like you were right," Nero admitted as they walked away from yet another fruitless inquiry. "No maps available."
"'Tis to be expected," Celis explained, her tone taking on an educational quality. "The dimensional merge hath reshaped the world so dramatically that accurate cartography requireth time and resources most lack presently."
She gestured broadly at the bustling city around them.
"Consider the challenge, my Savior. The old Earth's geography hath been completely rewritten. Mountains where plains once stood. Oceans in new locations. Entire continents displaced or transformed. To map such changes accurately would require extensive expeditions across dangerous territories."
"And it's only been a month," Nero nodded, understanding. " I guess it's not enough time for land surveys then."
"Precisely."
They stopped at a food stall selling something that smelled incredible.
Nero bought two portions of what the vendor called "ember cakes" – pastries filled with a spicy-sweet filling that made his taste buds dance.
Celis accepted hers with graceful thanks, taking small bites that somehow made even eating look elegant.
"Furthermore," she continued after swallowing, "information is valuable. Especially in times of crisis such as these."
"You think maps exist but aren't being shared?"
"I believe that early cartography efforts, however incomplete, would be restricted to those in power. Royalty, military commanders, merchant guilds with sufficient resources. Such information provideth strategic advantage that none would freely distribute."
Aria's voice chimed in his head with characteristic enthusiasm,
[Celis is totally right, master! Maps would be super valuable right now! Anyone who has accurate geographical information would have a huge advantage! They could plan trade routes, identify resources, avoid dangers... it makes total sense that powerful factions would keep that information locked down!]
'So even if maps exist, we're not going to find them in a public market.'
[Exactly! Master would need connections with high-ranking officials or really lucky circumstances to access that kind of intel right now!]
"Your reasoning makes sense," Nero admitted to Celis. "Guess we'll have to rely on other methods for navigation."
"Worry not, Savior."
Her smile carried mysterious confidence.
"I suspect thou wilt find alternative solutions in due time."
"...?"
Although Nero felt confused at such confidence he didn't bother asking as they continued exploring, experiencing what Eidralis had to offer.
The sheer variety was staggering.
A district where elven artisans displayed impossibly delicate glasswork.
A forge quarter where dwarven smiths hammered out weapons and armor with methodical precision.
A bazaar section where merchants from dozens of races hawked goods that ranged from practical to bizarre.
Celis proved to be surprisingly knowledgeable about various items and their uses.
She explained the properties of certain herbs at an apothecary.
Identified some quality of enchantments on weapons at a smith's shop.
Even provided historical context about architectural styles they passed.
"You really know a lot about this stuff," Nero observed.
"I have lived... quite long," she responded with characteristic vagueness. "One accumulateth knowledge over time."
They sampled street food from different vendors.
Watched street performers whose acts incorporated actual magic.
Browsed through shops selling everything from practical supplies to exotic curiosities.
It felt almost like a date, Nero realized.
Just the two of them, exploring together, sharing experiences.
Celis's gentle presence was soothing in a way that complemented rather than competed with Aurelia's more intense devotion.
Different types of connection, both valuable.
"Thank thee for this time together," Celis said as the afternoon light began shifting toward evening. "Spending time alone with thee and getting to know you even more has been pleasant."
"Same here," Nero agreed sincerely. "We should do this more often. I enjoyed your company."
"..."
Her smile widened just slightly, a hint of genuine warmth breaking through her usual serene expression.
It was a fun time both of them enjoyed.
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