Two Wrongs Make a Right Ch.15 (14 for QQ) (Patreon)

Trifa sets another stack of papers on my desk with a soft thud. I grab my own completed pile and hand it over to her, watching as she carefully files them away. She bows, her white hair catching the light, before silently exiting my office. My gaze falls on the towering stack of documents, a daily reminder of my never ending workload.

Steeling myself, I pluck the topmost paper and scan its contents before my lips curl into a sneer. 

“Proposal for semi-autonomous assisted governance over new districts? Rejected,” I mutter, my pen scratches across the paper as I sign it off. “What is even that wording?”

I lean back, my wooden chair creaking in protest. The clans are already trying to undermine my centralization plans. Typically, they’d bury such proposals deep in the pile, hoping I’d be too exhausted or distracted to catch on. But here it is, right on top. 

Trifa’s doing, no doubt. Clever girl, but unnecessary. I would’ve caught it, regardless. Still, her initiative is... appreciated and speaks volumes about where her loyalties are. Although, it could also be that she did it out of loyalty to her clan.

I glance at the clock on the wall, its steady ticking a reminder of how I’ve managed to get a week ahead of schedule. It’s a strange feeling, being this efficient in bureaucracy. I could easily take on Sienna’s or Kali’s workload, but that would be counterproductive. The kingdom needs to stand on its own legs when everything is said and done. My goal isn’t to become an indispensable cog, but to build a machine that can run smoothly without me, a self-sustaining entity that can thrive even in my absence. If that wasn’t my goal, I wouldn’t have given my full support to Kali in training, possibly the first generation of city officials and public servants.

With time to spare, I could indulge in a short vacation and laze around or have some fun, but instead I’ve been using it to keep studying my encyclopedias, expanding my knowledge even more. 

A smirk spreads across my face as I extend my right arm, admiring the results of my study sessions. Though still outdated in design, I’ve upgraded my arm components quite significantly. My workshop is overflowing with materials and spare parts after all. For now, that’s the extent of what I can achieve. Building new upgrades and seamlessly integrating them should be the next lesson to learn, like adding a dust release function, either to surprise my enemies or maybe a quick-charge mechanism to boost my semblance.

So I can use this time to relax, maybe hang out with Ilia around the city or accompany Kali for a cup of tea.

I shake my head at the notion they are busy and I shouldn’t bother them.

So who else can I go to?

I blink and let out another long tired sigh. I don’t really know many people or have someone to talk to.

That is… depressing to think how lonely I am.

I shake my head again, no I cannot think like that and it shouldn’t matter as I am a leader, and a leader cannot think like that.

I should be thinking about how to use my company credits to assist in Menagerie expansion instead.

Checking my credit balance, my brow furrows, as it isn’t enough for what I’m currently planning. I need to get more credits.

Well, I have access to the company Bazaar and just like I can buy, I can sell. Yet I don’t really have anything to offer at the moment, perhaps mecha-shift weapons, but that would be in the future when I improve the forges. 

Drugs? I snort at the notion of even setting a lab for that kind of thing. The idea is as absurd as it is impractical.

Besides, I would be competing against well-established vendors, so my only option would be to sell to bulk merchants for a fraction of the potential value, if they even exist. The whole endeavor just sounds like a waste of time and effort.

Oh, right. The PvP orb.

In my hand, the White summoning orb rapidly materializes and I carefully place the sphere on my desk, its lone eye boring into me with an unblinking gaze.

I’ve put this off for far too long, but now that I have a moment to breathe, it’s time to wring every ounce of value from this thing.

But this isn’t exactly risk free. Nothing worth doing ever is.

If I ‘die,’ I’ll be incapacitated for a week. A full seven days of being out of commission.

And it would be a very dangerous situation I would put everyone in as Sienna warned what my sudden disappearance would cause. But at the same time, I have to put some trust in them as I doubt that so much progress would crumble in less than a week.

Taking deep breaths, I reach out for the orb. My fingers hover over its smooth surface for a moment before I give it a decisive rub.

[Searching for a world….]

[SOS signal found, connecting to the world…]

A radiant white light erupts from my hands, creeping up my arms and engulfing my entire body. It’s like being consumed by light itself.

Anyone else might have started to freak out. Either way I keep my calm and close my eyes. 

When I feel a strong gust of wind caress my face and a fresh smell of leaves enter my nostrils, I decide to open them. I find myself in a forest, surrounded by tall, slender trees with distinctive bark. Birch trees, if my memory serves me right.

[Summoned to the world of the contractor #16673ETCA, Ahri. League of Legends]

So I’m in… Runaterra? I think that’s the name.

I look down, first at my hands that are entirely white, transparent even. The same can be said of my body, making me a white phantom just as intended. It’s an odd sensation, being both here and not here.

I open my mini-map, but it only shows a small square area instead of a large detailed map. My marker glows white, and a second marker suddenly pops into existence, but this new marker is yellow, and isn’t too far from my position. Then that marker must belong to Ahri.

At least I know where my temporary ally currently is. It’s not much, but it’s something to work with.

I summon my anti-material rifle, its familiar weight materializing in my hands. I start walking in the direction of the host, trying to stay out of sight. If I can land a perfect shot, I might end this invasion as fast as possible. Quick and efficient, just how I like it.

My map shrinks to the corner of my vision, but suddenly the yellow marker starts moving erratically, jumping from one point to another. That can only mean one thing: this Ahri is currently fighting with the invader. Damn it.

I pick up my pace in response, careful not to make a noise that might attract attention. I don’t even know what the invader is powered up with, and I’m not about to walk into a trap.

As I get closer to the battle, I hear noises and shouting. Then it dies down, and a shriek of pain echoes across the forest, making me frown. That doesn’t sound good.

I keep running until I reach another empty patch, an opening where the host and invader are currently fighting.

What I see makes me tighten my grip on my rifle. Ahri is losing badly. Her clothes are torn, her limbs bleeding profusely. Her once-white tails are now tainted with her blood, and she’s clutching her stomach while glaring at the red phantom who is cackling as he throws a knife that manages to hit the nine-tailed fox on her right leg, making her cry out in pain and effectively immobilizing her.

I can’t recognize the invader. He’s wearing a lot of animal pelts, like some sort of primitive armor. Trophies hang from his body, possibly a display of past victories. The evil contractor doesn’t look injured at all. More like he’s gloating, enjoying every second of this sadistic display. And it irks me for some reason.

Judging by the amount of trophies he’s openly carrying, it’s safe to assume he plans to kill Ahri and turn her into a rug or another trophy to hang on his body. Just another reason to end this quickly.

Neither of them has noticed me. Good. I quickly drop to one knee and carefully aim my rifle, lining up my sights with his head. One devastating shot should finish this, especially with him distracted by his own ego.

Suddenly, he moves with surprising speed, disappearing from my sight. Another scream of pain pierces the air as I watch the kitsune fly and crash against a tree before crumpling to the ground. Her soon-to-be killer is playing with another knife in his hand, taking slow, mocking steps towards her. He licks the blood off his knife’s edge, savoring it like some depraved animal.

That speed startled me, I’ll admit. I failed to catch up, which is all the more reason to end this fight as soon as possible. He looks preoccupied with his sick game like a fool, rather than paying attention to his surroundings. Amateur mistake and fatal mistake.

I pull the trigger.

The thunderous sound echoes everywhere, but my hands hold the rifle firmly in place. The red phantom’s head disappears in a spray of red particles. Not wasting a single second in admiration of my work, I reload and fire a second shot, hitting the chest and leaving a gaping hole in the phantom.

He flails his arms uselessly before collapsing and dissipating into red particles that are quickly taken by a gust of wind. 

Just like that?

I lower my rifle, scanning the area for any remaining threats. It’s almost disappointing how easy it was in the end. But then again, that’s what happens when you let your guard down. A lesson I learned long ago.

I’m glad my plan worked perfectly, but I can’t shake this nagging feeling. Did I really just take out a contractor that easily? There are supposed to be so many defenses, infinite options of skills and abilities to survive this kind of thing. It feels... too simple.

I don’t wish for it to be more complicated, but I can’t help having that lingering doubt at the back of my mind.

[Invader vanquished returning to homeworld]

Wait, that easy?

[Rewards are being distributed after successful defense] 

[You earned 62 credits.]

And that much? It’s almost suspiciously generous.

Yet before I can think more about it, the world is engulfed in a blinding white light, forcing me to close my eyes. When I open them again, I’m back in my office, seated in the exact position I left, with the White orb still on the desk.

I blink and then stare at my hand, clenching and unclenching it a few times. I don’t feel any different, but that was certainly... an experience. A very profitable experience at that. I didn’t expect to be rewarded this much.

My eyes land back on the orb that remains unmoving on my desk. My hand slowly reaches out for it, bringing it closer for inspection. Its lone eye blinks, sending an involuntary chill down my spine.

I quickly send it back to my pocket space. I got lucky this time, but absolutely nothing is guaranteeing me that any future fight will be that easy. It was sheer luck that the invader didn’t have any special ability, some sort of danger detector, or ridiculous, immortal-like regeneration. I can’t afford to act recklessly, even if the credit making potential is very tempting.

I check my credit balance - around a hundred. Not bad. A good budget to work with. Maybe I can go back to the Bazaar and sign more generic character contracts. It would increase construction speed and production tenfold. 

Or perhaps use that apology coupon for a very expensive purchase.

I rub my chin in thought. Many options to pick from, but each choice has its consequences. When I make my purchase, my credit value will increase, making subsequent fights relatively harder. But the rewards will be proportional to the difficulty. It’s a trade-off, like everything in life.

And I still lack some important defenses for those future fights. Safety comes first, after all.

Opening the company tab and browsing through the defenses and perks section, I quickly scroll down and pick Trace defense and a second tier for addiction. Trace defense will be very helpful in keeping my head low. Not even Atlas’ cutting-edge technology will be able to find me. And I can’t forget that my defenses are shared through all my retinue, too. The Albain brothers can carry out stealth missions more effectively now. Maybe have them take high-risk missions with equally high rewards. The thought brings a smirk to my face.

But after those two purchases, half of my balance is gone, 55 credits spent just like that. The price of better security, I suppose.

Why did I pick addiction? Simple. I don’t know what kind of drugs or chemical substances this world has developed, especially ones that could work on aura-powered individuals. Better safe than sorry. 

Now I need something that should be a net positive for Menagerie.

I tap my fingers against my temple, racking my brain for that elusive idea. It’s there, just out of reach... Wait, wasn’t there something called ship-girls or something along those lines?

My eyes narrow as I consider the possibilities. They could be our naval force against pirates or the ever present threat of grimm. Hell, maybe they could even provide artillery support to our forces on the Mistral front. A smirk tugs at my lips. It’s more than a good option; it could be a game-changer.

And our fishermen will need an escort, so they feel safe when going out into the sea to catch fish.

And the military advantages? Conventional battleships wouldn’t stand a chance. I smirk, imagining the futility of their massive cannons trying to hit such small, agile targets. It’d be like swatting mosquitoes with a sledgehammer, but those mosquitoes will hit with the same force.

Eager now, I pull up the companions section on my vision. The filter menu pops up, and I start to type the name, but I stop and frown.  No matter how hard I concentrate, I can’t remember what that world is even called.

After a while, I give up on remembering and resort to checking the tags. And there it is: ‘shipgirls.’ One click, and the catalog transforms before my eyes, presenting an almost infinite array of options. My eyebrows rise as I notice they’re all within my budget—T5 across the board. 

Ah no, there are T8 options as well.

My excitement dims as I realize the problem. Names and pictures, that’s all I’ve got to go on. Ships were never my strong suit, and these being ‘shipgirls’ only complicates things. I might as well be looking at a foreign language.

I keep scrolling, hoping for some clarity, but it’s more of the same. Just as I’m about to slam my fist down in annoyance, I notice the tag menu again. My mood lifts as I spot more filtering options for shipgirls: destroyer, aircraft carrier, light cruiser, and more.

With a sense of relief, I selected the destroyer option. The list shrinks significantly, and I feel like I’m finally getting somewhere.

I may not be a naval expert, but even I understand the importance of fleet composition. It’s not just about having ships; it’s about how they work together. Adaptability, survivability, offense, defense - each vessel needs to cover the others’ weaknesses and amplify their strengths.

A small, basic fleet should suffice for now. Two destroyers and one cruiser - that ought to be enough to patrol our island shorelines and keep our fishermen safe from those damned monsters.

I turn back to the catalog, my frown deepening. I really don’t know any of the shipgirls or on what they are based on or their capabilities. All I’m sure of is that they’re powerful fighters. It’s like picking a weapon blindfolded. It will do as intended but might not be used at its full potential.

My finger hovers over the screen as I scroll up and down. 

Screw it. I’ll have to trust my instincts. I select one at random and confirm the purchase.

Asanagi. At least the name has a nice ring to it.

I start playing with the scroller a few times again before buying another one and this one results in Kawakaze.

The delivery notification pops up, and I dismiss it, ready to select a cruiser. That’s when I see my credit balance and it is…

One?

“What?”

I was counting on discounts, like the time I got 9S. Why didn’t they apply this time? So now I need to pay full price?

I close my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. A deep breath in, a slow exhale out. No, I can’t lose my cool over this. It’s my fault for assuming, for not understanding the system fully. This is just a minor setback. Two ships are better than none, and they are still enough for my plans.

I’ll earn more credits later and complete this fleet.

I already made the purchase after all.

Bringing up the menu, I apply the same tweaks I used on Nines. No need to add faunus traits since they already have them. Just the pesky defenders of humanity's protocols to avoid problems.

With a decisive tap, I hit ‘Accept Delivery’.

The air shimmers and tears, two red portals materializing before my desk. And from each portal, a girl steps out.

“The name’s Kawakaze of the Shiratsuyu class. I have no intention of becoming your friend. Spare me your introduction.” Kawakaze crosses her arms and gives me a cold stare before looking away with her eyes closed.

The other opens a fan and covers her mouth, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Well, well... Hmph. What a weak little child you are! I am Asanagi, of the Kamikaze class! I will be your subordinate from today on, but listen well! Cause me trouble, I will jab you! Annoy me, I will strike you! Do anything unbefitting of your status as Commander, and your tummy shall know the wrath of my fist!”

I blink, feeling a headache coming on. My shoulders slump as I groan, cradling my head in my hands.

“I am too old for this shit.”

Did I accidentally select the ‘pain in the ass’ option when I was choosing?

However, I’ve led armies and faced down Huntsmen, and all of Atlas’ might. I can handle a couple of mouthy shipgirls.

“Listen up, both of you,” I say, my voice firm. “I don’t care about your attitudes or your threats. You’re here to serve a purpose, and that purpose is protecting our people and our waters. Is that clear?”

Kawakaze scoffs, still not looking at me. “Whatever. Just don’t expect me to play nice.”

Asanagi, on the other hand, leans forward, her fan snapping shut. “Oh? The little commander has some bite after all. But don’t forget, I’ll bite back harder!” She grins, showing her teeth.

Does she even realize that I’m way taller than her?

I need a drink…

Wait, now with my defenses, alcohol won’t have any effect on me.

Fuck.

---------------------------------------------------

The sun hangs low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the port. Over the past few hours, I’ve given these two shipgirls a crash course on Remnant. Just the basics - the four kingdoms, the grimm, humanity, the faunus and Menagerie. And of course, that they’re from Mistral. Their names make that lie easier to sell, unlike with Nines who needed paper-trail to seamlessly introduce her to the world.

And also a reason for us to be in the port, as I need them for a quick mission and test their capabilities without aura.

“Haaaa?!” Asanagi’s shriek shatters the calm. “You expect me to use this... this travesty of a dock? This doesn’t even qualify to be my garbage dump!”

I turn to face her, my mask hiding the irritation in my eyes. “You will.”

Asanagi’s mouth opens, ready to spew more complaints, but my glare silences her. She crosses her arms with a huff and looks away, her posture screaming indignation at my answer.

“It could have been worse,” Kawakaze adds, her tone flat. At least she’s not throwing a tantrum.

I look at the newly built port and frown. It isn’t a barely held together and a crumbling port. This was built by experts with limited resources. It is a good port, just not technologically advanced with top of the line equipment like these girls are accustomed to. “I have plans to improve this place further. But it isn’t first on my priority list. There are more important projects and infrastructure to be finished first.”

“Then work faster!” Asanagi snaps, whirling back to face me. She thrusts her red and white fan in my face, nearly poking my nose. “You are the commander. Act like one!”

This brat…

My hand shoots forward and snatches the fan from her hands. “Zip it.” 

Asanagi’s eyes widen in shock, then narrow in anger. For a moment, I think she might actually try to hold true to her promise and jab my stomach. And I actually hope she tries because then I will spank her little ass until it turns red as her dress.

However, she backed off.

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. 

“Listen, I understand this isn’t what you’re used to. But we’re building something here. Something important. And every lien, every minute, every ounce of effort needs to count. This port will improve, I promise you that, but I also want to improve everything for everyone. But for now, I need you both focused. Can you do that?”

I hold out her fan, but don’t release it when she grabs it. “Remember why you were brought here? It’s not for having fun or enjoying luxuries. It’s helping me to build a better future for my people. Understand?”

Finally, I let go of the fan. Asanagi snatches it back, but her earlier bravado seems diminished, looking guilty even if it was just for a moment.

There’s a moment of silence that follows. Then, surprisingly, it’s Kawakaze who nods first. “Understood, Commander.”

Asanagi pouts for a moment longer, then sighs dramatically. “Fine, fine. But I expect better accommodations soon, you hear me?”

I allow myself a small smirk. “Noted. Now, let’s discuss your first-”

“Adam, should I assume these are the new recruits?”

Sienna’s voice interrupts me. I turn, seeing her approach, her red cape billowing in the sea breeze. I frown as I wasn’t expecting her today.

“Yes,” I reply, gesturing to each girl in turn. “Kawakaze and Asanagi.”

The girls bow slightly, a show of respect that doesn’t go unnoticed as Sienna’s lips curl into a subtle smirk of approval.

“Mistral?” she asks, her gaze flicking to me. I nod, and she lets out a small, knowing chuckle. “I’m not even surprised. Those families are always losing track of their... assets.“

Why is she using those words?

“So,” Sienna continues,"do they need help to unlock their aura?"

I shake my head, and I can see the surprise flash across her face, her eyebrow arching. “They’ve already unlocked it, along with their semblances. That’s how I was able to find them.”

Sienna sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. “At least they’re here and weren’t forcefully recruited or killed off by the Mistral families.”

When she finishes, I turn my attention back to the shipgirls. “As I was saying, your first mission will be to patrol Menagerie’s waters. But do not venture too deep into the sea. We can’t risk provoking a behemoth.”

“Roger,” Kawakaze responds with a professional tone.

Asanagi, on the other hand, can’t resist quipping in. “Yeah, yeah, I expect a reward when I come back.” 

I watch as both girls approach the dock’s edge. And they leap into the water, landing on its surface as if it were solid ground. Their ship modules materialize around them in a display of lights and they don’t waste a second before they set off, gliding across the water’s surface until they disappear from my view.

“That’s an interesting semblance.” Sienna moves next to me as she comments with a casual tone, but I can sense the hint of suspicion in her.

“Rigging, that’s what their semblance is called.” I reply, my tone matter-of-fact.

“Their semblance?” Sienna frowns, her ears slightly twitching as she looks at me. “Does that mean that they share the same semblance? Are they part of a family lineage?”

I shrug, not really seeing a reason to try to explain. The truth is far more complicated than Sienna could ever imagine. “I don’t know and I won’t question why they have similar semblances. What matters now is that we have a military navy at our disposal.”

“What?”

I take a deep breath, considering how to explain this without revealing too much. “Semblances are complicated to explain. I also couldn’t believe it myself, but their semblance has turned them into warships, a strange hybrid of sorts.” I pause, trying to find the right words. “Imagine the full versatility of a hunter with the raw power of a battleship.”

I’m not entirely sure about all their full capabilities or how far they can go, but I know they’re far superior to conventional warships. That’s what matters at the moment.

“You aren’t lying…” she trails off, her amber eyes narrowing as she scrutinizes me. “Adam, how did you keep finding these people? You never leave the island. Or did you find them over the years and now you are recalling them back?”

“That’s a secret, Sienna.” I smirk, turning my gaze away and looking into the distance.

However, Sienna merely exhales, her shoulders slumping slightly. “And I hope that secret won’t fuck us over.”

“It won’t,” I assert firmly, my tone leaving no room for doubt. “I can guarantee you that.”

However, that doesn’t seem to sell her the idea fully as she frowns and returns her gaze back into the ocean, watching the waves crash. Probably thinking more about this, and I can’t blame her for it as it is her job.

Yet, I don’t want to answer any more questions for now and I know how to distract her from the subject.

I lean closer to her ear, close enough to catch the scent of her hair, and whisper, “You are very beautiful today. Did you know?”

Sienna’s ears perk up as she takes a step back, looking at me in surprise. She’s completely frozen, unsure how to act, her usual fierce demeanor cracking under my sudden approach.

Just like that time in my office. It gives more credibility to the notion that she’s actually innocent to these things. The great Sienna Khan, easily defeated by a simple compliment.

Taking advantage of the moment, I carefully extend my hand and reach for her head. My fingers gently adjust the strands of hair that have fallen out of place, a tender gesture at odds with the danger we both embody. I cup her cheek, my thumb gently caressing her skin as I watch a hint of red bloom across her face. “Were you perhaps... thinking of me?“

I know this is childish, but I wanted her to drop the subject, and I can’t deny the amusement it brings me. The power to affect her, her reaction, is… intoxicating.

The woman shudders under my touch and closes her eyes, leaning into it for a second. But it doesn’t last. Her eyes snap open, realization and anger flashing in her eyes. She pulls away from my grasp, sending me an annoyed look, trying to look deeply offended by my gesture. “I told you not to get cheeky with me, Adam.”

I shrug, maintaining my composure. “I was just trying to be nice. You will be the mother of my kid and heir for the throne, after all.”

My explanation hits her harder than expected, making her visibly flinch.

“I know…” she sighs, crossing her arms and looking away, her ears going flat against her head. “But I would prefer if you don’t make this more awkward than it already is. I don’t have feelings for you, Adam, and I would prefer to keep this as professional as possible. So don’t mix up things with me.”

“Believe me. This was the last thing I expected to happen. I haven’t even thought about this at all.” I let out a self-deprecating laugh. “What am I even supposed to tell Kali or Ilia? I don’t even know how Kali will react to the news.”

“That you are doing your duty as the leader of Menagerie and the White Fang.” Sienna replied with a stoic expression, almost robotic.

“You make it sound easier than it actually is.” I shake my head, feeling a weight pressing down on me.

“Nothing is ever easy. You know that firsthand.”

“Doesn’t make it less true, though.”

When I reply, she doesn’t respond. Instead, she remains silent and looks back at the ocean. Only the crashing of waves breaks the tension between us. I find myself studying her profile, wondering what thoughts are going through her.

“Adam…” She tries to start.

“Commander.”

The crisp voice in my ear snaps me back to reality. I raise my hand, cutting off whatever Sienna was about to say, and step away to hear Kawakaze clearly.

“Loud and clear.”

“Commander, I have a visual on the enemy. Requesting permission to engage.”

Perfect.

“Send visual first,” I command, my mind shifting gears. Even though I taught them about grimm, they still don’t know the difference between grimm types, and there’s a chance she’s encountered a Behemoth. The last thing we need is for our newest recruits to die during their first battle.

The image that appears in my vision is unmistakable - a Sea Feilong, its serpentine head rising from the water, oblivious that it is being watched.

And a perfect test for our new recruits.

“Permission granted.” 

It wasn’t a bad idea to let the shipgirls fight a grimm so soon. Better to get them accustomed to our world’s dangers as fast as possible. Besides, that particular aquatic Grimm isn’t as dangerous as it looks, despite its impressive size. A single Hunter can kill it, and a shipgirl? She has enough firepower to destroy it many times over.

“Roger. Engaging enemy.”

And the communication with her ends as abruptly as it started.

“Are they in trouble?” Sienna approaches with a question.

But I shake my head, dismissing her concerns. “Just a Sea Feilong.”

However, it has the opposite effect as her expression turns into a deep frown. “This close to the coast?”

“They are unpredictable,” I say, keeping my voice level. “It’s fortunate that Kawakaze is the one who stumbled into it first instead of our fishermen.” I don’t voice the rest of my thoughts - how disastrous it would have been if common people were attacked, potentially setting us back for a long time as everyone would be reasonably scared of venturing into the sea. 

“Target destroyed.”

Kawakaze’s voice cuts through my musings with the sweet sound of victory. She works fast, proving that they don’t need Aura to destroy the monsters of this world. And a new line of thought occurs to me. If she can take down a Sea Feilong so easily, could the stronger models potentially face down a Behemoth all by themselves? 

“Good work. Continue your patrol. And any encounter you must report first to assess the situation.”

“Understood.”

I cut the call and let out a low chuckle as I walk back towards the edge of the port. My hands find their place behind my back as I take in the scene before me - the vast ocean, now a little safer for everyone in Menagerie.

One month.

At this rate, one month is all that I need to complete everything in my list, at least everything that is critical.

“Leading is a different beast altogether,” I murmur. “Didn’t think I could take it this far.”

Sienna returns to my side. “Leadership comes with its own battles. You’re doing well, Adam. Better than most would have done in your position.”

“Better than you?” I smirk at her, unable to resist the jab.

Her frown is immediate, her eyes narrowing. “That’s the least we could expect from Ghira’s successor.” She scoffs, clearly not pleased by my remark.

“I’ll take that as a compliment, then.” I nod, turning my gaze back to the ocean where the sun is starting to set, casting an orange glow over the water.

“Don’t get too comfortable,” the dark-skinned woman warns, her tone softening. “We both know this is nothing but the calm before the storm”

“And we’ll be ready by then,” I reply without looking at her, my voice firm with conviction.

Another silence is cast over the place as we just stare into the distance, waiting for both shipgirls to return from their patrol.

“I need to finish my work. I’ll be heading back,” Sienna announces as she turns to leave.

I merely nod, keeping my eyes on the horizon until I’m sure she’s out of sight. Only then do I summon my notebook, opening the file containing one of the books from the city's management collection. I won’t spend my time waiting while doing nothing, after all.

As the sun fully disappears from the sky, I take a seat on the edge of the dock. The natural darkness isn’t a problem for taking notes. Being a faunus has its advantages, and my augmentations have only enhanced my vision further.

The distant sound of the shipgirls’ approach pulls me from my studies. I quickly close my notebook and stash it away, shutting down the book file before rising from my temporary seat.

Kawakaze and Asanagi arrive, leaping from the ocean back onto land. Their ship modules disappear in a flash of light, leaving them looking deceptively ordinary girls.

“Mission complete”

“Done.”

I nod in approval, allowing a hint of satisfaction to show in my voice. “Good job, both of you. Now follow me.” I turn on my heel, expecting them to fall in line behind me.

They don’t complain, silently following me back towards Kali’s home. That’s where they’ll be staying for the next few weeks; they have a lot to learn, and my mother has done an excellent job with Nines.

We take a different route to reach the manor, one less crowded than the main avenue. It takes a little longer, but I prefer the quiet. It gives me time to think.

But we eventually arrive and I open the door, letting both girls enter my home. 

Finally arriving, I open the door, letting both girls enter. Their eyes widen as they take in their surroundings, but Asanagi’s interest fades quickly. She tries to take the lead, but I grab her shoulder, pulling her back, causing her to go red, fuming silently at the correction.

“Oh Adam, welcome back.” Kali comes down the stairs and shows us a warm smile, but it changes to curiosity as she notices our new guests. “And who are your new friends?”

I considered introducing them myself, but decided against it. Stepping back, I let them do the honors.

“My name is Kawakaze.”

“And I’m Asanagi.”

They both give a slight bow in greeting.

“I hope I can leave them in your care so they can study under you.” I comment.

Kali’s eyes light up. “I’d love to, dear. Without Nines, I was starting to feel a little lonely here. We can start tomorrow.” She turns to the shipgirls. “Come, both of you. Would you like a cup of tea?”

Both shipgirls exchange a look before nodding and leaving my side to join Kali for a hot cup of tea.

“Adam? Would you like one too?”

I shake my head. “I will pass. I’m going for a walk.”

“Oh, don’t worry then. And take a sweater with you its cold tonight.”

I blink before letting out a short laugh. “We have aura, we don’t get cold.”

Kali snorts in amusement, giving me a knowing smile before heading towards the kitchen.

I exit the manor, walk a couple of steps, then turn on my heels and leap onto the roof. The manor does have a good view of most of Kuo Kuana, after all.

From here, I can see the construction sites for the important infrastructure and the standard houses we’ve been building. At this rate, I’ll improve this kingdom’s standard of living tenfold. It isn’t an empty boast, but a possibility within my reach. Everything is falling into place.

Soon, I can focus on the military campaigns, starting with Mistral to secure critical trade routes. Because we need those resources to feed the kingdom’s growth.

But that doesn’t come without dangers.

I let out a long sigh and stand up, my gaze turning to a specific direction. I made a promise, after all. 

---------------------------------

-Sienna Khan-

Sienna stepped out of her bathroom, a cloud of steam billowing around her as she cinched her plush white bathrobe tighter. She wrapped a towel around her damp hair, savoring one of the small luxuries she allowed herself after a long day of work.

While she didn’t shy away from cold showers on suffocating days or for the sake of her skin, nothing quite compared to the soothing warmth that melted away all the day’s worries, if only for a moment.

As she settled on the edge of her bed, she began drying her short hair. Occasionally, she toyed with the idea of letting her hair grow, not as long as Ilia’s but just long enough to reach her shoulder. But then she would have to worry about taking care of it, or the salt sticking to it and, among other things, that would take a lot of her limited time. Short hair was a practical choice.

Her amber eyes flickered to the window, taking in the nightfall. She decided an early night was in order. Work could wait until morning, allowing her to tackle it with a fresh mind before rewarding herself with breakfast before resuming her duties.

Although this was a moment for her to relax, it was impossible to not think about her work, because she needed to draft new plans and hold meetings now that Menagerie opened themselves to potential trade routes thanks to the newly built port.

Her fingers idly traced the black stripes on her arm as she pondered and the Spider Clan flickered through her thoughts. They’d always craved a foothold in a port city, always eager to expand their web of influence. They wouldn’t have created a foothold in Vale if they didn’t.

Perhaps she could use that to Menagerie’s advantage, helping them acquire a port in Mistral in exchange for their support. Miss Malachite was ruthless, yes, but ultimately a businesswoman at heart. Every deal had a price, and she was prepared to negotiate.

Some goodwill with such a powerful organization could prove invaluable, though Sienna wouldn’t consider them true allies, as neither would they. A non-aggression pact coupled with mutually beneficial trade agreements would suffice. It would secure one of their flanks and allow them to focus on other fronts.

And she wasn’t even thinking about their new strange recruits, whose semblances put them on the par of a battleship. But she still had her doubts about those claims.

“Not what I expected about your room, Sienna.”

The voice froze her in place. The towel slipped from her suddenly numb fingers, hitting the floor with a soft thud. Her eyes widened as she slowly turned to find Adam perched on her opened window.

And she never heard him coming. Not a whisper, not a creak. Nothing.

“What… What are you doing here? This is my home.” She quickly composed herself and glared at him. She clutched at her mattress, pulling it up as an impromptu shield. The bathrobe suddenly felt far too thin against his gaze.

Adam tilted his head, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth, and then dropped from the window, landing on the floor. Sienna found herself on her feet, instinct driving her to maintain some semblance of equal footing. Yet for every step he took forward, she retreated, until her back nearly touched the wall.

But that didn’t stop him. He advanced until he was right in front of her, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from his body. He lifted her chin with his normal hand, his touch surprisingly gentle. “To fulfill my promise. What else?”

For a moment, Sienna’s mind went blank. Then, with a rush of heat to her cheeks, a realization dawned on her. Her ears drooped low, betraying her emotional state far more clearly than she would have liked.

“Oh…”

Wa-wasn’t this happening a little too soon?!