8-01: Upgrades and Announcements

Thankfully, the Queen wasn't totally broken. It was still obvious, at least to Veronica, that she wouldn't be herself anymore. She was still at least capable of performing her royal duties as Queen.

Veronica thought to herself that next time, she should try and take some precautions to ensure that her lovers won't be... dolls afterwards.

Though, it was time for the girls to go back to the academy. So, after a few farewells and plenty of royal kisses from both Priscilla and Celia, as well as some surprise smooches from Shaerrill, the girls were on their way.

The carriage ride seemed shorter than when they went to the castle. Maybe it was the familiar sights? Either way, they arrived back at the academy in no time at all.

"Welcome back girls!" Rose Garden and Tisha had decided threw a small welcoming back party. It wasn't anything grand, or filled with cake, but it was plenty to make their underclassmen feel great. "And congratulations to our dear Veronica for her brand new title of Margravine!"

For a few hours the house was filled with cheers and snacks, and a teensy bit of alcohol. Sadly, the younger girls weren't allowed to drink any of it. Though, the alcohol was gone quick and nobody was drunk.

Then, finally, Veronica wanted to announce something she should have discussed a while back.

"Hey, Cass, can you go get Liafi and Nia for me?"

"Sure! What for?"

"Well, I have an important announcement for everyone, and I'd prefer everyone to be in one place for it."

"Oh! I'll be back then! I finally get to meet my Godaughter!" Cassidy agreed, running off to grab the two goblins.

And, in the meantime, Veronica had decided to check on her stats.

Level 4: EXP To Level 5 (0/20,000)

'I leveled up again? That's... surprising. It doesn't seem like I got any new skills though... Now I'm disappointed.'

Light Weapon Master [Evolvable], Become more proficient with One Handed Weapons. [3/4]: Upgradeable! Challenge: Defeat one hundred fifty (150) opponents with a sword [150/150] Ready to Upgrade!

Next Upgrade: Bonus Damage with swords and swords are easier to handle, enchanted weapons are 50% more effective.

Charm, Using seduction on others is easier [2/5]: Current upgrade; Charm can be used at anytime and you can control the amount of influence exerted onto charmed targets. Upgradeable! Challenge: Use Charm on someone of high standing and have penetrative intercourse with them. Ready to Upgrade!

Next Upgrade: All creatures are more likely to be influenced by Charm and you gain resistance to all forms of Charm, both natural and magical.

Two skills ready for upgrades. With a teensy bit of focus, the skills were upgraded, and with an upgrade, came new challenges.

Light Weapon Master [Evolvable], Become more proficient with One Handed Weapons. [4/4]: Upgradeable! Challenge: Kill three hundred (300) opponents. [0/300]

Next Upgrade: Weapons made from Hekna's Stone are easier to handle. Weapons made from Hekna's Stone will be able to inflict wounds on Holy entities.

'Oh. Well now I have no choice of kill or spare. But being able to wound Holy entities? What counts as a Holy entity? Would Amaranth count? What even is "Hekna's Stone"? But that name sounds familiar...'

Charm, Using seduction on others is easier [3/5]: Current upgrade; All creatures are more likely to be influenced by Charm and you gain resistance to all forms of Charm, both natural and magical. Challenge: Use Charm on a large or giant creature.

Next Upgrade: Charmed creatures become wholly loyal and obedient.

'Can I choose how loyal and obedient? I don't want to enslave anyone. And does it affect those who are currently charmed? And what counts as a large creature? Bigger than me? Or is there a minimum size?'

At this point, Veronica just aimply accepted her skills. After all, she couldn't change her Spirit. But finally, Cassidy had come back.

"I've brought them! And Nia is absolutely adorable!" Cassidy exclaimed.

It seemed odd though, as both the goblins who came through the door were vastly different. Liafi was, well, Liafi. But Nia was more human sized, and clearly more adult. She most certainly grew up more since the last time Veronica saw her. Especially in certain places.

"Everyone, this is Liafi. The blacksmith I've been using since we've been here."

"In more ways than one, sweetheart." Liafi teased, making everyone blush.

"A-And my firstborn daughter, Nia."

"Heya everyone! Ma, what's all this about?" Nia said. It was a bit difficult for Veronica to focus, seeing the rather "big" changes in her daughter.

"Ahem. I have a very important announcement for you all. Please sit down."

Everyone was a bit nervous, but ultimately sat down. When everyone settled down, Veronica had thought of how to say it.

"When we arrived at the castle, the Queen had gave me an offer. I thought about this offer until a couple nights ago. I... meant to speak about it with Cass, Avi and Elly, but I could never figure out how to say it. Until it was too late. But, here it is... I'm marrying Princess Celia."

The room was dead silent. Jaws dropped left and right.

"You're marrying my sister!?" Eleanora, for the first time, was visibly affected. Not exactly mad, but just angrily confused.

"Hold on... I-I..." Cassidy was at a loss for words. She even looked like she was on the verge of crying. "Walk us through what happened."

"It started with Elly's missives. She apparently spoke a lot about me, including my... penis. Priscilla was interested, so she asked me to marry Celia, as opposed to marrying Celia off to a complete stranger. Her thought process was that, if Elly spoke so positively about me, then I would be a good candidate for marrying Celia. And since I can produce children similarly to men..."

"You were also the safest candidate. You already had the approval and trust of Eleanora, who is regarded very highly for her intellectual abilities and understanding of people."

"Yeah. Though, she also requested that I make Elly a... mistress. Then, after her, I can take anyone else."

"So, it's more political than romantic."

"Technically. Part of it was making Celia fall in love with."

"I thought she wasn't being serious when she said she wanted to marry you." Eleanora said, taking a deep breath and relaxing, ignoring the part of making her into a mistress.

"A royal harem...? I-I can work with that." Cassidy sighed, calming down.

Everyone had slowly started to understand. While it was important, it wasn't going to be very big for a while, and they still get to keep their lover.

Though, Eleanora had a slightly different thought process. So, she waited for Veronica in her room.