NOVPUB“Chance!”
“Y-yes, leader!” Chance jumped to attention as First barked her name.
“Report.”
“I’ve kept successful watch over my lord for the last week. He is healthy and safe.” Chance was nearly shaking as she was under the predatory gaze of her big sisters, specifically first.
First narrowed her eyes, looking at Chance very acutely. Just when I thought Chance was going to pass out, First stood back to attention.
“Good job! Back in line!” First declared.
She didn’t give a smile or any indication that she was pleased by Chance’s progress, but by the looks of the sisters behind her, that was probably the most compliment she’d receive. However, rather than moving immediately, Chance glanced over at me and Cici uncertainly.
“Chance…” Cici looked at Chance a bit sadly.
The two girls had been traveling together for a while now, and they had formed a bit of a sisterly bond as well. This bond was different than the one between the lionesses. They had an extremely territorial hierarchy, but her friendship with Cici was gentler and more loving. I could see the reluctance in both of their faces to be broken up.
“What are you doing?” First’s expression started to darken at Chance’s seeming defiance.
I cleared my throat. “Chance has been in my party for a bit now. I’ve been personally training her. I think, if you see her levels, you will see that.”
I didn’t lie. I had taken her to give her some experience, and the time through the dungeon had leveled her up quite a bit. My multipliers didn’t hurt too bad either. Few low-level soldiers got the chance to take only level 50 bosses with an experience multiplier, so such a leveling was nearly unheard of.
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When I finished speaking, First lowered her head, her previous dark look being over-stripped by her natural subservience. “My apologies, my lord! I hope our youngest hasn’t been too much trouble.”
“She hasn’t.” I smiled. “I’d like her to remain by me, at least until we finish with this dungeon.”
“Of course! As my lord commands.”
I wasn’t commanding it, but I’d let it go. I gave an awkward laugh while scratching my cheek. Chance gave me a grateful look, and then returned to Cici’s side. Cici gave an audible sigh of relief. If I had any chance of deprogramming the lionesses, it’d have to start with the youth, I figured. In that respect, her relationship with Cici was probably good for her. She might end up normal… well, as normal as any of the girls in my life tended to be.
“Are any of the others coming?” I asked.
“We are your bodyguards! We are all that is needed!” First insisted, and the other lionesses also gave defiant looks.
I gave them a helpless look, not sure what else to say about that.
“The other girls are busy working on some things,” Sapphire spoke up. “If you need them, they are can be here quickly, but the lionesses are nearly their equals and should be able to defend you properly.”
I slowly nodded. The lionesses had fought the girls to nearly a draw. Their victory was mostly because of the power I gave them. In retrospect, these lionesses were probably the best defense I could ask for.
“Alright, but then, why are you here?” I asked.
“Master is in a battle.” Sapphire smiled. “I’m here to bring the new weapons and armor.”
