Dungeon of Lust: Managing Otherworldly Beauties

Chapter 269: The Wrong Impression?

After Quill stood in her previous position, Vale said:

"Let’s both keep this a secret, remember. For both our sakes."

It wouldn’t be good for Quill if they knew she gave up information to Vale; neither would it be good for Vale if she gave up information on his ability.

The helm of the awkward knight dipped.

Letting his eyes find Quill, just like they had before he activated the ability, he wished for it to end.

A moment later, the flames died. The world resumed.

Grady furrowed his brow, his wrinkles multiplying.

"It doesn’t exist?"

Then, his eyes grew wide as he stood and placed a hand on the pommel of his blade, the three real knights all mirroring his action.

"Lust! What did you just do?!"

’Oh? He sensed the Aether release, didn’t he.’

Vale opened his palms and smiled warmly.

"Nothing of any consequence."

Grady’s narrowed eyes swiveled around to Quill, who tapped on the backside of her plated thigh once. Then, Grady looked down upon Vale.

"I don’t know exactly what you are planning, my new friend. But try to understand your place. When one only looks up, they think they’re soaring, only to realize they’re in a free fall much too late."

Vale chuckled.

"I’ll keep that in mind, Grady."

The old knight’s eyes grew politely fierce.

"Well, are you going to tell me what you did?"

"No. You, with your great wisdom, should know that those who give up information for nothing in return are fools. Fools begging to be taken advantage of."

"So, because I’m old, I’m wise? That’s also a foolish notion. My wisdom is only as deep as a liquor bottle."

Grady laughed lightly as he sat back down and placed both his hands in view of Vale.

"You truly are an interesting man... I’ll overlook that little mishap and look the other way just this once. But do learn my magnanimity has a limit."

Vale smiled, not daring to give a thank you for being ’spared.’

"Well, then, I believe our discussion was reaching its conclusion, no?"

"I was under the impression our glorious talk was just getting started."

Leaning back in his chair, Vale adopted a haughty look.

"I may not look it, but I’m not one for formality," said the shirtless man. "Neither am I one who cares to be swayed by anything illogical. I believe we both understand the facts present on each side. So, let’s make our deal."

Grady laughed wildly.

"Truly, you amuse me, Vale. Since you seem quite confident that we’ve both presented enough for a satisfactory deal, let me hear your offer."

Vale stood, then waved Grady and his entourage to follow.

The old knight stood again.

"Oh?"

Vale beckoned again, then said:

"Come, let’s walk and talk. Don’t you want a little tour?"

Apprehensively, the knight cohort began cautiously approaching Vale.

"Ximena, let them pass. Sivian, go warn the others to stand down."

The snake raced off, and Ximena stepped back, then summoned even more crystals.

Left alone and defenseless, Vale showed his back to Grady — an action one would either see as cowardice or arrogance. Yet, it was neither.

It was a show of budding ’trust.’

A false trust, yes. But it was a direct sign Vale was willing to work with Grady and Akkuron.

The imposing knight reached Vale, then stepped beside him, the other four knights all standing right behind Vale. Any one of them could skewer him in the blink of an eye.

Slowly, Vale marched forward and entered the maze.

"For the first part of the deal, I do not mind mingling with your soldiers and standing on the front lines. Hell, I’d even do battle with you. You can call upon my forces for assistance if a skirmish breaks out."

’They need experience anyways.’

Continuing through the maze, entering the Thunderdome, Vale added:

"You may also use my dungeon as an outpost to control the Scar. I’ll even manufacture barracks and facilities to house your soldiers and treat them with hospitality."

Still, not a single worker or warrior had shown themselves to the Akkuron group.

"Also, I may be lascivious and lustful, but I’m no idiot. I understand that once the war is over, if I’ve grown into a threat or perhaps underperformed, you’ll subjugate me."

Grady, who’d been inspecting the dungeon, looked down at Vale with a flat expression.

’Not even going to deny it, eh?’

Seeing the soldiers were intent on maintaining silence, probably wary of a potential ambush, Vale continued as he led them out of the maze and into the Grand Hub. Vale stopped just beside the diorama of the gorge.

"But, besides that, I’ll lend my insights and tactical mind to your effort; however, to that end, I’d like you to share your intelligence with me, as far as Celestia’s movements go. Plus, I will not make any attempt to hex or convert your soldiers. Though if they do, as a byproduct of their station here, do not blame me. And, one last stipulation: this room is as far as your soldiers may delve."

Grady’s eyes glowed upon spotting the model. He was the only one even slightly at ease despite the absence of Lust’s force.

"My, my. I wasn’t expecting this."

Grady placed his hand on the diorama, which had his own camp imprinted on it. Not only that, there were humanoid statues sitting at the entrance of the dungeon — in number exactly equal to Grady’s forces — plus other humanoid statues overlooking the gorge and more in the camp, all with scary accuracy.

A wicked grin split Grady’s face. His low expectations had not only been shattered and surpassed, but stomped and squashed.

Grady took his hand from the stone diorama and glanced at Vale.

"Everything you said is satisfactory."

Grady held out his hand.

Vale took it in his own and shook it.

Grady looked back at Sandra, the unhelmed knight.

"This is Sandra. She will be the Captain of the detachment sent to occupy your dungeon. Do coordinate with her for lodgings, logistics, and disputes. And Sandra, do try to be cordial, even if he may be a Vice."

The red-haired knight bowed.

"As per your will, Commander."

Grady smiled.

"Well then, Vale. Throughout the rest of the day, we will be transferring supplies and setting up our stations. Also, do become well acquainted with Quill here; she will be the communication line between you and me."

Vale smiled as he looked at the hazel-eyed knight.

"Quill, it’s a pleasure to meet you."