[Vyra's Perspective.]
Vyra went down the basement stairs, and the tan woman followed closely, always looking around.
_This woman is following me to the basement without giving it a second thought, so vulnerable. Also, I wonder if Miria will approve of my decision to bring her downstairs. She could very well have just stayed upstairs. I should have thought of this earlier._
The wizard swung open the massive door and showcased the vast hall to her. The stranger, it was as if she had seen magic unfold right in front of her eyes. Well, that is partly true.
"This is where you'll be staying. If you breathe a word about this place, I'll have to..." _... kill you._ Miria paused, catching herself before she said too much. "I will expel you."
In response, she nodded to Vyra. "I-I just want a place to stay. Whatever you do, illegal or not. It's nothing of my concern." She replied, avoiding eye contact.
"With that mindset, you'll go far, especially here." Responded Vyra with a smile, now walking towards the kitchen. "This place is new, so it's taking everyone some time to get settled in. Hopefully, you'll feel right at home."
After getting to the kitchen, Vyra went to the counter where she was cutting the vegetables. She picked up a knife and began slicing for a few seconds before stopping.
_This could be a good way to test her usefulness._
"Hey, woman. Finish cutting these for me." She said, pointing to the vegetables on the counter.
Vyra half-expected that the woman would hesitate or stutter, but no. She nodded and walked with rather confidence to the counter. There she picked up all the vegetables and lined them up together in less than 30 seconds.
_Terrific. She finished in half the time it would have taken me. Hah! Perfect, she can work as a cook's helper for the clients. Wait a minute._
Vyra raised her right eyebrow and asked, "Do you have any experience with cooking?"
The woman nodded. Immediately bringing a smile to the mage's face. "Excellent!" Vyra reiterated. "I'm going to be the judge of your capabilities; the more you impress me, the more you will receive in exchange."
The girl, who before seemed distraught and timid, widened her eyes and nodded at the challenge.
The girl didn't waste time thinking too much. She checked everywhere for every item she had at her disposal. Beyond the vegetables, she found many spices and seasonings inside the cabinets. Of which she placed on the counter alongside the vegetables.
_Despite Miria and Elin knowing how to cook, they hate doing it. And it's not one of my strengths, either. If she's great at it. She might be worthy of a name._
"Where do you come from, woman?" Vyra asked, crossing her legs and putting her elbow on the table.
"I'm from the Northeast." She replied.
"Oh, that's far from here. For what reasons do you find yourself on the other side of the continent?"
"I- I'm running... away."
"That much I could tell; with clothes such as yours and the lack of any tangible strength." Vyra raised her finger. Then an iron pot floated to the counter. Afterward, she sent a small fireball to light the wood stove.
"Thank you!"
"I assume you were a slave too."
The woman stopped for a moment, holding the vegetables. "Don't need to worry. As long as you are not a princess. They don't usually go too far looking for slaves."
"No, I'm not a princess but... I'm afraid they are still chasing me."
"You could've told me before. But don't worry, if it's part of the capital. You will feel right at home."
"Why do you say that?"
"We hate them too. Enemy of an enemy sort of situation."
She added some oil to the iron pan and let it heat for a few minutes. Then, she added onions and various peppers, stirring occasionally.
"It smells good. Very well, do you have any interest in learning magic?"
"Yes."
_Wonderful, ex-slaves are great for this. There is a reason they don't allow them in a few of the magic academies. They are extra motivated for revenge._
"Good, you better put in some effort if it's good. I will teach it," Vyra added as she saw the woman adding the vegetables she had cut inside the iron pan. Producing a multitude of smells that mixed pretty well.
_She's not replying. I like her type, very focused and dedicated. It will connect the boys with someone like him. I wonder how she'll react. Women like Elin and Miria often feel indifferent to men. Because of their strength. But the poor girl might have a heart attack if she sees him._
Vyra stood up from her chair and moved next to the girl. "You sound motivated enough, but I have one last deal."
The girl looked back, confused. "Why are you offering so much for the meal? It seems like a simple task."
"I'm just having fun. Often, when my boss isn't off on adventures, she leaves us to our own devices, letting us idle."
"I see."
[Kael's perspective.]
After knowing the fact that he cannot touch his own genitals, Kael felt true dread. He wore the clothes he had brought, but putting his penis inside those pants hurt a lot. So he just left it out. As awkward as it was, he came back to his bedroom and tried to find ways to release himself but failed.
_So that's how dogs feel? This fucking mark, it's probably what's messing with my dick. That's what Miria was talking about all along; I had forgotten about this. I have to find Vyra; she might know a way to stop this._
The young man took a bit of courage and left his room with it dangling. He looked for ways to walk comfortably. Luckily, he found one where he could crouch a bit.
On the corridor, he slowly moved to the door that led to the hall. Once he got in front of it, someone from the other side opened the door, catching him in a rather awkward position.
"Hii- hi Vyra."
"Oh, look. I found my **bargaining chip**."