And we have all now spoken.

Looking to the remaining members of your companions you note the guarded looks on the faces of two abused warriors. “Nenetl, you have served both honorable ruler and tyrant despot. I understand you having reservations about serving me and I can understand how some of my actions so far may be giving you mixed signals. I will tell you now, I can not afford to be a soft or overly kind ruler. I will strive to be a fair on though and a leader rather than a ruler.” You shift your eyes to Yanya, the beautiful naga dancer coiled and watching. You have noticed that while her expressions are muted on her face they are still there. “I will also say to you, Yanya that while I will ask you keep your blade skills up I will not ask you to ever again kill for entertainment. I personally detest blood spots an will do my best to see the practice restricted if not outlawed. I would like if you would be open to showing and teaching others your dances. Also, Melissa has some dancing you may all enjoy learning.”

In the back you see the little fox girl Tozi holding her mother, the fox in question you notice is very large and watches you with surprisingly intelligent eyes. There is definitely something going on there but what exactly can wait as the two seem to need time to recover from their ordeal.

Then someones patience finally runs out. “Are you done ignoring me yet!” The demigddess of volcanism looks like she is about ready to erupt. “I have not been ignoring you, you are simply the one who has needed me the least. Your answer seems to confuse her for a moment, breaking her stride. Before she can get into another foul mood you start talking. “Nyxili, you have in some ways asked for the least of any here while bringing the most to this group. You are the daughter of the worlds molten blood, gifted power and strength far above many of the others I honestly don’t know how you would fit in with what I plan to do. I will ask instead that you take the time to learn what I plan to do and how everyone else will fit in before you try to insert yourself.” Fortunately, the young demigoddess is appeased by you words and sits back in thought. Your harem abilities are definitely coming in clutch.

Feeling you are on something of a role and that your wife is getting a little itchy to move things along you decide to try and wrap this up and hopefully get to fun times. “Taki, though I have granted your wish and the young Tiger Emperor will grow to be more like his father. The damage has already been done.his court is rife with corruption and sin just below the surface, the empire is beginning a downward path and I have been tasked by the Spirit Emperor with removing one of the Empires. I will not ask you to betray any oaths or confidences you may hold but I feel I would much rather have you by my side as I take the empire and join it into something much greater. Yanmei, you are among the greatest generals of this age and I will need your knowledge and skills to enact my plans. And yes I will freely return to you that what I have asked from you” you are amused to note her face blush hard at your statement of reciprocal affection, loyalty, and lust. Yes you definitely were playing dirty when you granted her wish.

“Jia I will ask you to help your fellow practitioners of magic with your knowledge and experience and at the first reasonable opportunity we will go and see just what your line has protected for so long as I feel that it may be needed sooner than later.”

And last but not least, “Fuji while I am no sword master there are many here who you may choose from. Do not jump to any agreements or permanent choices but work with those you feel may be a good match and know that you will not be locked away in some dusty room, or used for anything but honorable purposes. Stretch and enjoy your new freedom.”

Good lords… sorry that took so long. I really wanted to have all the companions/harem members get an introduction and quick talk with the MC. I had no idea going in just how long that would take. I promise the next chapter will be here much sooner and have a lot more steam in it.