Dawn brings disappointment but also success

Max woke feeling great after their activities the night before. Instead of sore or exhausted, he felt on top of the world. His mana spheres weren’t full, but they weren’t empty either — and the fact that a certain brunette was attending him didn’t hurt.

Wait — brunette? Max took a closer look at his traveling companion and, with a small sigh, realized the transformations hadn’t stuck: Anna was back to her mousy brown hair, small breasts, and a wild tangle between her legs. Still, her skill was improving, and Max relaxed on his back and let her work while he considered the changes he might try next. The thought sent a jolt through him and he came hard; Anna, used to his rhythms by now, swallowed without issue. The sound of her throat taking him never failed to stir him.

“Thanks, Anna. That’s definitely the best way to wake up,” he said as he dressed. Anna beamed and dressed as well.

“Today I’ll try to make some money from the nobles. Your job is to find the best way to get to the Labyrinth. Here are some coins — we’ll meet back here at sunset,” Max instructed. Instead of her usual eager assent, Anna frowned.

“Sir, correct me if I’m wrong, but if you’re healing many people, couldn’t your mana be exhausted? Wouldn’t it be better if I stayed close to help replenish you?” she asked, earnest though with a cheeky grin behind it. Max found he couldn’t disagree.

“Let’s see if we can get Lily to do the legwork, then,” he decided.

After a hearty breakfast — and smuggling two croissants and an apple to the malnourished street urchin — they met Lily. The girl tore through the food and happily promised to find everything she could about the route to the Labyrinth and to meet them by the Soaring Eagle at sunset.

Finding wealthy nobles to heal was even easier than in Meadows. Black Hills was large enough to host several noble families, and their upgraded wardrobe made audiences far more accessible. No one blinked when Max used Anna between bouts of healing; the nobles were used to the realities of magic in their unequal society. One patriarch even offered his maids for the same purpose. By the time they returned to the Soaring Eagle, their money problems were solved — in fact, Max’s coin purse bulged at the seams, and his main worry became theft.

He was in a good mood when he spotted Lily outside the inn, though she was accompanied by an older woman who watched him with lined, tired features. The woman wiped her hands on her stained apron, and when Lily confirmed she was her mother, the woman launched into a plea.

“Good master, I beg you — take my girl as your servant and apprentice! I have many mouths to feed. You have already clothed and fed her without asking anything ungentlemanly, so please, kind master, take Lily. I’ll sleep better knowing at least one of mine has a chance.”

Max was about to refuse when Anna tugged his sleeve.

“May I have a moment to speak with her, my good woman?” he asked, stepping aside. Anna spoke quietly.

“I grew up like that. Getting sent to the Academy was the best thing that happened to me. I will look after her and make sure she doesn’t hinder your mission,” she said. She paused, sniffed the air, and added, “This city feels dangerous in a way that isn’t just crime. The air itself is wrong.”

Max hadn’t thought about it, but Anna’s words landed. A city built on coal and smoke meant particulate-filled air — not healthy. “Cancer rates are probably through the roof,” he muttered, then waved at his own aside as Anna gave him a confused look.

“All right. I agree. We could use a servant. Lily — I accept you into my service. Be here in the morning, ready for travel.”

Mother and daughter were overjoyed and promised to meet as arranged. Maximilian felt drained, both mentally and physically. He convinced the inn to send up supper to their room; halfway through the meal he fell asleep, spoon still in hand. Anna chuckled, cleared the dishes, pulled off his boots, and undressed them both for bed. She blew out the candle, snuggled up to him, kissed his cheek, and whispered good night.