Finish the trip.

You munch down a small meal for dinner, and when night falls, everybody goes to sleep. It's a complete contrast. In the day, they're the noisiest bunch around, but at night, it's dead silent. The carts have long since stopped moving, so you don't even hear the sound of horses or wheels. All you can hear are crickets, and a gentle breeze. Amara is cuddled up in her blanket next to you. One of her long, slender legs are sticking out, though she's otherwise covered up. Jelly has returned to Niki's pack. The rest of the girls are laying around in a circle.

The rest of the days pass in a similar fashion, though they thankfully calm down. There are a few moments when their shenanigans worry you, but thankfully, you're not booted from the caravan.

It's the afternoon when the carts enter the city of Avana. It feels like it's been forever since you've been home. Your group dismounts, and then marches through the streets to find Dragonhide Manor. Compared to Tolis, the city feels smaller now. Things are quieter. Though, you can't help but think about how the Demon King is a mere 30-or-so miles away from where you stand right now. Granted, it would take much longer to get there than if it were in the plains along the road. He lives up in a mountain range. It still makes you uncomfortable.

You enter through the front gates and step into the courtyard. You gaze around at the flowers all around the mansion, and throughout the grass. It's a beautiful wilderness of colours, and it's perfectly maintained thanks to your resident dryad. It's likely that nobody else in the entire city has a garden as outstanding as you for that reason.

The girl in question isn't far away. She's like Jelly in some ways. Though she isn't wearing any clothing, it's a different kind of naked. Her breasts still come to tips, but that's all, and you haven't seen a pussy. Her body is still feminine, and would appear human if not for her green leaf-like flesh. Her leafy hair blows in the breeze, which still holds a single pink flower. She looks to you with her pure white gaze. A huge smile forms across her face, and she sprints in your direction--chest bouncing. She seems so full of excitement and affection that you can't help but smile back.

She throws her arms around you and squeezes you tight. "You've returned, m'lord! Welcome home!"

You pat her on the head. "We made it back in one piece."

"How're the others?" Niki asks.

"Hmm. Well, Delphi and Yin are both inside. I think they're fine," she replies. "Though I think Delphi said something about wishing she could have come."

Alice lowers her head. "I thought it would be best to not leave you and Yin here alone."

"It's been like a week or so. We should probably get inside," you suggest. "Thanks for taking care of things, Peony. I'll talk to you later."

She lets go of you but continues to smile. "Of course, m'lord. I'll be out here if you need me."

You nod to the others, and your group proceeds along the path, and approaches the front doors. It's your own home, so there's no reason to knock. You twist the knob and push it open, and gaze around the familiar entrance. It's been awhile. You take a deep breath and then call out, "We're home!"

Yin instantly appears in a cloud of black smoke. The cute maid girl tries to look proper, but you can see the excitement building up. It doesn't take long for her to do the same as Peony, and throw her arms around you. Her spaded tail wags back and forth as she squeezes. "I'm so happy you're home, Master."

Amara continues towards the stairs. "I will return once I am properly clothed."

"Happy to be home. I missed you," Niki says as she grabs the devil girl's tail.

She squeezes tighter, and a dark crimson appears in her cheeks. The poor girl gasps. "P-Please..."

"What's up?" Niki asks.

Yin lets out a soft moan. "Aah, please let go of that!"

"Sorry!" Immediately, Niki steps back. "Did I hurt you? I feel really bad, guys... I think I've been getting too strong for my own good."

"I'm okay," Yin whispers. She grabs your arm and holds it against herself. "You just surprised me."

"Damn! It's about time!" Delphi flutters in from down the hall. You're not sure how long she's been watching. "I've been so bored here."

"Greetings again," Snow says with a smile. "We missed you."

"Yeah!" Eva adds. "Good to see you again."

Delphi is actually caught off guard by the sudden kindness. You see her blush slightly. "Really? I--... Y-Yeah. I missed you all too."

"Sorry you stayed back this time," you say. "But you're both strong, and have a really useful set of skills. If something were to go wrong, I know you would've been able to protect the other girls."

She brings her hand back through her hair. "Well, of course. When you put it that way, it only makes sense I'd have to stay."

"What a wild time we've had," Niki says. "We need to have a story time today. Maybe over dinner."

Yin release herself from your arm and curtsies to everyone around her. "I will prepare a special meal for the occasion," she says politely.

Delphi suddenly gasps. She flutters down and inspects Yin's tail. She then grabs it with both hands, though due to her size, it doesn't illicit as much of a reaction. What she does, however, is bring it up towards you. "It looks like Niki squeezed pretty hard. You must be sore."

"No... I'm fi--" Yin replies.

"I think you should kiss this boo-boo better, Kyle."

"Excuse me?" you respond. As you look to Yin, you can see that her face is flushed. "You sure about that?"

There's a long pause, and then words escape your maid's lips that you don't expect. "I guess that would... make it feel better," she whispers.

Delphi looks to you with a grin. "Even after she wants it, you wouldn't do it? What kind of master are you?"

Niki puts her hands on her hips. "If you're rude to Yin, I'll break you in half."

"But I--..." You look to the blushing devil. "All right. I'll do it then." You reach out and take a gentle hold of her tail. As you do, she shudders, and tenses up immediately. It isn't like what happens with Snow's, however. It doesn't paralyze her. It's sensitive for other reasons. You bring the flat end of the tail up towards your lips, and Yin's face turns completely dark. Her breathing becomes quick and loud through her nose as she watches intently. Then, you press your lips against it for a kiss.

Yin lets out an immediate, erotic noise. She squeezes the fabric over her chest, and presses her thighs tightly together. Her eyes look down between her shoes, and she stands still--embarrassed. When her tail is released, she retreats it back to her other side.

"Oh, I remembered something!" Niki suddenly blurts out.

Wait. Did she not even realize what happened?

She continues. "Do you all wanna know the secret of Kyle's sword?"

Eva puts a hand to her face. "I already know. It's really lame."

Delphi flutters back up and peeks between Yin's horns. "What is it?"

You see Amara make her way back down the stairs. She's dressed back in one of her white dresses, and seems to have put her staff away. "I am curious as well."

"Niki, why are you doing this?" you ask.

"Because it's funny!" she replies. Suddenly, she moves her hand out with impressive speed, and draws the sword right out of your scabbard. As she raises it up, it glows pink. She then laughs. "Apparently it glows when it's around someone who's aroused."

"Perverted and fitting," Eva says.

"Then why is it glowing now?" Snow asks.

The room goes silent. You glance to Yin--squirming in place, even more embarrassed after hearing that. You then look back to the others.

"Maybe it's the power of all of your urges," Delphi says. "After working so hard for so long, without any relief."

"That's such a weird thing to say!" Eva shouts.

Amara looks up at the blade closely. "It appears damaged."

"Huh?" Niki lowers it back down. You glance over, and there seems to be a few light cracks up from the hilt. "No, no. I couldn't have broken it."

"I do not believe you did. Do not worry, Niki. Yin was not injured by your doing, and neither is this sword. Please do not think otherwise. Not only did I notice them straight away, but they do not look fresh to me."

Eva ponders. "Strange. Magic equipment is not known for breaking easily."

You rub your head. "Damn. I guess I'll take it to a smith sometime and see if they can fix it up a bit. The last thing I want is my weapon breaking if we're going to be--Oh yeah. We kinda need to tell the others about the Demon King stuff too."

Delphi moves over to land on your shoulder. She sits down, and kicks her legs off the front. "Tell us everything over a meal. Let's eat earlier than usual. And I have an idea. Why don't we eat in the yard, so Peony doesn't feel left out too?"

You glance over, and stare in silence for a lengthy moment. "That's... really kind of you."

"Hey!" She leans back and nearly topples right off your shoulder. "Sh-Shut up. I'm kind sometimes."

"I will begin immediately," Yin says.

"Allow me to join you," Amara responds. "I wish to help."

"I'll help by eating it," Niki says.

"Real wife material." Delphi snorts.

Eva looks to Delphi, and then turns her eyes to Yin. She purses her lips. "Actually, I'll help you too."

Alice walks up to Yin and bows her head. "Please allow me to assist you. I believe cooking would be a beneficial skill for me to have, so I will observe and provide aid."

Snow shrugs. "Well, I suppose I can find someway to help. I am sworn to protect you, Kyle. Hunger is a threat as well."

Niki glances around. "... Fine! I've had to cook up meat when out adventuring, so I can probably lend a hand somehow. Especially if you have any jars that need opening! Lead the way, Yin."

As the last girl remaining, Delphi stands up, and flutters away from your shoulder. She crosses her arms and huffs. "I... You... Gah! Fine. I don't want to be the only one doing nothing. I'll try to help too."

You stand alone. "So should I follow you all to the kitchen and--"

"No!" Yin says. "S-Sorry, Master. I didn't mean to interrupt, but it is not your duty to cook. It's mine. And I suppose I will have a lot of help today. I hope the kitchen has enough room."

"Well, I guess I'll wait outside?" What a weird situation.