This time, Renato did not get to enter the Matron Mother's bedroom.
Instead, he found only her daughters outside the door.
Besides Tristana, there was Brichidi, who had lain low for a long time and rarely appeared in public.
Nightwind's eldest daughter, who had lost one sphere of influence after another, had not changed much. She still wore an extravagant suit of adamantine half Plate Armor, polished to a brilliant shine. Its exquisite patterns and enchanted plates reflected an unusual luster beneath the Magic Lamps.
Brichidi looked as haughty as ever, the corners of her lips raised in the easy confidence of someone looking down from above.
Unmoved by Tristana's barbs beside her, Nightwind's eldest daughter dismissively ignored her younger sister, as though those bitter words were no more than the buzzing of insects.
"You finally came, wandering Swordsman." Brichidi spoke first as she watched Renato approach. "'Black Blade'-a fine title. And your accomplishments have even drawn the attention of the Ruling Matron Mothers."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over Renato as though reassessing his worth.
"Your strength is formidable indeed. That proves my initial judgment was correct..."
"Renato is my lover. He can serve only me," Tristana immediately interrupted with a sneer. "Keep that long tongue of yours to yourself, you incompetent fool."
"Beauties cling only to the strong. Those were your own words. How laughable..."
"You're the laughable one, little sister." Nightwind's eldest daughter shook her head, a contemptuous smile touching her lips. "Is love all you have left in that head of yours? Compared to his looks, Renato's strength is what deserves my attention."
She raised a hand and casually took two steps forward, her voice becoming leisurely and composed:
"In my eyes, he is a partner, not a tool for satisfying lust. After all, with strength