Momo packed her goods in a hurry into the carriage once her market hour had ended. The newcomers were only allowed to open their business during day time. Though it sounds unfair, Chieftess Andariel was actually being very considerate since the night’s business hour would be filled with lust and debauchery, literally.
Even though the human clientele who visited the village mostly came in peace, and appreciated the plurality of many different races, Andariel didn't want something to happen to any Beastkind during the night's business hour. Resentment from the Beastkind who lost their homeland due to the Holy Crusade might incite unnecessary commotion which could compromise the business in the long run.
After she secured the carriage at the West Side where most of the Beastkind resided, Momo went northward to find Alice’s home.
It didn't take long for Momo to find it. In fact, she was escorted by Violetta and Kaelith to ensure Momo was not picked by random human tourists. They intend to assume every woman, or a cute young man that they meet on the street as an escort or courtesans.
“Here we are…” Violetta chimed like a flute. “Have a good one, Miss Momo!”
“You too, Miss Violetta, Miss Kaelith. Thank you for accompanying me!” Momo bowed sincerely to both of them alternately.
“Likewise… Let's talk again some time!” Kaelith waved her hand as she dragged Violetta away with the other hand.
“Nooo! At least let me hug Alice! It's been ages since the last time I met her!”
“No can do!” Kaelith grabbed the purple skinned succubus firmly. “We have a quota to meet tonight.”
“Awwwww! Miss Alice!” Violetta cried as she was pulled into the sky by Kaelith.
Hearing the commotion in the courtyard, Catharina opened the door. She stared daggers at the fox girl, causing the latter’s body to shake a tad.
‘There’s no way she could see through my disguise, right?’ Momo muttered to herself. ‘No, no, no… it's impossible. She must be just being cautious.’
“Erm… Good evening. You must be Lady Catharina. Young lady Alice’s guardian. Hehehe, I have heard a lot about you.”
“Good evening, Miss Momo. And welcome to our humble abode.” Catharina stepped aside while bowing slightly. “Young lady Alice is waiting for you in her workshop.”
“W-well, pardon the intrusion…”
Momo was promptly ushered into the workshop right away, where she saw Alice’s lithe figure from behind when the little girl was sitting on a wooden stool, almost as tall as her body. The little demoness was in a deep focus, hammering the chisel onto the white marble skillfully.
She only stopped when her nose picked up Momo’s sweet, fruity scent.
“Good evening, Miss Momo! Pardon the state of my place. It's a bit messy right now, hehehe.” Alice giggled innocently. She got off the stool, offering Momo to sit on the sofa not far from before the hearth. "Please, have a seat!"
Alice soon brought her newly made items from the work desk to the table.
“So, these are my products that I was talking about. Love Nectar Extractor Version 1!”
The fox girl fumbled when she saw the manhood-shaped items on the table. She felt a bit frisky between her legs as her imagination ran wild.
“What are these?” Momo tried to play innocent.
“Oh, come on… You do know Succubi’s main business, right? This tool will spice up the business a little bit. With this tool, we will bring more female clientele to our market as well!”
Momo gulped her saliva. It would be a lie if she wasn't interested to try this fine invention on herself.
“Ermmm, in summary, I need to promote these products if I want to sell my goods in your store?”
“Mmm!” Alice nodded firmly. Full of confidence.
“But, I am a Beastkind, I’m not sure if female humans would appreciate me as the front woman of your store.”
Alice giggled softly, “No need to fret it! We will see their reaction during the Grand Auction Day. They would went crazy just to own one of my fine creations!”
*****
A few weeks later, the annual Grand Auction was held right in the early evening after the business hour was officially started.
Head Managers from each House strode to the Village Hall. Each was accompanied by their entourages just like a small parade.
They came in a line, each with their own subtle aura that made them untouchable and distant. The streets hushed as they passed, and the air felt heavier with every step—or in Evelynn’s case, the lack of one.
Evelynn led at the front, the Madam of the House of Pleasure, oldest among them. Evelynn didn’t walk. She hovered just inches above the ground, her red dress trailing behind like a living flame. The earth couldn’t hold her. If she ever stepped directly onto it, it would shatter. That was the nature of her power—unspoken, undeniable. Her beauty was quiet but commanding. Dark hair flowed behind her shoulders, her gaze never settling on anyone for too long. She didn’t need to perform. Simply being there was enough to draw every eye.
Behind her came Lady Morwenna, the Madam of the House of Artisans. She was elegant without excess, dressed in a layered ensemble that blended form and function. Her eyes moved through the crowd like a master craftsman inspecting raw material. Lisha and Violetta flanked her—silent, poised, and perfectly coordinated, as if sculpted for this very purpose.
Then came Nyxondra, Madam of the House of Blacksmiths. She didn’t walk either. She was carried atop a dark-iron palanquin by four Incubi, each one bare-chested and marked with forge sigils. Nyxondra didn’t appear striking at first glance. She sat with one arm resting on the edge, her expression unreadable. But her presence lingered—like a memory you couldn’t shake. A noble-born succubus from a bygone era, Nyxondra was almost as old as Evelynn, and possibly just as dangerous. She said nothing, but the look in her eyes reminded everyone she didn’t need to prove anything.
Lady Cydaea followed in fourth. A mathematical genius and the guardian of the House of Treasury and Supplies, she moved with practiced grace. Eight exoskeletal legs clicked softly against the cobblestone path, while her upper body remained poised and still. She was of arachnid descent, her sharp features framed by silver-white braids. Once, she had been the famed Maiden of Lust.
And finally, at the end of the line, was Catharina of Nightflame Castle. She wore a long, hooded cloak over her reinforced leather armor. There was no insignia beyond the faint sigil of the Huntress on her shoulder. Most knew her as the current Madam of the House of Huntress. Few knew who she really was—a former Demon General who once served under Aleister Nightflame himself. She kept her head low, her stride steady.
Influential nobles, merchants, and famous entertainers from the Arlenheim Kingdom attended the Grand Auction as well; they were keen to purchase some exotic items from the lot.
In the meantime, Alice was already with Andariel, attending to her duty as Chieftess’s daughter at the front entrance of the Village Hall. Though she hates it, Alice had no choice but to put up some face to the VIP clients of the Grand Auction.
“Dear mother, can we just head inside and put an end to these fake pleasantries? My face is stiff as a stone, and my feet are cold too.” Alice chimed with a straight face.
“Unfortunately, you can't, my dear daughter. You have agreed to act as my daughter for this evening. Just take it as returning the favor after you literally burn the village’s funds for your little workshop and research materials.”
Alice stammered, she couldn't deny the fact that she spent hundreds of gold coins to perfect her invention.
“I-I know that much, but not in front of these f—”
Andariel shot a deadly glance at Alice before she could mutter the last word.
“These fine ladies and gentlemen…”
“Good girl.” Andariel smiled earnestly, and was glad that Alice could at least regulate her emotions really well. “Just hold on a bit longer. Once the auction comes to a close, you’ll be the richest kid in all Arlenheim Kingdom.”