Momo packed her goods in a hurry into the tent once her market hour had ended.
Afterward, Momo went north to find Alice’s house.
It didn't take long for Momo to find it. In fact, she met with Violetta and Kaelith, they immediately escorted her to ensure Momo was not picked by random guys. New customers or visitors often 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.
"Thank you so much! I would definitely lost if it weren't for both of you!"
"Hehe! Anytime! 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.”
“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. Alice jumped off the stool and came running toward the young vixen beastkind.
“Good evening, Miss Momo! Please pardon my place. It's a bit messy right now, hehehe.” Alice giggled innocently, and then offered Momo to sit on the sofa not far from before the hearth. “Please grab a seat anywhere you like! I’ll be back in a minute.”
Alice soon returned from her room, and brought her newly made items onto 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 the main business in this village, 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 customers would appreciate me as the cover girl of your store. Though, I apologize for my skepticism, I don't think female customers, especially humans, would want to buy something an item that has… Unique shape.”
Alice giggled softly, “We will see their reaction during the Grand Auction Day in the last day of this month. Do you want to bet against me?”
“I dare not!”
Alice chuckled, Momo’s flustered face was so adorable.
“Though honestly, I don't have a high expectation of this invention. If it fails, then so be it! It's worth the investment, still. More importantly, we need to discuss the shop’s layout and specifications. Do you have anything in particular?”
Momo nodded admittedly. “Not at the moment, I still have to discuss it with the tribe chiefs. However, if you ask me personally, then yes, I do have some preferences.”
“Please, do tell me!”
“Hmm, let's see. Beastkind has various products, from souvenirs, spices, potions and many more… I know it's impossible to put everything in one store, but at least, we could display the samples of each product in the store, and produce them by demand.”
Alice nodded a few times. She understood this business model, which was very similar back on Earth.
Afterward, they discussed business related topics including Beastkind’s philosophy of not wasting any raw materials when making a product. At this moment, Alice connected the dots. The Holy Church’s Crusade wasn't merely condemning Beastkind as a cursed race, but it was about controlling the raw resources in the Great Jungle.
‘For the very least, Beastkind is not a threat but a valuable ally! I must not fail securing this alliance!’ Alice muttered inwardly.
The discussion lasted for hours until midnight. Momo was panicking upon realising how late it was.
“Oh no! I completely lost track of time! I am so sorry, Miss Alice, it's already past your bedtime.”
“It's quite alright, Miss Momo.”
“Er, thank you so much for hosting me till this late! I will excuse myself! Good night!” Momo immediately stood up and headed for the door.
However, Catharina blinked from where she stood, standing right at the doorway calmly.
“It would be very unwise for a young lady like you to head out at this hour. Why don't you stay for the night, and get home in the morning?”
“B-but…”
“I insist.”
Momo’s tall ear dropped low. “Very well. I will be in your care then.”
“Yay! Slumber party! You know what, I have tons of pajamas! I want you to try them Miss Momo!”
Catharina shook her head, looking at Alice sternly. Alice hadn't sleep even a wink for the past days. “Nope, both of you will head to bed after brushing your teeth and washing your face. Immediately.”
“Awww…” Alice cooed. “Catharina, you stingy!”
“Throwing tantrums is useless, young lady. Now, off you go and get changed.”
*****
A few weeks later, the long awaited Grand Auction was held in the early evening of the last day of the business season.
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 seem untouchable and indifferent. 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.
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, walking in rhythm.
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 in the heart of everyone who stumbled upon her gaze. She was a noble-born succubus from a bygone era, Nyxondra was almost as old as Evelynn, and possibly just as powerful.
Lady Cydaea followed suit. A mathematical genius and the guardian of the House of Treasury and Supplies, she moved gracefully despite her size. 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 as a former Demon General who once served under Aleister Nightflame himself. She kept her head low.
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.
The chiefs from each Beastkind Tribe were invited as honourable guests, however, they unanimously rejected the invitation due to safety concerns, hence Alice's sulking face as Momo was nowhere to be seen tonight.
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 parties of the Grand Auction.
“Dear mother, may I just go home and put an end to these fake pleasantries? My face is stiff as a stone from smiling, and my feet are cold.” Alice chimed,
“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 worth of materials and tools 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.”