Cherreads

Chapter 6 - Aurum, Arena Et Eloise

Morning light filtered through the manor windows, soft and golden. I was already awake, seated at my desk with my boots propped on the edge and a steaming cup of tea in my hand. The paperwork Benwick had prepared for me lay sprawled across the surface, barely touched. My mind wasn't on taxes or land surveys—it was on the merchant caravan that had arrived the previous day.

Except, of course, I already knew about them. The system had summoned them, just as it had promised. They were not regular wandering traders—they were preordained instruments of my rise, programmed by whatever powers governed this world to be loyal to me. The villagers wouldn't know this. Neither would Benwick. Nor Eloise. Especially not Eloise.

Benwick entered without knocking, as usual. "They're setting up their stalls in the village square. The merchant—Marlowe, I believe—requests an audience."

I gave a half smile. "Tell him I'll be there by midmorning. Let them get comfortable."

Benwick inclined his head and paused. "Eloise has also asked to join you."

"Let her."

The village square had transformed. Vibrant awnings flapped in the breeze, carts were arranged in rows, and barrels, crates, and display stands were being unpacked by swift, professional hands. Marlowe, the merchant leader, stood at the heart of the operation, sharp-eyed and composed.

Eloise walked beside me, her arms folded as usual, eyes scanning everything with suspicion.

Marlowe bowed low. "Lord Cedric. Your summons has borne fruit. The roads welcomed us. Your gatekeepers did not blink."

I nodded. "They've been trained. And you've brought quite a selection."

He gestured proudly. "The best of the continent. Cloth from the southern looms, spices from the eastern isles, tools forged in the dwarven border-cities."

"And loyalty?"

His grin didn't falter. "Unshakable. We serve, we supply, we expand. You prosper, we prosper."

I knew it wasn't bluster. The system ensured that anyone it summoned served me without question. But appearances needed to be kept, so I nodded approvingly.

Eloise tugged at my sleeve as we moved toward the merchant's tents. "You trust him that fast?"

"He's not from around here. But I have my reasons."

"He's too smooth."

"So are whetstones, but they keep the blade sharp."

She rolled her eyes.

'Ahhhhhh, she's just begging to be pounded!' I screamed in my mind.

We spent hours touring the stalls. I asked about every product. Marlowe's assistants answered smoothly. I made a show of haggling, knowing full well the prices were already tilted in my favor. Villagers looked on in awe, whispering among themselves about how quickly the estate had turned around.

I noticed one of the younger scribes carrying bundles of ink and parchment back toward the keep. Good.

The real treasure was information.

Marlowe had maps. Charts. Guild contacts. He offered a sealed portfolio labeled in gold ink: Trade Opportunities – South Corridor. I accepted it and gave him a nod.

Eloise followed beside me, arms still crossed. "Still think this is all too good to be true."

"If it's a dream, it's the best one I've ever had."

She snorted softly. "You and your smooth lines."

"I practice in the mirror." I gave her a wink.

'I definitely have her in my palm, looks like she's a fool for some care and affection, then again, who isn't?'

Later that day, I summoned Marlowe to the study. He arrived alone.

"You understand," I began, "that I expect total discretion."

"Of course, milord."

"The villagers think you're just a lucky merchant. Keep it that way."

"Naturally."

"In return, you'll have priority on exclusive trade contracts, logistics protection, and docking rights when we reach the rivers."

His eyes gleamed. "Understood."

I gave him a small pouch. Inside were three gold coins—rare, discreet, and marked- especially in this part of the Kingdom. His fingers trembled as he received them.

"A gesture," I said, "of goodwill."

He bowed deeply. "Your success is our mandate, Lord Cedric."

I stepped out of the mansion and took a leisurely walk around the estate. The air was crisp with the scent of fresh grain and earth. Villagers were moving about with visible enthusiasm, waving as I passed. Children darted through alleys, laughter echoing off stone.

First, I visited the smithy. The blacksmith, a broad-shouldered man named Godric, wiped his soot-stained hands and approached. "Milord. The new steel—refined stuff. Better than anything I've worked with. I could kiss your boots for it."

"Kiss the anvil instead. That's where the magic happens."

He barked a laugh. "Aye, and I'll have those new horseshoes ready tomorrow."

I smiled at him, "What's your class right now?" I asked in curiosity.

"I'm a Greater Blacksmith, just broke through while using this beautiful steel."

"That's perfect. Continue advancing, and we'll always support you."

He responded with an aye and continued smithing.

Next was the bakery. Warm aromas wafted through the open window. Inside, the baker's apprentice, a young girl named Mara, offered me a crusty loaf. "We've never had flour this fine. My master says it's like baking clouds."

I accepted the loaf, broke off a piece. "Then keep baking. Let the village smell like heaven. Also, by the way, any idea what class your master is in now?"

She frowned and scrunched up her eyebrows, "I'm not really sure milord, but I do recall that she had a breakthrough recently."

"Ah, that's great, send her my congratulations. I'll be on my way now."

She nodded and sent me off.

'Hmmmm, that baker's master was definitely a MILF, seemed like a submissive one also, I'll definitely have to check her out later.'

Further down, at the weaving shed, old Mother Hestle was showing a group of women new techniques with shimmering threads.

"We'll have cloth worthy of courtly backs, soon enough," she said, eyes gleaming. "You've brought us hope, Lord Cedric."

"Hope is a good beginning," I replied. "Let's build on it. Raise your classes and become the foundation of the future!"

Even the streets looked different. There was laughter, life. A buzz of commerce I hadn't heard in years. My small fiefdom was stirring.

As I walked back toward the manor, I caught sight of Eloise helping lift a heavy sack onto a merchant cart. One of the apprentices dropped a crate nearby, and she helped him too. She moved efficiently, no airs, no titles—just purpose.

When she noticed me, she brushed a lock of hair behind her ear and approached.

"You've changed things quickly," she said.

"Just a few nudges here and there."

"It's more than that." Her eyes lingered on me. "The people are smiling again. You… you've done well."

"You sound surprised."

"Maybe I am."

We walked in silence for a moment, the sound of merchants packing up and villagers bustling around fading behind us.

When we reached the garden behind the manor, she stopped. "Do you ever feel… like you're meant for something bigger?"

I looked at her. "Every damn day."

She looked at me with longing, I could basically feel her pussy dripping with cum.

"That merchant left smiling. What did you give him?"

"A token of trust."

"He didn't earn it."

"That's not his job. That's mine."

She stopped and faced me. "And mine? What am I to you, Cedric?"

That question carried weight. I stepped closer.

"You're my fire," I said. "You burn what holds us back."

'Nice one, me! I think the training courses on rizz really helped.'

She looked away. "I didn't ask for a compliment."

"Then stop fishing for one."

We stood in silence, the air heavy. Eventually, she sheathed her blade.

"I'm not yours. I'm not a toy."

"And I'm not asking you to be. But if you ever decide you want more, I'll be here."

She scoffed. "And if I show up at your door?"

"Then I'll answer."

She walked past me, brushing my shoulder.

"Don't wait too long," I added.

As she walked past me, I stared at that beautifully shaped bubble butt and imagined me pounding into it.

'She's definitely a heavily submissive type.' I thought to myself.

-----

That night, I returned to my chamber, exhausted but satisfied.

A knock.

Eloise entered, wearing her usual tunic—but her posture was different. Less guarded.

"No titles tonight," she said. "Just Cedric. Just Eloise."

I stepped forward. "You're sure?"

She didn't answer with words. She closed the door behind her.

As soon as she turned back around, I pulled her in closer with my hand around her neck.

"I'm going to tame you like the bitch you are then."

Her eyes widened in shock at the sudden change. However, instead of defiance like she usually shows, her eyes showed submission.

"Please use me as you see fit... Cedric."

I smirked at her change in attitude, 'I guess I was right after all.'

"There's only one relationship here, Bitch and Master. Do you understand?"

I could see the hearts forming in her eyes as she responded, "Yes Master, tame my naughty pussy!"

"Then let's get on with it!"

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