The remaining Cores returned to their domains soon after we confirmed that Demesne was fine. We spent the morning in Wolf Manor and ate breakfast with her to ensure she had no problems eating. Well. On the bright side, she certainly was healthy and didn't have any pains after drinking a cup of warm water and eating a slice of bread. Once it was clear that Demesne was fine and healthy, most of my wives returned to Avalon. There was always a lot of work but, at least now, we identified the problems early on. Hestia, Lavender, Freya, and I stayed with Demesne a little bit longer to help her with her new form. Still, the newly personified Wolfkin tried her best to make good use of her hands but, truth be told, even walking was challenging. I wasn't very surprised by it since, quite literally, it was her first day having a body. She was very enthusiastic and took the training very seriously.

However...

Freya and I tried to explain to her the whole concept of eating food and, while Demesne really tried to not be messy, the experience was similar to feeding a toddler. Simply put, we, the Dungeon Cores were very strong. It was a kind of cartoonish, ridiculous, super-strength depicted in every kind of media. It, honestly, went across the board with all our stats being unbelievably elevated but, no matter how overpowered you were, if you lacked any experience, you were just an overgrown toddler. That was Demesne's main problem. Every time she picked up a cup she crushed it in her hand. Forks and spoons weren't safe in her monstrous grip as well. I noticed that other Dungeon Cores were politely observing her struggles through our link but it was akin to students furiously taking notes because they knew that, at any moment, the teacher might ask them the same questions.

"It's so hard, Master!" She complained in despair after another failed attempt to lift a cup. If she knew she was being observed, she kept it to herself. "How are you doing it so easily, Freya?!"

"I've had a lot of practice, Demesne." My wife chuckled as she gently sipped her coffee with heavy cream. "Theon and I were also Humans in our previous lives so I guess it also counts. You simply have to practice."

"I'm afraid Freya is right." I smiled softly seeing Demesne's ears turning in every possible direction as her emotions changed. "But hey! The more you practice the better you get!"

"Hmmm..." Lavender looked at the Wolfkin woman and smiled. "I think I can help her."

"REALLY?!" Demesne jumped to her feet, almost wrecking the furniture around her.

"Indeed." Lavender stood up and summoned her impressive staff that held a huge emerald on the top. When she followed up by pointing it at Demesne, her eyes went wide in shock. "Great Weakening!"

In an instant, Demesne was enveloped in a green light but Lavender looked unhappy.

"I still can't suppress the visual effect completely." The Dryad complained as she stored away her staff and sat back on her chair with an unhappy sigh but smiled encouragingly at the Core. "As you can see Demesne, even I have to train more... Anyway, try it now, Demesne."

The Wolfkin looked pitifully at the cup but reached for it with hesitation. She was comically careful and I was sure she tried to observe herself from the RTS mode; nonetheless, she finally slowly grabbed the cup that, this time, survived.

"Oh!" She slowly lifted it with a smile of victory on her face. "It worked! It worked!"

"Try to remember this amount of strength you are using now, Demesne," Lavender advised with a proud nod.

"I'll try..." She took a sip of water and after stealing a glance at the cup that remained in one piece, she decided she deserved to drink everything.

Once the newly personified Core put the cup back on the table, Lavender lifted her debuff. A Slime Maid refilled the cup and Demesne swallowed hard. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and put together her clenched fists before she, one more, extended her slightly trembling hand towards the cup. At a snail's pace, Demesne closed her fingers on the cup and, surprisingly, she only slightly cracked its surface. However, the cup remained integral enough to hold water and Demesne lifted it with unbridled joy painted on her face.

"I managed...! I managed to do it!" She laughed and put away the cup.

However, in her excitement, she used far too much strength and smashed it to pieces on the table. To my astonishment, the table survived the impact but just one glance at smiling Hestia was enough for me to realise she had strengthened the furniture.

"Indeed you did." I praised her efforts despite her wet face after the last explosion. "But training will take you much longer than just one morning. Don't let small failures discourage you, Demesne."

"Okay..." She sighed with her ears flattened.

"Don't worry, Demesne." Lavender smiled at her and took a sip of her favourite tea. "While Theon and Freya have to leave soon, I will stay with you. Or, more accurately, you will come with me."

"Thank you, my Darling." I kissed Lavender's cheek as I stood up. Demesne was clearly unhappy but slowly nodded. "Duty calls, I'm afraid. I hope you two have a fun day."

"Certainly." Lavender grinned. "I have a plan for the entire day prepared."

"See you later!" I smiled as we left them in Wolf Manor and returned to the Avalon's war room.

"My forces are ready," Freya said and hesitated for a moment, but she simply shrugged. "We lost Hrulf but I won't be postponing the entire mission just because he is evolving. It would be certainly harder without one scion but, on the other hand, I have fifteen others."

"I think I could attach Thor to the expedition forces..."

"Hmmm... I could take him as a backup..." Freya rubbed her chin as she lowered her head in a nod. After a few seconds, she nodded more confidently. "All right, Theon. His presence will certainly be helpful."

"Consider it done." I smiled and got serious as my gaze rested on Victory. "I hope they have stopped fighting..."

•••

Captain Fiona Ravenna looked into the distance with a dead stare. When she was promoted a week ago she couldn't have been more proud. To be selected as the Captain of HMS Victory, a private vessel of the Royal Family and one of the most famous ships of the Royal Fleet, was not only one of the most prestigious assignments but also one of the greatest honours any officer could have received. She was one of the best of officers who recently graduated from Military Academy. She also spent three weeks as Dauntless' bridge officer. Yet... The last week had been hell. Never, even in her worst nightmares, did Fiona expect to be rejected by her ship. However, that was the case. She had been informed that Victory was special but she never imagined it to be literally alive. In a few hours, they would depart on their first mission after refitting but, instead of confidence, Fione felt despair.

She was sitting in an unimaginably luxurious room and stared at her cup of her tea that went cold a long ago. On the other side of the table, actually sitting on the table, was Victory. Well, in fact, she was in her own tiny chair with a round table but that detail was frankly irrelevant. Victory's stare bored holes in the Wolfkin captain and Fiona couldn't understand her hatred. She had really tried to impress the ancient golem core but everything was in vain. Her hand-picked crew of the best and most representative officers, sailors, and marines in the entire Navy were flawless. Frankly, the crew weren't the problem as even Victory praised their skills and professionalism at each step, making Fiona jealous. Yet, she couldn't name one mistake she herself had made to cause the ire of Victory. Even the presence of Tuul'kara onboard was, generally, a very positive experience and Fiona was sure that Victory was incredibly friendly and warm... ship? Golem? Whatever... No matter what she was, Victory hated Fiona. She took a deep breath and lowered her empty gaze to the Elf-like, tiny golem.

"Why do you hate me, Victory?"

The golem looked at her angrily but, instead of ostensibly ignoring her again, she actually closed her eyes and took a deep breath as well.

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"If that helps you, it's nothing personal. I simply can't acknowledge you, Captain Fiona."

She blinked a few times in her astonishment. That was probably the longest sentence Victory spoke to her.

"But... Why?" She asked, feeling tears welling in her eyes.

"I... I-" Victory stuttered. "I believe there are only two people qualified to be my Captain in the Royal Navy. Admiral Sparrow and Admiral Teach."

Fiona took another deep breath, feeling as if some distant God of Sanity smiled upon her. If that was the case, then even she could agree with Victory.

"At least you are honest with me."

"I know I wasn't fair toward you but I simply cannot force myself to risk anyone who I can't trust to be my Captain. Once this mission is over, we will be in charge of protecting the Royal Family of Arcadia wherever they wish to go. I can't risk entrusting anyone except those two with the duty of protecting the Royal Family!" Victory huffed in exasperation but, since it wasn't a personal attack on Fiona, she rapidly cheered up with relief.

"I was afraid that you hated me..." She picked up her cold tea with a trembling hand and took a sip to soothe her dry throat.

"Of course not." Victory bobbed her shoulders. "If we were just a flagship, I would accept someone like you without hesitation. Your grades are excellent. Your combat experience, albeit short, is very impressive as well as your accomplishments. Even, as far as I know, you were one of just a few Captains who worked hard enough to get the subclass before they finished the Academy. No, Fiona Ravenna. You are an excellent officer who has proved many times that they are a capable commander. After this single week, you earned the respect of this fine crew, handpicked by Admiral Sparrow herself and trained by Admiral Teach. So, no, I don't hate you."

Fiona was speechless. She was furiously blinking, trying to make sense of what she heard but that was difficult.

"If I understand you correctly, you will only accept Lady, Grand Admiral of the Royal Fleet of Arcadia, Janet A'net Sparrow, or Rear Admiral, Lower Half, one of the Emperor's Black Blades, Edward Blackbeard Teach, as your captain?"

"Yes."

Fiona started laughing. All the frustrations of the last week left her as the relief washed her soul.

"What's so funny?" Victory asked with an almost offended tone.

"With all due respect, you are the one dreaming." Fiona wiped a tear she shed from the laughter and finished her tea. "Lady Sparrow is a line officer through and through. She would hate this assignment more than anything. Oh, certainly, she would follow the Emperor's order but this assignment would be torture for someone like her. She was born to rule the skies and she, effectively, made it clear that the overall commander of the Royal Navy is the Admiral of the First Fleet. With a friend in Empress Aoi and having the full support of His Imperial Highness, she is the absolute commander of the Navy and fiercely loyal only to the Royal Family. Then, you have Blackbeard. Blackbeard is the Captain of Queen Anne's Revenge. Nothing less, nothing more."

Victory looked at Fiona in silence. There was denial and outrage painted on the face of the tiny golem. However, she remembered her composure and kept her hands together as she rested her elbows on the tiny table. "What's the problem with changing the assignment..."

Fiona once again burst into laughter. "Because it is a problem!"

"Elaborate..." Victory's blue eyes dangerously narrowed as she pursued her lips.

"I think I clearly explained why you can forget about having Admiral Sparrow as your Captain. But, to drive home my point, I will just say, no one who isn't Lord Theon or one of his wives can effectively command their forces at such a huge distance. Even Scion Galahad is commanding very close to the front lines if not from the front line! As the commander of the Royal Fleet of Arcadia, Lady Sparrow is following the war theatres and leading the Royal Fleet."

"I accept this explanation..." Victory grumbled angrily after a few seconds. "What about Admiral Teach? He is not a line officer."

"He isn't a desk admiral either." Fiona bobbed her arms as she chuckled with amusement. "Sir Teach is a member of the Empire's Special Forces. It's true that their main duty is the protection of the Empresses. However, main duty doesn't mean only duty. The Special Forces work in the shadows, Victory. Queen Anne's Revenge has already departed covertly a few times. But... Do you think that you could be associated with any shadow operations of Arcadia? Because, I don't think so!" Fiona was dead serious and cast a furious gaze at Victory as she started slamming her open hand on the table at each pause to punctuate her outrage. "This very ship is a personal ship of the Royal Family! No one is allowed to even suspect it of ulterior motives! And that's what will happen if you try to pretend to be just any ship! You are HMS Victory! The most magnificent vessel of Nilmerthis! Your very presence will be associated with the presence of the Royal Family wherever you go! Do you want to risk creating rumours that you are some shady ship?!"

The golem was almost pushed back in her chair. It was apparent that she wasn't prepared for such arguments. However, Fiona wasn't called the best and brightest without reason. The Wolfkin woman straightened and calmly put together her hands on the table.

"What you display here, Victory, is an act of defiance against the will of Empresses Amber and Aoi Sora. I would never have expected that I would need to explain to you that each ship captain is selected according to their merits and abilities. And I was chosen for this duty."

Victory sighed and looked away, but this time Fiona simply stood up and went towards the doors.

"Thank you for your honesty, Victory. This particular mission is a test for this vessel and I want you to notice there are no members of the Royal Family on board, so, it shouldn't matter who your captain is." She opened the doors and left the tiny golem inside.

•••

Tuul'kara was standing on the main deck, resting lazily on the railings, and watching the blue sky over Avalon. The early morning sun cast its rays on his face and the God of the Northern Ocean smiled in delight. As a God, especially one so personally connected with HMS Victory, he was aware of many, if not all, things happening onboard. He would have been very disappointed with a captain who upset his favourite ship. However, he was also aware that Victory was still lost in the realm of feelings she couldn't understand. For a moment, he considered stepping in to somehow mediate but finally decided against it. Victory has to learn on her own. He slightly pitied the Captain but there was very little he could do to help her that wouldn't be a blatant lie to trick Victory.

"Good morning, Captain Fiona." He smiled at the attractive Wolfkin who entered the main deck.

The woman was tall but not as tall as him. Her unblemished, silver hair and fur covering her ears and tail were shining in the sun. Her large, blue eyes were slightly dimmed but her uniform and posture were flawless.

"Good morning, God Tuul'kara." She stopped and bowed her head with respect.

"Any problems?" He asked, knowing fully well her answer.

"Some." She admitted unexpectedly, shocking him.

"I see..." He smiled. "May I help you?"

"Not really." She shrugged. "I must sort them out with Victory myself."

"Mhm," He nodded and added under his breath so she couldn't hear him. "But I'll try anyway..."

She waved her hand and went to the bow of the ship. Tuul'kara watched her walking away with a thoughtful smile. Mortals... How fascinating they were once they stopped shaking in fear before him. Of course, compared to their Lord, he was almost a novelty. They acknowledged his strength and even prayed to him but their prayers were different now. Their wishes were much more mundane and far easier to grant which he happily did. Those prayers also carried far more hope and each one of them gave him more strength than ever before. Being conquered by Arcadia was the best thing that could have happened to Tulva and being beaten into submission by Ertu turned out more interesting than he ever anticipated. He looked with a wide grin at the blue sky and enjoyed the pleasant wind on his face. Tuul'kara had to admit that he had changed under the gentle influence of Empress Hestia and the not-so-gentle threat of being absolutely wrecked by the Emperor. Currently, he knew that he wasn't proud back then but better described as boastful. Right now, after being praised by the Masters of Arcadia, he gained the right to be proud...

"Hey... Tuul'kara..." Victory's embarrassed voice sounded from his right.

"Hmmm...?" He opened one eye as he tilted his head enough to look at her.

Victory was sitting on the railing with a drooped head and the general appearance of someone who had given up on their life. The gentle breeze blew her light hair but her Royal Navy uniform was perfect.

"Was she telling the truth?"

"You are asking me?" He laughed wholeheartedly but smiled softly seeing her miserable face. "Yes. She was speaking the truth. While Empress Amber is certainly very fond of you, she would never allow the talent of someone like Admiral Sparrow or Admiral Teach to be wasted as a glorified carriage driver. Don't get me wrong, Victory. You are a magnificent ship, and you are even growing as a person. Albeit, not as grand and refined as people, you even have a soul! But, you must remember your role. You are a guardian, Victory. Those two, who you cherish and admire, are not built to be guardians... they can fill the role but, alas, not as good as you or Captain Fiona."

"What should I do now?" Victory looked as if she wanted to cry. "Why did it hurt so much?"

"Ahhh..." He turned around and, as he leaned slightly on the railing, he smiled warmly. "So you indeed tried to cry just now..."

"I- I suppose so..." She closed her eyes, knowing fully well they would never shed a tear. She wasn't alive... Suddenly, she felt a gentle touch of Tuul'kara on her head and gasped in shock, feeling tears welling in her eyes and falling down. She looked through her blurred vision at Tuul'kara. "What? How?"

"I'm a God, after all." He chuckled with a soft smile as he rested his head on his crossed arms and looked into the distance. "Making a stone cry is far easier than making it to give a chance to her assigned Captain, after all..."

Victory wiped her tears and smiled at her friend. "Don't sell yourself short, Tuul'kara. I will give her a chance..."

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