A few weeks later, Andariel and Freya had returned to the village. However, both of them agreed to not hold a welcome party or anything like that since it was just a quick visit.

Nevertheless, Andariel still carried out her duty as the Chieftess, tended her administration routines that had been neglected for three years, overseeing the ongoing project and many more.

The discussion about the chieftess’ successor surfaced during the Village Council meeting. Almost all council members supported Alice as the next Chieftess should Andariel move permanently to Arlenheim after she married Freya.

However, the chieftess defused the ongoing discussion almost immediately. “Alice may possess an intelligence that surpasses even the best of us, but she is still too young. I don't wish to burden her with this mundane, worldly affair. She is destined for something much bigger than we could comprehend.”

Freya was aware of the weight that Andariel carried on her shoulders. Managing the village and becoming her spouse would put a tremendous amount of responsibility upon her name. 

Freya rose up from her seat, catering the council’s attention towards her. “As the Queen of Arlenheim Kingdom, I hereby declare Tusa Village as a Duchy, solely ruled by Duchess Andariel. The official ceremony shall be carried out upon upcoming notice and will be held at Arlenheim Royal Palace. Whoever objects to my decision, you may raise your hand and state your reason.”

Collective gasp was heard in the hall. They were surprised by Freya's sudden decision. Granted, nobody would refuse it.

By the time Tusa Village was officially announced by the Queen herself as a Duchy, the village was eligible to expand its territory without being deemed as an act of invasion against human territory.

Which means, more material and resources that they could harvest outside the village’s territory.

Once the meeting was concluded, Andariel and Freya went deeper into Cydaea’s lair deep under the Village Hall.

Just as Andariel had expected, Freya was shocked to see Cydaea's spider-like appearance. Nevertheless, Freya walked closer, standing tall before Cydaea's imposing stature.

“Good afternoon, Lady Cydaea. It's an honor to meet you.”

“Oh my… Freya Drottning of Arlenheim visits me in person. It's such a delight to welcome thee in my humble lair, your majesty.” The arachnid succubus bowed, lowering her legs.

After that short polite greeting, Freya stated intention of meeting Cydaea. “I would like to ask you a favor.”

“By all means. Please speak what’s in your mind…”

“I would like to take an official loan from Tusa Village, and it will be officially recorded in Arlenheim’s Treasury.”

Cydaea smiled impishly. “How much do you need?”

“As much as it’s needed to build and develop Arlenheim to a new height.” Freya’s eyes were full of determination.

“Very well…” Cydaea summoned her spiderling with a slight whisper, it crawled out from a dark space, bringing a piece of white cloth. She then gave it to the queen. “This is your blank check, just write any number of money that you desire with your saliva. My spiderlings will scan it and transfer the information through our network. We will deliver the money once I verified the note.”

Freya was puzzled. “How would that work? As far as I know, saliva would not leave any mark on the paper.”

Cydaea chuckled, she then explained her unique ability as an arachnid descent. “Our keen senses of odor, touch, and vibration allowed us to detect the slightest change upon touching our silkweb. Furthermore, the structure of saliva is unique to each person, and can't be copied even with magic.”

“That is very… Convenient.” Freya smiled wryly.

She had expected that Cydaea had superior intelligence, but not by this much. Furthermore, her spiderlings network was thousands years ahead of her kingdom’s intelligent agency. 

‘It was actually quite terrifying just to think about the high speed communication that Cydaea was capable of, especially during the war.’

“One more question.” Freya raised a finger.

“Yes?”

“Who taught you this method?”

“Young Lady Alice taught me the concept of the signature gene sequence of each living being, and surprisingly, I do possess the ability to see things in microscopic size. Furthermore, my sharp sense of scent could translate what I smell into an image.”

“Wow, even as Queen, my knowledge and wisdom are far behind the young lady.” Freya couldn't help but shake her head at a loss.

“Is that everything?” Cydaea inquired.

“I think that's all from me. How about you, Andariel?”

“I’m good, for now. I will talk with Cydaea later about the dowry. We have wasted her precious afternoon napping time. Let's go.”

“Erm… Okay.” Freya turned to the arachne. “Farewell, Lady Cydaea.”

“Safe trip, both of you.”

In the late afternoon, an hour before evening, Andariel and Freya went to the East Side to meet Alice at her store 

On the way there, Andariel was very surprised to see so many succubi had married with incubi or even with the male beast folk. They now had a baby or two. She’s relieved that the future of her kin still has some hope.

Before long, a commotion was heard from the House of Artisans’ direction, a little incubus was zooming out of control while being chased by Lisha and Morwenna.

“Duskwyn! Come back here!” Morwenna chased the brat, furiously.

The three years old incubus run while giggling joyously. He thought that picking Morwenna’s item and being chased was a fun thing to do.

Before the reckless kid hurt himself, Andariel grabbed him with her spell, and safely returned him to his mothers.

“Release me! Hey! Don't you know who I am?! I’m Duskwyn! Lady Morwenna's son!”

“If you’re her son, you should know better that stealing your mother's item is not something you should do.”

Afterward, Morwenna grabbed the kid, pinching his ear upward.

“Ouch ouch! It hurts, mom!”

“Impertinent little brat! You’re before the presence of Lady Andariel and her fiance! Have some manners! Apologize to her, now!”

“Huuu… I’m sorry.” The little incubus brat cried out loud.

“It's fine, Morwenna. Don't be too harsh to him.”

“Oh dear… I’m so sorry, Lady Andariel. Did he sully your dress or anything?”

“There's nothing to be concerned about.” Andariel waved her hand dismissively. “Anyway… Is he really your son?”

Morwenna’s face blushed. “Y-yes, milady. Lisha planted her seed in me and he’s born not long after you left for Arlenheim.”

“Ahh, I see...” Andariel understood the struggle of raising a kid. She had it worse when raising Alice when the little demoness was a toddler. “Anyway, I’m so happy that you both have a child now. Is the marriage in order?”

“We haven't planned that far. Right now, we vowed to not have another partner until Duskwyn has grown up and matured enough. You know… He is quite strong and has developed a male part when he was two years old. Hence, we need to educate him properly first.”

“That’s good to hear.” Andariel said. “But anyway, where’s Lisha?

“She's helping Young Lady Alice with the items catalogue for the store.”

“That’s very rare for Alice… She rarely asked for help from anyone.” Andariel nodded, rubbing her chin. “In any case, feel free to reach me out when you need any help while I’m staying here.”

“Certainly, milady!"