Kit Cuts

Kayo couldn’t help but admire the clouds and the emerald green forest below her, riding in front of King Gazel on his loyal Pegasus mount, Ivory. “So cool~!” Kayo gushed in excitement, blue eyes sparking with amazement, her dark brown hair held into a bun to kept it from flying everywhere, her tan cheeks dimpling with her bright smile from the familiar feeling of riding a horse, combined with the sensation of the wind and clouds wrapping around her. 

‘When can I get one?’ She excitedly thought, making Gazle chuckle. 

“It will be a while before you get your own, my child.” Gazle mussed, as he enjoyed the young girl’s excitement of her first flight. It was a familiar feeling, he had the same reaction when he was still a small child, his father taken him on his own mount, a very rare black stallion Pegasus. The feel of the wind across his face, the beating wings of powerful creatures, and the view from above had enticed him as well.“Do you breed them in Dwargon? Oooh! Are there Wild Peagsi? How much weight can they carry? How fast can they fly? How high up can they go? Oh! How long can they fly for? What about their hooves? Do they wear shoes like normal horses? Do you get their hooves trimmed? Can they breed with normal horses? Oh! Are there unicorns too? Is it possible to crossbreed them and get an ALICORN!?” Kayo asked her questions quickly with childish excitement, her energy endeared to the warrior king. 

“We do not breed them in Dwargon, for security reasons. As far as I am aware, there are no wild Pegasi left in the world.” He answered her slowly, considering some of her questions for a moment. “A well-trained mount can carry twice its own weight. You need not worry about being too big to ride one.” he mused as Kayo blushed, unsure of how much she weighed now, and was a little scared to learn the truth. Mostly worried about hurting the poor creature then her dream of ridding one of them.  “They can fly quite fast, given that they have few obstacles in their way up here. They can fly above the clouds and even stomp on them as if they were land.” He told her which made the girl squeal and look back at him excitedly. “Can you show me!?” she asked and the king chuckled at her excitement. “Another time, however, where did you get this idea of an ‘Alicorn’?” He asked her curious about the cartoonish dark blue and black horse that possessed wings and a horn, an odd white crescent moon shaped mark on his hunches with an ethereal mane that resembled the night sky. 

“I... found it in a book?” she reasoned, having found a book of magical equines in the Dwargon library, but she had not gotten to the part about unicorns to check if the combination was even possible. “Hmm well as for their hooves, they do get trimmed but iron horseshoes would just weigh them down. Unfortunately, it does leave their hooves rather exposed.” he explained to her as the young woman was listening to Ivory. 

“Ivory says you don’t like going fast, that she wants to show me the speed of Dwargon’s top steed.” She explained to the dwarf king who felt a little insulted but smirked at the opportunity. “Is that right? I suppose it has been a while.” He chuckled and allowed his mount to go as fast as her heart desired, it had been a few years since he enjoyed her full speed himself. “Show my little girl how fast you are Ivory!” He called out to the excited horse, flapping her wings in a single powerful stroke broke the formation, much to the shock of the knights. 

“Your highness!” Captain Dord called out in worry, slightly panicked before ushering his egger mount to follow, along with a hand full of others who could keep up with Ivory’s speed. Hearing the new princess and her father happily laughing at the high speed as they tried to keep up with the duo. 

~Dwargon~

Once the small group landed on the hidden landing for the winged steeds Kayo tensed as she noticed a few people were waiting for them near the stables. ‘Time to get into character.’ Kayo, Inari, thought, gulping nervously as she held onto Ivory’s saddle, shaking a little to look like she had not enjoyed the very fun ride as Ivory’s hooves touched the ground and she proudly pranced over to the group to let her riders dismount. 

Nervous blue eyes looked at the rather intimidating man in black armor, then looked to the little old lady holding a knurly wooden staff next to him, before finely seeing a familiar half face that gave her a rather sharp look. Of course, Inari flinched from the woman’s gaze to help sell the ‘untrained country bumpkin turned heir’ roll she was playing. 

Gazel smiled and dismounted first from behind his shaking offspring, holding his hand out to help her down. Her blue eyes looked at him with uncertainty before slipping off the well exercised horse, Gazle of course worried at how little she weighed when he held her, carefully setting the scared looking girl on her slightly trembling feet. 

The dwarf king set an assuring hand on her shoulder and gave her a small smirk, Ivory being taken to her stable to rest after her fun journey. Not far behind, the few that had kept up with them arrived, the horses happy but their riders were slightly irritated by the sudden high speeds. 

“Welcome back, your majesty. I see your mission has bore fruit.” The elderly woman spoke first, a small smirk on her wrinkled lips as she looked at the nervous young woman, Gazle gave a small chuckle at her words. “It would seem so. Allow me to introduce you to.... my daughter, Inari Dwargo, my child and Heir.” He said proudly, hearing Kayo mentally growl but the young woman maintained her nervousness. 

“H-hello. It’s nice to meet you.” she gave a nervous wave to the council members she did not recognize, not knowing these people already knew her true identity and her mission. 

~Cleaning Up~

‘Fuck! It itches so bad!’ Inari thought as she felt like hundreds of little ants where biting at her naked body while she was being bathed in rather tepid water, two maids were assigned to take care of her, one scrubbed her body rather hard with ‘herbs’ the reincarnation knew where poisonous to the touch. The maid's bear hands looked a little red but the other maid, with gloves on, kept scrubbing the young woman’s tan skin rather roughly. 

“Um? I-I can clean myself thank you. Also... I'm kinda itchy.” Inari suggested and stopped one of the maids from touching her chest. There were only a few places the itching had not reached, only to see the other maid frown. “This is to help lighten your skin, your skin is patchy and rough. Hardly what one thinks of as a princess.” the maid explained, and Inari suppressed the urge to drown her in the bath water, she had made the younger maid scrub her while she was fiddling with some pretty bottles before picking up an expensive looking golden one. 

“Next will be to try and do something about that mess on top of your head.” she voiced, holding back a smirk at the new heir, who looked back at her in confusion. ‘What is her major malfunction?’ Inari thought but didn’t like the feel of thegolden bottle. The older maid suddenly tripped and the bottle flew out of her hands as she tried to watch herself, only grabbing the poor young maid’s hair who fell on top of the troublesome one who fell to the ground before the golden bottle shattered and unlashed some familiar white goo on the floor.  

Even without her keen nose, the young woman knew the bottle was meant to REMOVE hair, the smell being far too familiar from her past life. 

“Oh my! Are you two okay? That looked like a nasty fall.” Inari asked, partly getting out of the bath, not worried about being naked around other females... or her kitsune brother, Felipe who had helpfully tripped the troublesome maid. The younger maid blushed however and stared at Inari’s offered hand, and slowly took it, the maid slightly surprised by the woman’s strength as she was early pulled back to her feet. 

“Y-yes, Princess Inari! I’m so sorry!” The younger maid apologized, quickly getting off the angary older woman who scowled at the mess. “Lena, finish taming the Princess's hair while I go and retrieve proper attire for our... lady.” she hesitated on the last word. Obviously not pleased that her plan had been interrupted, but she still had more in store for Inari. 

“Y-Yes ma’am. I will do my best!” the young maid said eagerly and sighed, relieved when the older maid left. “Is she always like this?” Inari asked, frowning and getting out of the bath. Walking to the small bag she had brought to help sell her bumpkin origins. “N-no. It’s just that... we had not expected you to be an adult when we were informed his highness was bring home his new child and Heir. M-many though you would just be a small baby or a child.” the younger maid explained, looking at Inari’s back and the rash that was covering it. Inari was thankful to have brought her special bag, at first look there was only another pair of well-worn pants, worn 3 tunics in faded earthy tones, a few pairs of white panties, a hunting knife, and some bandages. Reaching in carefully, Inari pulled out two small wooden containers that held the ointment she was looking for. 

“Yeah, sorry to disappoint you. I’m nearly 18, but I've learned to survive on my own for ages now.” Inari was used to lying about her age, opening the container filed with some clear light goo. “You can leave I can wash myself up from here. I’m not fond of this... fancy stuff.” Inari explained and pointed to the many colorful bottles, some making the young woman uneasy. The maid looked at the containers curiously before Inari held one out to her. “Here. You can have this one. It should sooth the rash quickly.” She told the maid who looked at her wide eyed but held out her hands to take the simple container. “T-thank you, Lady Inari. I will leave it to you then.” she said and quickly left the young heir alone to finish her bath. 

‘7... 8... 9... 10.’ Inari counted mentally before nodding her head. Walking across the large bathroom to lock the door to be sure no one else could come in. 

“You sure you should have given her that?” Felipe asked, coming out of hiding from the shadows, his fur having been dyed a shadow black that imitated his sister’s fur. Having hidden in the secret pocket of his sister’s bag to be smuggled into Dwargon as her backup.  “Maybe not, but it should help either way. Can you get my back? I can’t take this itching anymore!” Inari growled, resisting the urge to scratch at the rash burning her skin, making her kitsune brother chuckle a little and help his sister apply the cream to her irritated skin. 

~Dressing Up~ 

‘What da fuck is this?’ Inari thought in disgust, looking at herself in a full body mirror... dressed like a big orange pumpkin... the skirt alone made the young woman look twice her size, never mind that the older maid had forced her Texas sized gut into a New Hampshire sized waist, with a VERY strong corslet. It didn’t help that the top had vertical stripes of two shades of green, making her large breasts look more like watermelons with how small the top was. 

“Hmm, you do have a few good traits after all. Strong hips to bear children is important, and I'm sure you’ve also put your chest to good use as well.” The older maid carefully insulted Inari, who was still horrified with her appearance, and her brother laughing at her misfortune. 

“C-can we.... lose the corslet? It’s... hard to breath... in this danmed thing.” Inari cursed, reaching back and trying to undo the maid’s work before her fingers are slipped as she lets out a strangled yelp. 

“No. A proper lady must maintain a slender waist.” The older maid scoffed at the annoyed young woman who tried to think of a reasonable counter. “I’m sure your mother was happy you no longer ruined her slender figure once you were born. Then again, some women can never become slender after having such a big healthy child.” The maid continued and Kayo stared at her unblinkingly, with her blue eyes turning cold. 

‘YOU STUPID CHILD! I SHOULD HAVE KILLED YOU WHEN YOU WERE IN MY BELLY! LOOK WHAT YOU DID TO ME! YOU DID THIS TO ME! YOU STUPID! UNGREATEFUL! CHILD!’

Inari pulled out a blade suddenly, startling the maid who filched, taking a step back at the young woman’s cold unfocused stare was still on her. “Y-young lady! T-this is uncalled for!” she said to the young woman who could not hear her over the echoing shouts of horrible memories. Taking a step towards the frightened maid who screamed and ran out of the room in fear. 

‘YOU SHOULD HAVE DIED!’ 

“Ahhhh~! Much better~.” Inari sighed as she had used the knife to cut through the laces of the corslet as far as she could reach, the restrictive clothing coming undone when she took in much needed deep breaths. 

“Sis?” Felipe questioned from the shadows unsurely, seeing her plop onto the fainting couch that was serving its intended use well. “Ha... I'm fine. I just can’t breathe it this stupid pumpkin suit.” She complained and took off the hideous orange dress, and held out her hand to were the kitsune was hiding. 

“Give me my bag.” she asked and he gave it to her, Inari pulling out familiar clothing before quickly changing before the young maid came to take her to the room she would be using. While curious, the maid said nothing about the young woman’s clothes. 

~Finding Da Way~ 

“This is... my room?” Inari asked, confused as she ran a finger over the surface of nearest surface casually... only when she pulls it away there was a visible trail of dust, and large clump of dust on her finger. It was strange as the room was one of the smaller ones on the ground floor, while she knew Gazle’s chambers were on the top floor, with the special guest rooms located in the opposite wing of the palace, where she was intended to stay.   

“Y-Yes, my lady! I’m so sorry! T-the maids must have forgotten to dust there. Please wait a moment! I will have it cleaned up in no time.” The young maid says quickly, looking around nervously as it was obvious the room had not been cleaned in some time. 

“No need, I think you must have gotten turned around. Are you new?” Inari asked, concerned before she started to walk off in the right direction. The maid looked shocked but quickly followed the young woman who was dressed in a simple red tunic, brown pants and boots. Her wavy brown hair pulled back into a low pony tail that fluttered behind her as she walked with confidence through the halls. Surprisingly none of the servant stopped her as she passed by so confidently, they didn’t question where she was doing. 

“Um... I have been here for a week, My lady. I still don’t know my way around the palace well.” the maid admitted, turning red with shame before she noticed that the strange woman seemed to know where to go. “How do you know where you're going? Have you been here before my lady?” she asked, before Inari responded carefully. “Father explained the layout of the place to me. I have a very good sense of direction since I hate getting lost.” She told the maid but stopped when a familiar man in dark armor appaired before them.  

‘This guy was there when we arrived... What was his name again?’ Inari remembered his face, when her blue eyes locked with his brown. It was very small but the young woman could almost see a smirk on the man’s scared face. “I was just about to come find you, Young Dwargo. Was afraid you got lost for a moment there but I guess you know where you’re going.” Vaughn mussed, oddly reminded of a young Gazel, the few physical traits she shared with his king made him almost believe she really was the dwarf kings' daughter. 

Then again, that was the intension of her disguise. 

“Did you need me for something? If not, I would like to sneak in a short nap after my long journey.” Inari asked and suppressed a tired yawn; she really was a bit tired and she needed to get some rest before her first official meeting with Dwargon’s council and a few high standing nobles the next day. The man let out a short chuckle before handing the young woman a letter and heading off... but not before ruffling her hair into a disordered mess. 

“Hey!” Inari called out in annoyance, but the man was only amused while walking away. 

~Proper Place~

“Ahh~ much better.” Inari smiled happily as she carelessly plopped onto the large soft bed that had been prepared for her. ‘It’s the same room he gave me last time. How nice~.’ she mussed at the familiar soft bed now covered with light blue sheets that were just a tad darker than her slime brother with more fluffy white pillows than before. ‘Did he tell them to add more?’ she questioned as the young maid, Lena, looked at the room with awwed confusion. 

“T-this is your room? But the guest rooms are normally in red and gold... not blue and silver?” she mentioned, looking around in confusion, especially when she saw some small blue flowers sitting in a vase place of the coffee table that was in the sitting aera. Flanked by a single couch and armchair with plush black padding and white pillows resting on either side.  “Well, being a guest would imply I would be leaving soon, right? I guess my old man wants to keep me around for much longer.” Inari mussed, only to see the color drain from the maid’s face as she had called Gazle an ‘old man’. 

“Here you are, Lady Inari. More fitting attire has been acquired for you by his majesty.” The older maid voiced, looking displeased as she saw Inari in the room that was properly prepared for her. A nervous young guard carrying a large but simple-looking wooden box. Inari sat up on the bed looking at it in confusion, mostly because of the rusted iron facets on the chest. 

“Okay? Can I still wear what I have on now to dinner? It's soo~ much more comfortable.” she asked, sounding like she didn’t know what the older maid was trying to do. “No. It's improper for a lady to appear so haggard. Let alone appear in front of his majesty and the council looking like a peddler.” the woman did not hide her sneer as she looked down her nose at the young woman who carefully opened the box... even with her dulled senses she could smell the dust and bugs coming off what looked to be an off-white dress.

“Wait you don’t mean I have to-AGH! FLEA!” Inari was asking as she picked up the dress only to see a familiar black speck appear on the back of her hand. “I’M NOT WEARING THAT!” she yelled rather loudly and shut the chest tightly, sending the older maid a chilling stare. “Do you think I'm stupid? Or that I will tattle on you to King Gazel?” she asked seriously, and the woman carefully backed away. 

‘No more Mr. Nice for this witch.’ she thought with an unsettling smile. The guard and young maid looking unsure of what the young heir would do. 

~Family Dinner~ 

“Y-your highness and esteemed Dwargon Council... Presenting, Lady Inari Dwargo.” The young maid announced, taking over for the indisposed older maid. Inari came in carefully, her hair brushed and pulled back into a low ponytail but still wearing the red tunic and pants she had on before. The young woman looked only a bit out of place in the fancier dining room of the Dwargon palace, if only King Gazle was not wearing a similar red tunic himself. 

An amused smirk spread on his face as he noticed Inari nervously walking in before she spotted him, looking shocked at the unintended accident.  

“Ha! She really is your kid Gazel.”Vaughn mussed, no longer in his armor but a sleeveless dark purple tunic. Sitting on the king’s right with only one chair between them, the one meant for the young Dwargo who had recovered from her surprise. Glancing at the other 2 at the dining table, Dorf was on Gazle’s left with the mage woman next to him. They were dressed rather formally, Dorf in his public servant uniform but the mage woman was in just a nice-looking cloak.  

“Pardon me. These were the nicest clothes I brought with me and I kinda took a nap. My room is so nice, thank you very much.” Inari explained nervously but Gazle was getting her report and confirming it with the young maid. 

‘The older maid tried to give me a rash and turn me into a watermelon pumpkin. The young maid showed me to the wrong room too. I’m glad I asked you before where I would be. It looks great by the way, you didn’t have to redecorate it for me.’ Inari thought, truly nervous as she was unused to this level of hospitality.  

“You are very welcome. Now that you are rested enough to join us for dinner? I’m sure you must be hungry by now.” Gazel asked warmly, feeling that despite a few obstacles, the kitsune was doing well in his palace. “A bit. Thank you.” She voiced softly and carefully took the seat that was meant for her, while mentally correcting herself to use slightly worse table manners as they were served, the young woman ignoring the looks she was given to truly droll over the food. Picking up whatever utensil before starting to eat gratefully still trying to worsen her manners.  Dorf watched her carefully, worried about the whole operation and beardly touching his food. Threw dinner there were some questions about her ‘childhood’, mostly she answered with relative truth.  

She hardly remembered her mother’s face, having been raised by an elderly woman she called grandma and her son she called uncle. They loved and took care of her all her life, teaching her some basic things: cooking, cleaning, sewing, horse riding, and hunting with a little bit of reading and writing. She didn’t get to play much with other children and was often left alone to do what she wished. Inari admitted she liked climbing trees, playing in the rain, and counting stars to help her go to sleep at night.  

The councilors found this child sweet and innocent, the fact that she could eat just as much as Gazel almost made them really believe she was his child. Never mind how they looked when the very delicious carrot cakes the chef had made for dessert were brought out. 

~Princess Lessons~

‘How much longer do I have to do this for?’ Inari questioned woefully, walking soothingly with 3 rather heavy books and a full teacup on top of her head. A stern elder woman watched the young woman carefully, frowning in confusion as Inari was able to walk several feet without spilling any water on the books. 

“Stop.” the woman voiced suddenly and carefully Inari stopped walking, careful not to spill water over the books she had been allowed to take out of the library, she had barely cracked their spine. “Hmm, it’s amazing. Your poster and manners are quite good, and only after a single lesson.” the woman voiced, sounding a bit impressed. “Thanks? Can I take these books off my head? I rather read them instead of usein’ em like this.” Inari asked only to flinch when the woman’s hand came at her face, the teacup spilling and the books fell to the cold stone floor, the delicate cup shattering and making a mess. 

“Oh Dear! I was just going to correct your grammar.” The woman voiced, looking worried as she saw Inari's face pale before she blinked in realization. “Oh? Sorry. Agh! Dorf is gonna be so pissed if their messed up.” The young woman voiced, quickly grabbing the books and checking them for damage. Thankfully it was only the teacup that was broken.“Did someone teach you manners before?” the woman carefully asked, watching the Dwargon heir set aside the books before picking up the broken cup. Inari hesitated on what to tell her before the woman sighed. “Whoever it was must have used some barbaric methods on you. I can assure you Lady Dwargo, that I will not strike you, nor have anyone else harm you.” the woman told her as Inari stared at her in confusion. 

“Thank you for understanding.” was all the young woman said, not wanting to bring up more about her past life. 

“Yes, I was just going to correct your speech. Your manners are near perfect, yet speaking is also a necessary tool of any young noble of high society, especially of an heir.” She mentioned with a soft smile, letting Inari pick up the pieces of the cup, the young woman not getting cut once as she gently cradled the broken pieces and set them in a cloth so the maids would not hurt themselves.  

“With walking out of the way, how about you make us some tea?” the older woman suggested, and Inari nodded with a small smile. Some maids came in with a tea pot and kettle with serval containers with dried leaves and cubes of sugar. “Now Lady inari show me how you were thought to prepare tea.” The woman asked and Inari quickly became nervous, as in this world... southern sweet tea didn’t taste as good to others. 

~Sleepover~ 

It was late at night, most in the Nation of Dwargon were sleeping soundly for another day's work. Only a few guards, and late-night workers, were still up and doing their jobs. A guard tried not to yawn as he walked down the hallway of the Dwagon palace. Not able to see the two black foxes darting threw the shadows along the hallway to get to a secret place. Gazel already knowing about Felipe and was relucent to allow another kitsune into his kingdom, only for Kayo take reasonability for him if he did anything wrong or if he got caught.  

‘Sis... I don’t think we should be here.’ Felip worriedly advised as he followed his sister into the secret stables, only the horses around and most were already sleeping. ‘Don’t worry, we’ll be fine.’ Kayo assured her brother as she made her way to Ivory’s stall, the Pegasus was still awake when the two foxes entered. To her credit the steed didn’t panic as the two kitsune’s came inside and then swiftly took on their humanoid forms.  

The horse eyed the familiar young woman who smiled at her. 

“Hey Ivory, this is my brother Felipe. Be nice to him, okay? He got you a sweet apple.” Kayo assured the horse as Felipe took this as his cue to offer the crimson fruit to the winged animal. Ivory eyed it carefully, glancing at the female kitsune before taking a bit of the fruit happily, flapping her wings gently and welcoming the other fox kit who chuckled at her welcome. 

“Thank you, Miss Ivory. I hope we get along as well.” the young man mussed as they spent most of the night gossiping with the horse, who was rather well in the loop with gossip. 

~Morning~ 

“Sis. Sis. Sis, wake up.” Felipe urgently whipper/shouted, shaking his sleeping sister franticly to get her to wake up, having woken up in the horse stable where they had fallen asleep during their info gathering with Ivory. Kayo was dead asleep, laying on the hay with her ears and tails out. The young man had already taken on his fox form, ready to hide at any moment, but he was worried about his sister being found by the stable hands that had just come in. 

“Sis, wake up. We are gonna get in trouble.” he told her, but the young woman only groaned and brushed him away, wanting to sleep more. 

“Did you hear something?” asked one stable hand, and the kitsune could hear their footsteps get louder. “It’s probably just one of the horses, let's just get started on feeding these gluttons.” Another stable hand voiced but his friend only walked over to the one stall that the horse didn’t pop its head out. “Hey! That’s the king’s horse! Don’t go near it you idiot!” he warned, as Ivory did not like many people and was difficult to for the stable aids to feed, clean, and dress for the king. Only two people besides the king himself could approach the winged steed. 

Carefully the stable hand peeked inside, seeing the horse of course, sleeping rather late and then he saw something black and crimson lying on the floor, he let out a loud gasp and quickly pulled away in shock.  “K-kyle, t-there's someone in there.” he loudly called to his friend, shocked and horrified as he had just seen a body in the ill-tempered horse’s stable. “What? No way, you must be seeing things. Who would be stupid-” he saw asking before he saw someone poke their head out of the stall... and they looked humanoid. 

“Um? Hi? Sorry to scare you. I kinda fell asleep talking to Ivory.” Inari sheepishly explained, having woken up when the first one had found her, thankfully it seemed he didn’t see her ears or tail, getting out of the stable, her hair a mess with some hay still in it. 

“Wait... you SLEPT IN THERE?” the stable hand, Kyle, questioned, looking very shocked that the young woman was alright and had just been sleeping! 

“Yeah, I’m kind of new and it felt familiar here. Sorry to scare you, I gotta go now. Bye.” Inari quickly excused herself and made her way out of the stables to take a quick shower before she had to report for her first day on duty. Having convinced the dwarf king to let her work instead of him just giving her an allowance. 

The two stable hands looked to each other in shock before one spoke up. “We have to report this to the captain.” 

~On The Job~~

“Hello~ I’m Inari. I’m looking forward to getting along with everyone.” Inari happily greeted the men she would be working with for the foreseeable future. Here at the gates into the Great Armed nation of Dwargon under the watch of Captain Kaito. “She’s really pretty. Is she really going to be working here?” Inari overheard a guard whipper to his friend as they all looked at her unsurely. Of course, the guard uniform did look a bit odd on her taller and curvy frame, the young heir having simply braided her hair and put it up in a bun to keep it out of the way, it looked rather ‘fancy’ and they mistook her for wearing makeup to the job when she wasn’t. 

“Alright get to your posts! I’m in charge of her. So if you got problems, take them up with me.” Captain Kaito directed, and the other guards left to do their jobs, a few looking back at the pretty newcomer who turned to their captain. “Sorry for any trouble.” Inari voiced, having a double meaning but the captain brushed it off.  “Don’t worry about that, it’s not everyday someone joins us on guard duty.” Kaito assured her, looking at her again as he remembered the small kitsune child he had first met. “You grew up pretty fast though. What made you want to work here?” he questioned honestly, confused why the Dwargon heir would want to be a humble gate guard instead of something more adventurous or where she could make lots of money from.

Then again, she could be thinking this job was going to be easy. 

“Oh? That’s simple. It’s because it’s a very inportant job in protecting the kingdom. It’s thankless but at the end of the day, it’s those that guard the gate that are the first line of defense. That, and I can see lots of new people and merchants.” Inari admitted, having been eager to find some merchants who would sell coffee and coco beans, since one of her teachers had gifted her the coffee beans after training one night. 

“Ha. Of course. Just do a good job and remember not to accept bribes or gifts from anyone.” He asked her, shaking his head at the fox-like response he was expecting. 

~Checkpoint~ 

‘Is it really this simple? Then again, these passports are kinda cool.’ Inari thought as they had her checking the Identification passes for those that were entering Dwargon. Most where merchants coming from the west, with very few coming from the east where a single large human kingdom was. She could sense something was off about some of the merchant but kept it to herself since she had no proof. A few did stare at her but the young woman did stand out among all the dwarven male guards. Even as she was the one behind the desk confirming information, she stood out and caught the attention of some men. 

“When do you get off work? I’m going to be in town for a week. Maybe you can show me some fun places~?” Inari vaguely heard a man ask, as she was looking over his documents. It was easy to tune him out and then hand them back like he didn’t say anything. “It’s all in order. Ya can go in.” Inari spoke with a surprisingly deep voice that shocked the man but also the guard next to her. Both looked at her in disbelief before she noticed them just staring. “What’s the matter doll face? Can’t a fella just look pretty? Ya ain’t my type anyway.” Inari thickened her accent and waved the stunned man away, suppressing a smirk at his reaction.  

“What was that?” the guard sitting next to her asked, stunned at what had just happened.  

“What do you mean?” She asked, using her normal voice that made the other guard pull back in shock. From that point it was normal with only a few other men trying to hit on the pretty new guard until Kaito had Inari switch places with the sentries outside. The change was something the young woman welcomed, wanting to feel some sun on her skin or at least get some fresh air. 

~Guarding The Gate~

‘This really is like the lines at Comic Con.’ Inari thought, holding a standard spear, she and 3 other guards were keeping the line clean and the people from making trouble. Scanning the line occasionally for any trouble the young woman could see near the long back of the line... some familiar faces. ‘Son of a bitch! Don't tell me these guys are still here!’ she thought, frowning worriedly when she recognized the men who had harassed her and her slime brother the first time, they had come to Dwargon. 

“Looks like there’s something at the end of the line. I'm checking it out.” She told the other guard who had been suppressing a yawn, it took him a moment to realize what the young woman had said when she stared walking away without her spear or any weapon. “H-hey! Wait! You can’t just leave your post!” he called out, but Inari was focused on the commotion that was going on at the end, swiftly making her way over but not running. It wasn’t long before she could hear the familiar voices harassing some poor monsters. 

“We can still kill em since we’re not inside yet.” she overheard the familiar voice, her blue eyes flashing gold for a moment, getting closer as the other people in line glanced away to look at her silent approach.  

“No, please... leave us alone. We don’t want any trouble.” came the small voice of what looked like a pair of Dark gray Cat Kobolds with a black kitten being held by what seemed to be its mother, while the father stood before them, a small backpack full of things he was going to trade. 

“Then hand over everything you have, then maybe we will-” the chubby blond man sneered before he felt something glaring at him.

“What’s going on here?” Inari questioned, frowning she glared at the familiar men, it looked like it was just the two of them but she had a feeling the other members of their party were not far away. 

“We are just doing our duty and showing these monsters their place.” the one with the screw told her pointing a danger at the scared kobolds.

“W-we don’t come here for trouble we just want to trade.” claimed the father cat, confused why this guard was so far from the gate. 

“Dwargon is open to all, fighting it prohibited. Yet it seems like your egger to fight defenseless creatures simply because they're not human?” Inari asked the men who scowled at her. “But out girly! This is none of your business! Now get out of the way or we might just hurt you too.” the bald man with the screw loose threated before Inari spoke low and threatening.  “Try me, fucker. I’ll be happy to punch your lights out again.” Inari spoke in Spanish, the blond man didn’t react but the man with the screw in his head did, going pale and letting his comrade lead the attack on the unarmed young woman with his sword. 

“Watch out!” The little kitten tried to warn before his parent’s shield his eyes as the blade grazed across Inari’s right cheek, leaving a small thread of blood but she was unharmed, calm with her arms crossed as she stared the man down, her eyes glowing gold before she grabbed the wrist that was holding the blade... and twisted it. “Agh! You bitch!” the man yelled in pain, shocked he let go of his weapon but not before trying to deliver a punch to the young women’s face, it had no effect, but he started to tremble from the pain of his fingers breaking. “Let’s turn you into dog food~.” Inari growled before familiar voices called out behind her. 

“Stop right there! What's going on!? Princess Inari!” Kaito called out, worried for the young woman along with a few other guards. 

“P-p-princess!?” the two men shouted and paled as they looked at the young woman, scowling as she glared at them with narrowed blue eyes, news about Dwargon’s princess had spread quickly. 

“Fuck! Retreat! Let’s get out of here!” The blood man yelled, and he and his comrades ran away quickly. Inari was tempted to run after them, but Kaito grabbed her arm firmly. “What did you leave your post for? You're in big trouble, young lady. Come with me.” the captain told her, worried when he saw blood on her face, but Inari wasn’t bothered by the small cut. 

‘Next time.’ she thought as the men running away from the guards felt a cold chill come over them. 

~Desk Duty~ 

“Please don’t do anything like that again.” Kaito warned the stubborn princess, making her check in people again so she wouldn’t get hurt, the cut on her cheek having healed on its own. As guards, they were not supposed to interfere with anyone outside their gates. Even if some low lives decided to hunt monsters outside their gates, they couldn’t stop them unless it escalated: endangering to many innocent people or cause harm the Dwargon Heir. 

“No promises on that one captain.” Inari called back, huffing in frustration for not getting in a few hits on those scum bags. ‘I can’t believe there are still around here! Are they ever coming through the gates or are they just in the forest? Picking on weak monsters?’ Inari questioned, noting to keep an eye out for them should they cause trouble for the fledgling nation of Tempest or Dwargon. 

It was dull checking in people at the gates before the young woman saw the small family of Cat Kobolds approach her, looking relived.  “Identifications and reason for visiting?” Inari asked, trying not to smile at the cute little kitten who was holding some wildflowers. “Here you go miss, we are simply hear to do some trading and.... thank you for your help.” the father thanked her, handing her the papers for him and his family. They were from the nation of beasts, Eurazania, that was at Tempest’s southern borders, but that was all she knew about the country after quickly scanning over a world map in the palace library. 

“It was nothing. Those men have been causing trouble and I needed an excuse to but in. I hope your trades go well.” she told the cute kobolds as they smiled at her, but the little kitten held up the little wildflowers. “These are for you miss Guard. Thank you. Nyan~” the cute little kitten mewed happily, and Inari had to suppress the urge to just snuggle the kitten, giving them a soft smile before handing over their checked papers. 

“It looks like you have everything in order, Welcome to Dwargon.” She told them and sent them on their way, their bags having been checked by the other guard who looked at her from the corner of his eye. “Captain is not gonna like that you took a gift.” he told her but the disguised kitsune didn’t care as she picked up the lovingly gathered flowers. 

“It’s not a gift, it’s confiscated contraband.” She mussed and quickly left to set them in water before returning to her post before Kaito could find out... the captain eventually did and put the young woman on kitchen duty for lunch. 

~Butterfly of the Night~

“So why did you bring me here?” Inari asked, confused as she looked at her Elven teacher, whose name she had come to learn was Anrietta, smiled as she slipped off her cloak. Having snuck the young heir out of the palace for some training. “You’ve been doing such a good job. I thought you deserved a night to relax.” The woman mussed before several beautiful elven women greeted them.  ‘Fuck! Was my preference that obvious!?’ Inari questioned, feeling herself get warm when greeted by the establishment’s Dark Elven beauties. All of them dressed rather seductively in colorful, short clothes with glimmering shear fabric giving the illusion of modesty, very little make up and sliver jewlery wrapping around their mature and curvy bodies. 

“Oh! Is this the special guest you told us about?” Asked one of the beautiful dark elves, while directed at Anrietta, her emerald, green eyes locked onto the nervous figure still hiding under their cloak. Inari didn’t know what was going on or what her teacher had planned to do to her. “Yes, this is my cute little student. She reported to me that her mission was complete but... she only did it with two men.” Anrietta told the dark elf, who’s plump lips turned up into a beautiful but dangerous smile. “I-isn’t two enough? I’m no longer a virgin and you don’t have to worry about me getting attached to the one’s I slept with.” Inari admitted, pushing away the pain in her heart when she thought of Benimaru and Souei. Her mission had been to lose her virginity, to desensitize her body and be able to do whatever it took to accomplish her missions.

“No women?” The beautiful dark elf asked as the others giggled, watching as Inari took a step back, now having an idea on why 7 very beautiful dark elves had greeted them. One of the beautiful women removing Inari’s hood, exposing her dark red face as her blue eyes darted away from them. “N-no. Why would I need to-” Inari asked only to freeze when the woman locked her lips with the disguised heir.  ‘WHAT THE FUCK!?’ Inari couldn’t help but think, surprised but also excited as she parted her lips to allow the eleven woman’s tongue invade her mouth... that was either a very bad mistake... or a very good decision. Shivers ran threw her body like an electric shock, as she received images of just what the woman hand planed for her. 

“Hey! Don’t hog her all to yourself! We want to have a go at her too~.” purred another beautiful dark elf voiced and wrapped her arms around the stunned woman, making her yelp in shock as the elf had grabbed her ass. “Aww~ how cute. It’s not often we get to have someone so into Dark elves~.” another dark elf woman mussed, smirking as she and the other girls pulled the young woman deeper into their grasp.

Inari barely managed to look back at her teacher who only smiled and waved at her panicked student.