“I JUST TOLD YOU THIS IS MY DAD’S BUSINESS AND HE’S OUT ON A NEGOTIATION DEAL! GET THE FUCK OUT OF THE DOJO!”

  Eye-Deku’s head spun at Diana’s shrill yells. Roscoe and Art both also froze. They had lived peacefully here for 2 months. Nothing of significance had happened—even Roscoe and Art’s new job enjoyed Eye-Deku’s impromptu “visits”.

  Roscoe picked up Eye-Deku, and the family ran to the training area downstairs. Diana was glaring off at three Knights in full gear. Her fluff was sticking out, and her imp butler Dandy stood in front of her protectively.

  Roscoe growled, “They waited for Zeke to be gone.”

  Art huffed, and pulled out a knife.

  Eye-Deku memorized their faces and energy signatures. More people to wander the Endless Paths of the Liminal Library.

  The Knight in front huffed. “No women should hold a position of power. We should be teaching you a lesson.”

  Diana said, “You’re welcome to try. A Morningstar is never defenseless!”

  Dandy huffed. “Shall I eliminate these, My Lady?”

  As if realizing Dandy existed, all three Knights looked down in surprise. Diana said, “If they do not leave now.”

  Roscoe walked up. “Hey, you shits. Diana isn’t lying. I can send Zeke a flash now.”

  The Knights looked at Roscoe and his family. Leader huffed. “Why are you backing her up? Women are only meant to be Dolls. They are to obey men and we make all the decisions.”

  Diana narrowed her eyes. “Oh, really? Then why are there 17 shops in radius alone that are run by women?”

  And why is the being you worship a female, huh?

  Eye-Deku commented, “Goddess!”

  Art said, “Eye-Deku’s got a point. If women are only to obey men and have no thought or will alone, why is the ultimate power a female?”

  The Knights shut up.

  Kelly’s voice cut in, “The Fords have a point.”

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  Kelly walked in. The Knights looked over in shock. The leader said, “C-C-Commander…!”

  Kelly continued, “As well, the laws clearly state that single women have the same rights as men until marriage. And even then, a married woman is allowed to run a business unless she is a Noble. Which, no offense to Diana, she is not.”

  Diana huffed. “A Noble still has to obey the rules.”

  Kelly nodded. He said, “And even then, a female Adventurer has priority over all but the Royal Family.”

  Interesting, so the Adventurer Class is a separate thing all together? Noted for the future.

  The leader said, “What?!? Then what do all the Priests…”

  Kelly said, “Which Priests say that we can disobey the Holy Law?”

  Silence.

  Kelly said, “Report back to Base… and maybe I will only strip you of your position.”

  The Leader said, “What?!? Sir…”

  “One more word, and it’s into Jail for you and yours friends.”

  Everyone paled on that. Then finally shuffled out.

  Diana huffed. “Well, officially, none of the so-called Holy Order is getting inside. With the exception who isn’t already renting an apartment of course.”

  Kelly looked warily. “Be careful with that, Miss Morningstar. They do have power.”

  Diana said, “And so does Dad. And I’m wiling to use my cards.”

  She nodded at Kelly. “And thanks. Feel free to grab a meal on the house.”

  She turned and stormed off, Dandy hot on her heels.

  Roscoe sighed. “And thus, another point in our folder.”

  Kelly looked compassionately at the family. He said, “Thank you for cutting in. Don’t worry, you won’t be blamed for this.”

  Art huffed. “We better not be.”

  Eye-Deku looked at Kelly, trying to judge the man. Kelly looked sad. Probably wanting to help his old friends, but too loyal to a defective system to do so.

  Kelly said, “Did you hear about what happened at the Tree on the Academy?”

  Roscoe said, “The bowing incident? I was there with Eye-Deku.”

  Eye-Deku tilted his body like the annoying baby he was expected to be. “Tree beeeeeeh!”

  Roscoe caught him and pulled him up. Kelly nodded. “Did you see anything that would give clues on why it bowed?”

  Roscoe shrugged. “I didn’t. The Tree just suddenly bent over, and straightened back up. I was a little worried it would snap in half.”

  Kelly nodded. “A new group appeared to care for the Tree as well. Said they heard what happened and wanted to help.”

  Roscoe said, “Really?”

  Art looked towards where Diana stormed off. “…sounds like something Diana might authorize. Unofficially, of course.”

  Kelly nodded. “I see…”

  He looked around. “…there are rumors that a demigod walks among us.”

  All three stiffened.

  But then Roscoe groaned. “We told Zeke to chill!”

  Smart move, Dad! Zeke won’t hide his truth.

  Kelly blinked. Art said, “Diana’s father. He’s a bit… how do I put it?”

  Roscoe said, “Reality does not apply to him. We’ve seen him do things that should be impossible. We were debating if it was simply his magic—he avoids mentioning what Type, so, eh. He’s the first one that comes to mind when you say demigod.”

  Kelly nodded in understanding. “Sounds like he’s a bit obvious, though… but it’s worth talking to him. But I presume he’s not a threat.”

  Art said, “I think we just avoided him becoming one.”

  Yeah, that was fair. Zeke was protective over his kids.

  Kelly nodded in understanding. He then went towards the counter. “I’m getting my free food. I will see you Fords later.”

  Both elder Fords said, “Later.”