Author's note: Allow me to explain a few things about the previous side-story chapter.

First - it was a one-time thing. I feel that, while enjoyable, this sort of content doesn't really add anything to a story, so I will not be adding any more explicit smut in this fic.

Second - it actually took a lot of effort to get that just right. I had to rewrite it several times before I was happy with it. I could've put out 2-3 more chapters if I didn't spend so much time on that, but wanted to challenge myself.

Third - I'm glad you people enjoyed it. Despite what I just said, I do feel like writing some more about our girls and their sexcapades.

Therefore, I'm considering starting a kind of a spin-off/supplementary series called Binary Soul: After Dark (tentative name) where I will post the hot & heavy scenes that happen off-screen, so to speak. I haven't decided if I will actually do it yet because, like I said, it does take time to write those.

Act seven - The Price of Progress

> Kira PoV

{Sorry to interrupt, but it looks like the dwarven delegation is just about ready with their preparations.}

Took them long enough. They’ve been gathering a lot of cargo ever since I agreed to bring them along on our little flying homestead. Well, it’s not flying right now though. Otherwise it would be really annoying to carry everything with magic.

“How much luggage are they planning to bring along?” (Kira)

{60 containers in total.}

“That seems like a lot of luggage for only three dwarves. Don’t tell me all of it is ale!” (Kira)

{Not all of it. The senators said they wanted to show off their country’s products to King Fred so they can smooth along negotiations, so they’re bringing a lot of samples.}

“There’s nothing dangerous in there, right?” (Kira)

Call me paranoid, but I’m a bit wary about bringing more unidentified boxes that could potentially explode into my home. And these meat-heads are bound to have things like that.

{Good question. I’ll ask them to prepare a manifest. We’re in no rush just yet, though.}

“What do you mean no rush?!” (Kira)

I want to get out of here right away! That titan of theirs may be reasonable, but a gathering of dwarves this big is bad for me. I just can’t deal with their type. At least Kelly tries to behave properly and only gets really drunk in places where it’s okay to be drunk. Like bars. Not a house with impressionable children around!

“Kira. Cuddle time is important.” (Ellie)

As if to prove her point, Ellie snuggles up closer and gives me a kiss on neck. My worries instantly disappeared somewhere as I focus my entire being on that ticklish sensation!

“Hehehe. That’s right! As if anything’s more important than my Ellie ~♡!” (Kira)

I adjust my position on the bed so I can properly embrace her, then plant a long kiss on her lips.

“Mmmmmmmnnnnn…” (Kira)

Haaaah, much better! On second thought, I’m actually glad those people are taking their sweet time. Thanks to that, Ellie and I finally had the chance to thoroughly enjoy ourselves. And each other. We haven’t had much opportunity this past month and it’s been a really stressful one, too!

Even on the way over here I was preoccupied with Kelly’s condition so I couldn’t relax. And then we over-used [Unity] yesterday and were completely exhausted! Not to mention the crushing loneliness of the separation was amplified! I barely held it together in front of that titan before we could take advantage of this opportunity!

And did we ever! We’ve been doing it almost constantly for over four hours now! I still haven’t had enough though, though!

Ellie’s face flushes again as I begin stroking her lovely body. Naked cuddles really are the best cuddles! We stare into each other’s eyes, confirming our desires.

“K-Kira…” (Ellie)

“Please spoil me lots more ~♡!” (Kira)

“Okay! I’ll keep going until Kira is completely satisfied!” (Ellie)

She understands my needs completely! Ellie really is too perfect for me ~♡!

* * *

I walk out of the tower with Ellie in tow and walk over to the gate in the wall. Well, it’s really just a section of the wall that has been moved out of the way. We didn’t really need a gate out in the middle of the forest, so Nano opened a gap for this occasion.

The ground beyond the gate is on the same level as our own. We had to get Umph’s assistance in landing it. He made a bowl-shaped crater in the rocky ground so that we can set it down nicely. Otherwise it might tip over or the enchanted ground could crumble under the tower’s weight.

All things considered, it’s a surprisingly good fit, I think I underestimated that guy!

Nano already as a plan to reshape and reinforce the flying ground at the base of the tower, making it better-suited for landing on flat surfaces. We do intend to use this as a mobile base in the future, so at least this much is necessary. Just need to be careful about the weight - there’s only so much the enchanted ground can withstand. I’ll have to re-confirm the details on the way back.

I approach the trio of dwarves who will be traveling with us. First is Brand - Kelly's older brother. He's mostly here on my personal request. We will borrow his expertise in raising gryphons. We haven't even hatched the eggs since we didn't have the opportunity to prepare for them.

Also, since he and Kelly have experience with both Ferseit and Ecebis cultures, they'll be acting as mediators and smoothing between King Fred and the other delegates.

Speaking of which, the second one here is Senator Goldrim. He's an older dwarf with graying hair and beard. I'm told he's well versed in domestic affairs and is quite skilled in several trades like blacksmithing, engineering and alchemy.

Third is Senator Rimgold (no relation). He looks as old as Goldrim, but he's considerably thicker in the arms. He'll be tagging along as a military and logistics consultant. While Brand may be a Major, he's ultimately a field commander and strategist - neither of which will be particularly useful.

“Good day Major, Senators.” (Kira)

I greet them in a rather official manner almost instinctively. Knowing how dwarves think, it's probably unnecessary.

“Good to see you, Kiressara.” (Brand)

Oh wow, he actually said it! I'm a bit flattered!

“Greetings Mrs Quasse. It is good to see your complexion has improved.” (Goldrim)

“Indeed, you seem to be positively glowing when compared to when we saw you this morning.” (Rimgold)

Ah, I’ve been beaming a smile without realizing it! Well, Ellie did comfort me with extra zeal well into the late afternoon, so I guess that much is expected.

“You seem to be doing much better yourselves.” (Kira)

They did spend literally all night planning their country’s reforms. Well, planning isn’t the right word.

Apparently they’ve already had a number of laws prepared for opening the country’s borders, so last night was mostly just a review session. These two will be the representatives to the Kingdom of Ferseit and are particularly eager to see the outside world. We’re giving them a lift since they did take good care of Kelly in our absence. Speaking of which...

“Is the manifest I requested ready?” (Kira)

“Major, if you would.” (Goldrim)

Brand stepped forward and handed me a document. I accept it with my left hand and look it over while confirming the details with the senators.

“Thank you.” (Kira)

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Two (2) crates of Steel ingots.

Two (2) crates of Mithril ingots.

Two (2) crates of Titansteel ingots.

Two (2) crates of Copper ingots.

Two (2) crates of Bronze ingots.

Two (2) crates of Adamantium ingots.

Two (2) crates of Orichalcum ingots.

Two (2) crates of Gold ingots.

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“Why so much metal?” (Kira)

“Kelly Darkhand explained that the metals she saw here were of a higher standard than those on the surface, so you see.” (Rimgold)

Admittedly, I don’t know barely anything about metallurgy and the exact amounts aren’t written down, but it seems like a lot. Also, I’ve never even heard of Titansteel before. I can make a guess where it came from, though.

“Half of it is for the King to have his own people verify the quality and purity. We plan on exporting the metals and maybe using our refining methods as bargaining chips.” (Goldrim)

“What about the other half?” (Kira)

“A gift to your friend Nano.” (Goldrim)

“Even the gold?” (Kira)

“Yes, we offered coin but this Nano insisted on ingots. Something about using it for experiments.” (Goldrim)

I see. Nano does like to experiment with materials. Nano’s especially interested since some of these don’t exist in Ellie’s old world. I turn my attention back to the next section of the list.

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One (1) crate of Legion-standard plate armor (dwarf-sized).

One (1) crate of Legion-standard plate armor (human-sized).

One (1) crate of Legion-standard greatshields.

One (1) crate of Legion-standard swords.

One (1) crate of Legion-standard warhammers.

One (1) crate of Legion-standard maces.

One (1) crate of Legion-standard staves.

One (1) crate of Legion-standard spears.

One (1) crate of Legion-standard axes.

One (1) crate of Legion-standard crossbows and crossbow bolts.

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Arms and armor used by the country’s soldiers, huh?

I look at the pile of crates stacked nearby. Those containing the arms and armor are marked the insignia of the dwarven legions - an overlapping sword and shield, surrounded by a circle. They’re all rather small, looks like they’re focusing on variety rather than volume with these. Well, those are fine to bring along as samples.

The next item, however, is not.

“One crate of Legion-standard legionnaires? Are you insane? You’re planning to pack actual legionnaires in a crate?!” (Kira)

“We are planning nothing of the sort. The packing’s already done, see?” (Rimgold)

He points at the rather large wooden crate, also stamped with the Legion insignia. It’s about the size of Nano’s boxes from half a year ago, only a bit wider. It’s also shaking slightly.

“It’s more efficient if they spend the trip like that.” (Rimgold)

“You people realize this trip will take around 9 days, right?” (Kira)

The three dwarves stare at me in shock.

“But… Kelly said we’d be there in a day, two at most!” (Brand)

“Was she drunk when she said that?” (Kira)

“Yes, but… I thought… Oh… Whoops.” (Brand)

“Why are they even in a crate to begin with!? Get those poor souls out of there!” (Kira)

“Now that she mentions it, what was the point of boxing them up like that in the first place?” (Goldrim)

Goldrim stares inquisitively at his colleague. I'm giving him a highly questioning look myself.

“*Cough* Uhm, Major, would you mind letting the legionnaires out of the box?” (Rimgold)

“Huh? But it took so much effort to stuff the boys-” (Brand)

“Now!” (Rimgold)

“Yes, senator!” (Brand)

Brand runs off in a panic and opens the crate. About a dozen fully-armed dwarves stumble out of it. What sort of moron literally packs an army to go!? No, actually, I have that sort of moron right in front of me, so let’s ask him directly!

“What were you thinking!? Those are living beings! You can’t just stuff them in a box like that!” (Kira)

“I apologize, Mrs Quasse. It seemed like a good idea at the time...” (Rimgold)

“But why do you even need those people?” (Kira)

We guaranteed their safety under the authority of King Frederick Ferseit, so they shouldn’t need guards while visiting the capital.

“We wanted to show off- I mean, demonstrate our shield wall formations.” (Rimgold)

He clearly said ‘show off’ just now.

“Denied. They can take the land route.” (Kira)

“But Mrs Quasse, surely you must-” (Rimgold)

“Ah! Excuse me there senator! The thing is- *whisper whisper whisper*” (Brand)

Brand came back suddenly and stopped Rimgold’s protests by pulling him away from us. They kept whispering about something while throwing sideways glances to my right. I turn my head out of curiosity, but nothing's there other than Ellie. She’s hugging my right arm while staring dreamily at me. She’s a bit clingier than normal, but other than that she’s the same as ever, right?

Come to think of it, isn’t it about time for her heat to flare up again? That intense session earlier probably started it early… Well at least her heat these days isn’t as intense as that first one. It also only lasts a for a few days. Honestly, seeing her being extra affectionate like this is good in its own way! I smile back at her while looking forward to tonight!

“I understand how you feel Mrs Quasse. We will be sending them over the lang route.” (Rimgold)

Rimgold’s words snap me out of my thoughts. I’ll just have to continue my Ellie appreciation later.

“I don’t see much point in wasting their time with the regular route when-” (Goldrim)

“Actually, it will be good training for them since we plan to have the Legions patrol the area around Ecebis to make it safe for travelers and merchants.” (Brand)

“But still, that seems like a waste…” (Goldrim)

“I’ll explain later, Goldrim. Just trust me on this one.” (Rimgold)

“Alright, if you insist. You understand the military better than I do, anyway.” (Goldrim)

That’s good, looks like we can leisurely enjoy my trip back. For the most part, anyway. I turn my attention back to the list.

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Three (3) crates of Legion-standard metal tools.

Three (3) crates of Legion-standard healing salves.

Fifteen (15) barrels of Ecebis Ale.

Three (3) crates of Magic Stones.

Three (3) crates of Blast Powder.

One (1) chest of precious gemstones.

One (1) chest of magical gemstones.

One (1) chest of jewel-encrusted golden accessories.

One (1) chest of decorative swords.

One (1) chest of commemorative Ecebis mugs.

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That last one is a bit… I mean I guess that and the barrels of ale are a given. The rest look more like gifts. Although there is one thing that I don’t recognize.

“So… what’s Blast Powder?” (Kira)

“It’s something one of the Darkhands brought into the country. The actual manufacturing process is a state secret, but it’s an interesting material that’s a combination of-” (Goldrim)

“Does it explode?” (Kira)

“Well yes, that is its main function.” (Goldrim)

I knew it.