SS #1: Chapter 2 – Arrows to the Knee, Part 1 – Freyja
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“So, this is a shopping mall,” Freyja said as she looked about with interest after she and Martel had entered the massive building.

While Freyja took in the conveniences of Earth, Martel continued to steal glances at her. She was wearing modern clothing themed of emerald green that accentuated her eyes. Her clothes were quite conservative, but this left much to the imagination and was what Martel preferred.

“You haven’t been to a shopping mall yet?” Martel asked.

“No. Anna would order whatever we needed and have it brought to the house directly. Also, I was quite busy with training.”

“Well, today is all about you. I’m just here to follow you, pay for what you want, and carry it.”

Freyja smiled as she grabbed his hand. “Well, let’s go!”

Over the next couple of hours, the two of them went through the mall. Martel was a little surprised that she did not enter any clothing or shoe stores, but she replied that it was because she already had too many to count at home. Martel had been sure to provide the girls with many different outfits, so it wasn’t necessary.

Instead, the first place they went to was the bookstore. Most of Freyja’s book choices were educational. Some were biographies of political individuals, others were about the history and mythology of the Norse, and finally were books that covered the various political systems of Earth. Martel pretended to be engrossed in checking out a book of his own when she tried to stealthily grab a book about being a good wife and mother. He couldn’t help but peek at Freyja, who was quite embarrassed even though she was unaware.

Martel was enjoying his time with her. Back in Camelot, the public face she always gave was one of grace and serenity. She had a light aura of superiority with kindness and mercy that would calm all those around her. In private, where Martel often met her, she seemed to be quite the normal girl. The aura of superiority she wore in public would disappear, leaving only her kindness and gentle nature. For the first time since Martel had known her, she was showing her curious side, and wanting to share new discoveries with him made him quite happy.

After the bookstore, they made their way to a fabric store. 

Freyja was in a good mood, so she decided to make a small joke. “Hey, Mr. Moneybags, why aren’t you putting the books in your storage ring?”

Martel, catching on to the humerus atmosphere, made a slightly servile posture with his arms spread out. “But of course, it is my honor and privilege to open my wallet and personally bear the weight of anything My Goddess gives me.”

“Really?” Freyja asked as she tried to hold back a giggle. “Let’s see how much weight you can carry.”

One of Freyja’s hobbies was knitting and sewing. That she came to Earth, she had been so preoccupied with her training that she didn’t give herself much free time for hobbies. Given the situation, she decided to stock up for the future.

She was quite enthralled with the many different fabrics that she considered high quality, so she collected a bunch. At first, Martel insisted on personally carrying everything, but once she also included a sewing machine, it became impossible.

“Oh, My Goddess, I do not think I will be able to insist.”

Freyja turned around to look at him; rather, she turned around to look at the pile of cloth he was carrying that blocked their line of sight from another. “Oh? Is my faithful worshiper faltering at the tribulations I have given him? Or does the simple fact that you can no longer see me made you lose motivation?” She teased.

Martel was having a hard time holding back laughter as she was so clearly enjoying this role-play. “Oh, My Goddess. If only I had three eyes so that I could see you better; if only I had six arms to carry more of your burden; if only this burden didn’t prevent me from kissing your feet. Oh, how this mortality curses me. Please, My Goddess, allow me to put your belongings within my storage ring for safekeeping so I may better serve you.”

“I will allow it,” Freyja said, trying to sound pompous, but the slight tremor in her voice exposed that she was desperately holding back giggles.

In a flash, everything Martel was carrying disappeared within the storage ring before he used Gale Step to retrieve a cart. He was certain that the staff wouldn’t like having their merchandise disappearing out of thin air when it wasn’t already purchased.

Freyja smiled when she saw this.

“Thank you for your mercy, My Goddess.”

Freyja smiled before it turned into a teasing expression. “You indeed do not have a third eye to look at me more, nor do you have six arms to carry more of my burden. However, you do have a mouth kiss my feet.”

Martel was slightly taken aback as she seemed to be taking this role-playing very seriously. Additionally, the store was not empty, and Freyja’s appearance, coupled with Martel’s previous action, definitely garnered much attention. However, Martel wasn’t one to care about how unrelated people thought of him, and he could be quite shameless. “If it is My Goddesses desire.” He cheekily said as he began to bend down.

“Wait a minute.” Freyja became flustered as she hadn’t expected him to do it. Unlike him, she did care about his appearance.

Martel tried to hold his smile and laughter back for a moment before his expression turned sad. “Does My Goddess not wish to reward me for my dedication?”

“Martel, you really wouldn’t be willing to do such an embarrassing thing in public, would you?” Freyja asked, suddenly dropping the role-play.

“Ah, My Goddess, I only wish to worship you and your beauty. Perhaps there somewhere else I could kiss you?” Martel shamelessly said with a sly grin.

At this point, Freyja was starting to blush.” Well… That… I…” She stammered in embarrassment before Martel sealed her lips.

After several seconds, Freyja took a couple of deep breaths once Martel had released her. “You’re such a bully,” Freyja said with a happy pout.

“Oh, you have no idea,” Martel said with a wolfish grin.

As he motioned for Freyja to continue her shopping, he glanced down one of the aisles towards a pair of black-haired young women who backed away at his line of sight. They were both wearing sunglasses and face masks, but Martel could instantly tell that it was Miyuki and Kuromi. He had been aware of the presence from the beginning. However, given the two of them seemed to be taking measures to make sure they had a smooth date, like driving away the occasional fly, he didn’t mind.

After obtaining numerous supplies from the store, they made their way to a music store. There, Freyja got an electric keyboard and an acoustic guitar.

“Why the sudden interest in music?” Martel couldn’t help but ask as the two of them exited the store.

“Well, all the other girls like music and have already started learning. Miyuki suggested it as a hobby we could share. I have been too busy focused on my training to join them. I think it’s about time I change that.”

“Why the piano and guitar?”

Freyja made a slightly embarrassed expression. “The electric piano is versatile and can simulate the sound of different instruments so I can use it for almost any song. As for the guitar, that’s mostly so I can play with you as I know it’s your favorite instrument.”

Martel smiled. “I look forward to it. Speaking of looking forward to something, isn’t it about time we got lunch?”

Freyja nodded. “I am hungry.”

“Anything you like in particular?”

“Pizza.” Freyja suddenly blurted out.

Martel smiled. “Pizza? Well, that’s fine. I know of a good pizzeria in the mall a short ways away.”

“What makes it good?”

“The ingredients. Many people don’t realize how important it is to put good food and their bodies, and they tend to eat whatever they like. Even most that care only focus on their calorie intake. You see, in the past, this country used to have a food shortage. However, new technology and legislature allowed for the industrialization of food at that time. This allowed them to create mass quantities of food but came at the cost of healthiness. If you go to a grocery store, you’ll see aisles of food that could be considered very unhealthy, like processed chips and cereal. These are processed and used for many different and unhealthy ingredients, like man-made substances, because they’re convenient for mass production at a low cost and have appealing tastes. This pizzeria uses natural and organic ingredients. This makes it more expensive, but I don’t have money problems.”

“Is that why Anna is so strict about our diets?”

Martel nodded. “Of course. I want you all to be spitting images of health.” He said as they entered the pizzeria.

Martel gave her complete control over what to eat, but he was a little surprised when she ordered so much and got a table for four.

Freyja gave him a smile. “I’m sure our bodyguards are also hungry. Why don’t you go and invite them?”

Martel could help but shake his head as Miyuki and Kuromi had obviously been spotted quite some time ago. While today was supposed to be only about Freyja, she did not have the greedy personality to enforce it.

“Thanks, Aneue!” Miyuki said happily, uncharacteristically calling Freyja’ older sister.’

Kuromi also nodded her appreciation as she was eyeing the employees making the pizza.

“Well, think of it as your reward for safeguarding our date,” Freyja said with a smile.

Miyuki made a slight frown. “That wasn’t the reward I was hoping for.” She said quietly.

The four of them happily conversed while they waited and later consumed their pizza. Afterward, they went and got ice cream. Freyja got vanilla, Miyuki got chocolate, Kuromi got strawberry, and Martel got a fruit rainbow sherbet. Afterward, the 4 of them also went to a thrift store. Kuromi and Miyuki both went their separate ways inside the store to give Martel and Freyja more time.

As for Freyja, she was mostly looking for things that could decorate her room. Martel noted she had a particular fondness for sculptures, especially those made of wood. 

“We still have quite some time left for dinner.” Martel began after they left the thrift store. “Would you like to catch a movie, or would you like to continue shopping somewhere?”

“Let’s go see a movie,” Freyja said with a smile.

“Anything in particular?”

Freyja thought for a moment. “Anything like nature or history documentaries.”

Martel cocked an eyebrow in surprise. “Not something romantic?”

Freyja rolled her eyes. “Please, like I want to watch a movie about someone else’s romantic problems.”

Martel suddenly broke out in a cold sweat as he felt as if he had stepped on a landmine.

Freyja eyed him when she noticed his slightly abnormal reaction. “Besides, I figure you should save the romantic movie for Lucibelle.”

“I have something else for…” Martel began before he stopped when Freyja gave him the stink eye.

He just realized he made the taboo of talking about his plans with another woman.

Martel shut up before Freyja suddenly started laughing. “That’s what you get for bullying me earlier.” She said with a teasing smile.

Martel laughed it off, but he was having a hard time figuring out if she was only joking or not. “There is an IMAX documentary on Vikings I think you’d enjoy.” He said to change the subject.

“IMAX?”

“You’ll see,” Martel said with a chuckle.

...

“The visuals were quite amazing, even though it made me feel a little sick,” Freyja said as they exited the theater.

Martel chuckled. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

Afterward, the four of them teleported home. Once there, Martel helped set up Freyja’s room. He used the SRIN to make some additional furniture, like tables. In the end, the previously generic room started to take a life of its own. There was a small area first sewing, instruments, and the bookcase. Martel also created a bunch of shelves on the walls for her various new trinkets.

...

Martel was patiently waiting, sitting on a couch in his house for Freyja. He and Freyja had gone shopping in the morning, saw the move in the afternoon, and prepared to go out for dinner. This was the reason why he was dressed up. Miyuki had volunteered to get Freyja ready, and they were taking their time, but he was in no hurry.

When he heard footsteps coming down the stairs, he stood up, and his eyes snapped wide. There he saw Freyja, who wore an elegant Emerald evening dress, and had on the perfect amount of makeup. “Beautiful.” He couldn’t help but mutter.

“Coming from My Hero, I’ll take that compliment any day,” Freyja said with a slightly bashful smile.

“Worthy is My Goddess,” Martel cheekily replied as he took her arm.

...

When they arrived at the restaurant, Martel and Freyja passed the time with small talk and flirting, ignoring the men’s entranced gaze and the glares of the woman.

“Martel, are you okay?” Freyja asked as they prepared to leave, and she had noticed him slightly shaking.

“Yes, I’m just a little nervous,” he replied.

“Nervous? Oh, about that?” she said with a slight blush. “Isn’t it my job to be nervous about that?”

Not being as dense as a rock, Martel immediately realized that they weren’t talking about the same thing. “No, not about that,” Martel replied as he got up.

Freyja blushed harder when she realized she had misunderstood and was somewhat confused when he stood next to her.

“I know it’s a little late to be doing this, but.” He said as he got down on one knee.

Freyja was momentarily shocked but became overcome with emotion when she realized what he was doing. Such a custom was not something done in her world, but she had secretly wanted it ever since she had come to learn about it. However, the girls all decided they would not have any special marriage ceremonies. They had all already agreed and consider themselves to be married to him. She hadn’t been expecting it and tucked it away as a small desire that she never thought would be fulfilled.

A small box appeared in his hand, and he opened it to reveal a gold ring encrusted with various jewels. “Freyja, will you marry me?”

“Yes! Yes, of course!” Freyja said, overcome with happiness. Under the claps of the audience, the two hugged and kissed. Martel showed her the engraving on the ring which read ‘My Love, My Wife, My Goddess’ before he slipped on her finger.

As they drove home, the tension between them was quite thick, and it made the air somewhat awkward even until they entered the house.

“So… I’m going to go clean up,” Freyja said with a hint of awkwardness.

“I will, as well.” 

Freyja nodded and began to climb the stairs.

“Freyja, tonight, we share a bed.”

Freyja did not respond, but the blush on her cheeks and slight smile conveyed enough.

“Freyja, I’ll give you a hand,” Miyuki said as she began to pull her towards the big bath. “Anata, everyone’s going to stay in their rooms tonight, and I’ve already soundproofed all the rooms.” She said with a wink.

Martel rolled his eyes.

...

Half an hour later, Marty sat in his room in his briefs. He couldn’t help but feel nervous. Though he was no stranger to the concept of what he was going to do, he technically had no experience. He had the memories of Shiba, and thus between himself and Hanahime (Miyuki). However, he had sealed those memories to keep himself in check and remain as pure as possible for Freyja, who he felt unfair to.

The door slightly creaked, and Freyja slowly came in wearing nothing but a bathrobe.

“You’re even more beautiful without makeup.”

“You like?” She asked.

“Of course.”

Freyja took a deep breath and dropped her robe. “How about now?” she asked with an ever so slight tremble in her voice as she exposed herself before him.

“Beautiful.” Martel quietly said as he took in the amazing woman before him. He gently took Freyja and hand and led her to bed.

 

In the middle of a small forest, there was a tower. In this tower was a beautiful maiden. One day, a fierce Dragon appeared. The maiden stayed within the tower, afraid of the Dragon as it circled, teasing her. As more time went by, the Dragon became bolder and bolder. Eventually, it continuously tested the defenses of the tower, leaving the maiden afraid and excited. Again and again, it teased the maiden, but it was nothing but a game. In one swift motion, the Dragon pierced through the tower’s doors and devoured the trembling maiden within. It rampaged in the tower causing frequent tremors before it finally spewed its fiery breath, leaving a mark that would never be forgotten.

...

Martel gently held the passed out Freyja in his arms. She had fought admirably for one at a tremendous disadvantage. Martel felt quite proud, and he looked at the silly and content smile on her face. 

Martel was mentally satisfied, emotionally satisfied, but not physically satisfied. He didn’t blame Freyja in the slightest for this as Miyuki had already hinted at his prowess. There were several reasons for this; the most prominent was his draconification as it made changes to his body. 

All the organs involved in sex were enlarged and had an increased recovery rate. Additionally, his body began to produce an aura that women would subconsciously find attractive and be drawn to on top of acting as a catalyst for their pleasure. The combination of his personality and his wedding band, crafted from the Ring of Understanding, also positively affected his partner’s experience. Martel was a very thoughtful person, and he primarily sought for his partner’s pleasure before his own. This was aided by his ring, which conveyed it to his partner, increasing his effectiveness. Finally, his computer-like brain gave him far more control over some functions of his body that other men would find involuntary. Martel was able to fight many long rounds while his partner would soon be overwhelmed with pleasure. However, Martel didn’t mind in the slightest. He quietly watched over Freyja’s sleeping face that looked even more beautiful to him.

Reminiscence – Freyja

I remember the first time I, Freyja Le Fay, saw him. The first thought that ran through my mind was [a bit plain looking for a hero]. Growing up, my mother often told me the prophecy of the Hero, and I fantasized many times about him. I saw him as a gallant knight who would sweep me off my feet. I imagined him as a mighty mage whose magic awed all those who saw it. However, reality broke that fantasy, but I was only momentarily disappointed. Early on, I realized that this Hero would not be strong from the start, but needed to grow. My task was to help him in his growth wherever I could. From the very beginning, he showed intelligence and talent for everything he touched. I was impressed, but I never forgot our positions… At first.

Soon, he began to seek me out to talk about my world. I willingly spoke to him as long as he shared his world with me. These talks did not last long before we realized it took some of the time needed for his training regimen if we continued them. I was heartbroken though I did not fully understand why. Perhaps he noticed my sorrowfulness, or maybe he truly enjoyed our discussions, but he began to wake up exceptionally early and practiced even more laboriously. It wasn’t until much later that I realized why I enjoyed talking with him, and why I enjoyed spitting time with him, and I believe the reason was mutual. 

When I spoke to him, I was Freyja. When he talked to me, he was Martel. I was not a Princess, but a woman. He was not a hero, but a man. As time passed, our time together began more and more precious as we both began to become busy dealing with other countries. I remember being so disappointed the first time that foreign business interrupted our time meant for conversations. At this moment, I realized my feelings for him went beyond admiration for a hero or care for a friend. I had fallen in love with him.

Unfortunately, I could only bury those feelings. I did not wish to ruin our friendship, nor would it be appropriate. I would become Queen of Camelot, and he had made it clear that he had no wish for nobility or position. Perhaps he thought such positions were beneath him. Perhaps, as the Hero who was supposed to save our world, I thought he was right.

Moreover, if I pursued a marriage, it will be seen as trying to draw favor with a hero, something that the other kingdoms would not want. Diplomacy was already becoming strained between all the countries as they were unhappy for our monopoly of him. I could only bury those feelings, but I didn’t bury them far enough.

My mother realized my feelings for him. She took advantage of this to propose a marriage between us, which would publicly be announced as Martel asking. She decided to tie the Hero to the country as a monarch and as a mother to ensure that her daughter married the one she loved. I remembered my fear as I delivered the letter to Martel. Although my mother did not tell me its explicit contents, I had a fairly certain idea of what was within it. I was afraid but expectant. 

Perhaps because Martel noticed my insecurity at that moment, but he made a bad joke and how the queen wished for marriage between himself and Morgan. After he apologized, he accepted, and I was overtaken by happiness. We shared our first kiss, and it is a memory I will treasure till death and beyond. 

After that kiss, I realized my sister, Morgan, had seen us. The tears in her eyes told me everything I needed to know. She had heard his joke, and the fact that it was not true had broken her heart. I had noticed that her attachment to Martel was incredibly strong, but only then did I realize just how much he meant to her. I knew at that moment that I could never have him all to myself. The thought made me disappointed, but also gave me a sense of relief. 

I never told Morgan that I would accept her relationship with Martel because I needed time to get Martel to accept. He had already mentioned his intent to be monogamous. As time went on, Martel’s harem grew; Shiro, Cali, Caelia. However, I was content because I had his love. His eyes were not filled with the lust I had seen from numerous nobility that had vied for my affection. I knew he fully intended to marry me, and only me. Although the thought was beautiful, I never expected or pursued it. So long as I could marry him, become his wife, that was enough. However, that day almost never came.

The other summoned Hero, Freed, attacked our castle and killed the king and queen, my parents, and for all intents and purposes, killed me. As I lay dying in My Hero’s arms, my heart broke. I realized just how much I want to be a part of his life. I would die with so much regret. I begged him to protect and take care of Morgan, but I only realized after he had left, as I lay dying amidst the white flames, that he had taken it too literally. Then, above me, space shimmered like a mirror, and a figure appeared as if an illusion, a figure I did not think I would see again. Then, content, I died in the arms of My Hero.

However, he would not let me die. I have vague memories seeing myself above my body, watching him desperately trying to bring me back. He shouted, ‘come back to me,’ and I did so with all my strength. I was brought back from the clutch of death itself. My Hero had saved me. However, he acted strangely, as if shunning me. I didn’t understand why, and I didn’t pry. I was only happy to be alive; to be with him. 

At first, I believed his guilt to be because there were several new women around him. After talking with them, they all told me how much he grieved my death and that they were with him due to his sense of responsibility. I wanted to tell him I didn’t mind. Although it did slightly bother me, compared to not being with him, it was nothing. However, he was already gone. 

It was not until we found Cali that I became struck with horror when I realized he had gone off to fight Nidhogg alone, fully expecting to die. My head went blank. I couldn’t understand it. Why would he bother saving me if he expected to die? What purpose was my life without him? As I struggled with these questions, Miyuki took the lead. She came up with a way to save him, only theoretical, but it was possible. If this failed, no, even if it succeeded, there was a chance that all those who participated would die. A surge of pride went through me when all of the others decided to save him without hesitation. My Hero had found some wonderful women that I felt proud to call my sisters.

Cali used magic to bring us to the peak of Mt. Edna. My ears were wracked with pain from the roars emanating from Martel, and my body flinched from the pain of the black flame that surrounded the entire area. To save him, we had to give him our strength, our love. The white flame that embodied all of our feelings for him slowly made its way up to me. The moment I added my love, I felt the culmination of love from all the others. It was at that moment that I accepted them completely. And then, like the others, I fainted from giving my all.

When I woke up, it was already the next morning. The other girls also began to stir. Only Martel remained asleep. As we ate, we began to talk, and I got to know each of the new girls in more detail. One of the ways he overcame his grief in losing me was to help others. As I heard each of their stories, I looked over at him with pride. He was truly a man with entrusting the rest of my life to. Someone that I wished to help and support so that he could reach a higher peak than he could. A peak further than he would be destined to reach.

I hadn’t laughed so hard in a long time then when I saw him bolt out of the tent when Miyuki brought up the matter of choosing the principal wife. I did not give chase as the others did both because physical activity was not my forte, and I had faith that he would choose me. Even if he did not, so long as he did not forsake me, I would not care. I was surprised and happy when he returned, even though it did not seem as though he was coming back for me. I surprised him, and we joked together, but when I looked in his eyes, all I wanted to tell him was my feelings for him, and it was as if he only wished to do the same to me. 

Unable to put my emotions into words, I only called out his name as he called out mine. We then shared our most passionate kiss as our hearts and souls blended. Then, the most amazing thing happened. I took a walk through his memories and him through mine. I finally got to see the world he often spoke about, and I could not wait to see it in person. He hid nothing for me, and I naught from him.

Time went by, and we all went back to his world, Earth. As luck would have it, as soon as we came back, aliens appeared. We all had our little adventures, but eventually, he came back home safe and sound. I was a little surprised when he came home alone, even more so when he told me that he spent all his time with the Princess of an all-female race. The next morning, when I heard that heartbroken shout, I couldn’t help but smile as he had done it again. 

Angelica turned out to be a wonderful young lady. Her mother and I quickly came to an understanding. The look on Martel’s face when I accepted their marriage in his stead was priceless. Even though he denied it, I knew he wanted her. I pushed for him to pursue her even though I knew it would, as he said, open Pandora’s box. I wouldn’t regret this decision… Probably… At least not until all the rooms in the house were taken (which is quite a lot). However, the more allies he has; we have, the better for all of us.

Then, more time went by as we went through a small period of separation. The day he got back, he told me we were going on a date the next day. 

I was taken with so much excitement and anticipation I could barely fall asleep. In the morning we went shopping, the afternoon we saw a movie, and then we came back home before going out to dinner. Miyuki helped me put on my makeup, something which I have minimal experience. She did a fantastic job, as was evident by Martel’s expression when he saw me. I was happy I could stun him so well. Dinner was wonderful, especially when he officially proposed. It was a dream come true. I was so delighted I secretly had to pinch myself to ensure that it was not a dream. When we got home, he told me that, tonight, we would share a bed. Finally, I would genuinely become his wife. 

I went up to clean myself, and Miyuki helped me. During that time, she said some very… embarrassing things. After the bath, I became increasingly nervous as I approached his bedroom. However, I had already laid my feelings bare to him, even my soul. Compared to that, what was my body? His reaction when he saw me filled me with pride, and he finally took me. He was relentless and seemed to obtain a perverse thrill in making me incapable from pleasure. The last thing I thought before I finally passed out was: [Miyuki, you were right. There’s no way I can handle him alone.]

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