After Surviving the Apocalypse, I Built a City in Another World

By the time the sun was at its zenith, the wedding ceremony commenced.

Voumi Town weddings were pretty standard for this region. It would take place on a raised platform of intricately carved stone.

The larger and more complex the pattern, the more extravagant the wedding was seen

Its edges would be adorned with patterns depicting images of the couple or the man's greatness.

Naturally, in Mafo's case, it was the latter.

It showed his 'triumphs' though most were debatable. In fact, most of those that really happened were actually due to someone else, though no one talked about it that way.

The couple and the Elder would stand on this platform to make their vows, standing barefoot on the cold stone floor. The officiant, clad in ceremonial robes, held a cup filled with their red mud, specially colored for the occasion.

The couple would then wipe their thumbs on this and place on the forehead of their partners, and the ceremony was over.

After the wedding, the banquet naturally commenced. It was also a time for men to bond. Whether it was to discuss married life or business, it was common practice while the women had their own place of gushing.

Of course, actual business deals couldn't be done there, though so, before excusing himself, Otto approached Mafo.

"I'll come tomorrow afternoon for the deal," he said. "Please ensure none of the items are damaged until then."

Mafo was in a good mood, waving him away. "Yes, yes—see you tomorrow! Did you enjoy the women we sent last night? I heard they hadn't left the room since."

Otto's eyes sharpened and he smiled. "They'll remain in my room until I leave."

Mafo and the other men laughed in glee. "Good, good! Good that you enjoyed them!"

The masked man left the room, and a lot of people followed his figure with varying expressions.

Anyway, while the men enjoyed the feast in their side, the women were also eating and chattering among themselves. It looked like they were enjoying themselves from a view from the outside, but in fact, the tensions were high—as it always was within women of this world.

They were surrounding the bride, to talk to her about life—especially married life—though they were really questioning a lot about her, subtly mocking her to make themselves feel better.

"How lucky… it must be a joy to wake up every day," one said.

"Can you teach us your ways?"

"Yes, you are so fortunate!" another said. "I'm sure it's amazing to wake up every morning as the Mistress of the territory."

Sandra had to endure some passive-aggressive comments, though there were also more showing support. After all, she was the leading lady of the town, and it would do well to be in her good graces!

There were topics the women all agreed on, though: That Otto guy was so handsome!

Even when he had already left, the women could still remember how their hearts beat and how their knees weakened.

"I want to see behind that mask… must be so handsome!"

"What if he's not? I'd rather keep the fantasy…"

As much as Sandra agreed with them, she didn't like it if the attention that should be on her wasn't there. She patted her stomach. "I'm just happy my child will be born within wedlock."

"In any case, I do hope it's a son," one said. "Perhaps he would also be as handsome as Sir Otto."

The ladies nodded. "A son is indeed good."

"My family has a remedy to ensure it's a son."

"Is that why you have a daughter?"

"..."

"There, there, ladies," Sandra said with a smile, though internally amused when other ladies argued. "I don't mind either way. I'm just happy to bear this for the Lord."

The bootlickers jumped in to support. "That's amazing, Milady! As expected of the woman the Lord chose!"

"Yes, even if it's a daughter, you can just make another one!"

Once again, Sandra felt so important, and she was smiling widely the whole time.

Yes, this was what she were wanted!

…

The next day, Otto arrived as promised.

Mafo looked very happy, and he had obviously gone wild the previous night. Of course, because his wife was pregnant, most of his libido was taken elsewhere… with said wife forced to watch the fun.

Hesso, who was now trying to integrate with all important discussions—to connect with all people of power—squeezed himself into the meeting. Mafo didn't think too much though, just thinking the brat was just curious.

Mafo did notice a difference in his face, however. "You don't seem well rested," he said. It wasn't obvious, but there were differences. At their level, they only needed a few hours to rest, so it was fairly rare to be restless.

"Ah, I was busy last night," was all he said, but he looked at Otto with a bit of hunting, as if he would be pushing him to do (or in this case buy) something.

Soon, the remaining slaves were lined up. There were actually still about a hundred serving the territory. Some were in his harem, some were in the guard team, while the others were in the Elementalist Arena.

That place had become an incredibly lucrative business.

Anyway, all the slaves left behind were of rather good quality, so he was naturally determined to spike up the price, to make up for the losses with the deal with Warrior City.

"Starting price: 200 Gold for the people in the arena and the maids, but my guards are at least 300 Gold each."

Elementalist slaves in town sold for around 50 tgold each for the weaker ones, and at least hundred if he put them up for auction, and Mafo was determined to get more. He took quite a bit of loss due to that deal from before, though hopefully that would make up for something.

Anyway, for now, he ought to sell the slaves for a good price! "What do you say?"

Otto frowned. They thought he would haggle, but Otto was actually frowning for a different reason.

After a pause, he looked at Hesso, who was decidedly accompanied by different people at this time.

"Where are your slaves?"