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There is a saying in Villiris that behind every successful man stands the love of a woman who motivated him to reach the heights. So what then should be said about women who have achieved success? If you look at one striking example from Duskwing, you might think that behind every successful alpha female stands at least one loyal doormat. The infamous Carnea Keikunia Iretiret, known throughout the kingdom, contrary to her established reputation as a vulgar tyrant, was endowed with a strong intellect and, despite constant drunkenness, could think strategically and far ahead. However, her impulsiveness, arrogance, and excessive cruelty hindered her from achieving tactical superiority and could have ruined many of her plans if not for the competent behind-the-scenes work of Cedric Gayavl, her devoted knight.
He was a completely unremarkable, dull man who could easily be mistaken for a simple laborer, worn down by years of hard work. Yet his sharp mind, ability to quickly resolve issues, and meet any of life's challenges with indifference made him an indispensable cog in the empire of cruelty and intrigue built by his lady. He was the kind of person who could bring the pommel of a mace down on the head of an innocent child without a twinge of conscience — not because he was a bloodthirsty sadistic maniac, but simply because "if it needs to be done, it will be done."
Today, while his lady was celebrating the birthday of the false Deus, the Knight of the Smoldering Henpeck, commanding a squad of professional warriors, personally cleared out a den of revolutionaries — such events did not occur often, but each time they were nipped in the bud, also serving as a lesson to future fools. In this regard, Cedric could well be characterized as a gynecologist-surgeon with extensive experience. He was far from the prestige of other knights, but anyone knowledgeable about the fencing schools of Tezoth knew beyond any doubt that this man's sword swings were lethal — "dodge or die" is how they describe the combat strategy against the loyal servant of the Mantis.
Washing the already-caked blood from his face and replacing his cloak with a new one, the knight did not neglect the rare period of rest and headed into the city.
"My Lord Cedric! How can my humble shop be of service to you?"
The townsfolk knew him and disliked him, but fear of Carnea's mad dog outweighed all other emotions in their little hearts. Without answering, he took one of the small perfume bottles from the shelf and sprayed some of its contents on the inside of his wrist. Sniffing it, he perceived a composition of the scent of iron, alcohol, and wood. Silently handing the merchant his money and taking the goods, the knight proceeded to the next store, where he purchased clothes and high-heeled shoes. Following this, he headed to a brothel, whose madam showed him her merchandise.
"That one."
When Cedric nodded toward a long-haired blonde, the madam also offered him to choose a room, but he refused.
"So then, my lord, you plan to do it right here?.. But how..."
Instead of answering, the man swung his sword, and the next moment the worker's hair fell to the floor. Crying and screaming, she ran away, while the owner of the establishment, despite her inner indignation, gratefully accepted the gold coins.
Returning home, the Knight of the Smoldering Henpeck crafted a wig from the acquired hair, put it on his wife, sprayed the perfume, and forced her to dress in the new clothes — also not forgetting to give her precious scarlet contact lenses obtained from somewhere in the floating city. Then he shared the bed with her.
...
"This is all wrong." — was all he said with his usual indifference on his face when the act of intimate non-closeness was over.
After sleeping for a few hours, he ate some boiled buckwheat with pork and left the house — it was time to return to work.