The Curse Of Chrysalis

Chapter 18

Nothing much happened while Kris was in the hospital. He managed to recover a little sooner than expected. He just stepped out of the changeling hospital ward and stretched out his arms. “Mmmmmaaaaaaaaaah! Man it feels good to be out and about again.”

“If you want to stay out of that bed, then you’ll use your head better.” Cory’s voice was heard as he approached, Umbra not far behind him.

Kris sighed. “Yeah yeah, I gotcha. I promise I’ll be more careful next time.”

Cory crossed his arms. “You better. I doubt you’d want Chrysalis to snap.”

Kris then smiled noticing Umbra. “Hey Umbra, you doing all right?”

Umbra nodded. “I have been….acclimating well. Feels strange to be treated with kindness.”

“I imagine when all anyone feels from you is fear just seeing you.” Kris stated. “So, did you get the outfit Rarity made for you?”

Umbra nodded. “We did. It…..was better than I was expecting.”

Cory smiled. “Rarity knows her stuff when it comes to fashion.”

She always puts her heart into her work no matter what.” Kris added. “So, now that I’m no longer bed ridden in the hospital, what to…”

“KYAAAA! He’s out!” A group of female voices cheered before Kris was suddenly surrounded by young female changelings in their early teens.

“Whoa! Uh….ladies?” Kris greeted in surprise.

“Oh Kris, we’re so glad you’re okay!” One of them said.

“We heard what happened in Ponyville, we’re so glad you didn’t die.” Another said.

From the T-shirts they were wearing, they were in the fanclub that was formed for Cory and Kris. “You were so brave to fight that unicorn all by yourself to protect Umbra.” The third stated.

“It was nothing really.” Kris replied rubbing the back of his head with an uneasy smile.

Cory sighed before coming around and placing a hand on Kris’ shoulder. “Sorry ladies, but now that Kris is out and about, he has some work to catch up on. Wouldn’t want to make the Queen mad for leaving that work to pile up.”

“Awwww…” The trio of fans aw’ed in disappointment.

“I appreciate your concern girls, but duty calls.” Kris said.

“Do you think you two could stop by our clubhouse just for a visit sometime?” The first mareling asked.

Cory smiled. “I think we can do that. Our next day off, we’ll come by for a visit.”

“Yaaay!” They cheered happily and bid farewell before flying off.

“So cute.” Kris commented watching them leave.

Umbra rolled her eyes. “I see your attraction to them hasn’t changed much.”

Cory chuckled. “If anything, it’s only increased since the mareling nurses didn’t come back for a while.”

“Fear not though lady Umbra, for my heart will always belong to thee.” Kris said, trying to sound chivalrous.

“You better not let Chrysalis hear that.” Cory said.

“Alas, my heart is big enough for more than one love. Thus I fear not.” Kris replied, keeping up the act. “That said, Umbra.” Kris then looked to Umbra, dropping the act.

Umbra raised a brow. “I honestly don’t care. You wish to rut them, that’s your choice. I’m not one for such talk however.”

“Actually, I was going to ask if you might allow me to take you out sometime on a date. Just the two of us.” Kris said. “I realize it may not be your thing but I think I can get something together you would enjoy.”

Umbra was about to reject the offer but paused for a moment. She thought about it before speaking. “Very well.”

“I promise not to disappoint.” Kris replied with a bow. “I will show you the most fun you have ever had.”

“We shall see.” Umbra said before taking her leave.

Cory looked at Kris after Umbra left. “Making progress.”

“Indeed. I’m glad to see she’s starting to open up. Now I just need to figure out what to do on the date. I was thinking of taking her to this carnival that’s coming to Ponyville soon. But I’m not sure it would be her thing.”

“I’m sure she’s more of the ‘swords, spears, and kicking ass’ kind of mare. One that finds the most fun in a little bit of chaos.” Cory mentioned.

As soon as Cory said swords and spears, a bulb lit up in Kris’s head. “Cory, do you remember that one resturaunt we went to once where it was like a medieval show? I believe it was called Medieval times.”

“I’m going to guess you’re going to try and pull something like that off, aren’t you?” Cory asked.

“Why not? Doesn't that seem like the kind of thing Umbra would enjoy?” Kris asked.

“It does, but ask yourself this. HOW are you gonna pull that off when the entire WORLD is like a mix of that and the twentieth century of our world?” Cory asked with a raised brow.

“A lot of leg work, negotiations, and busting my ass to pull together an amazing dinner theater for that dark beauty.” Kris replied.

“You’re just gonna ask the princesses and Chrysalis for help, aren’t you?” Cory deadpanned.

“No.” Kris simply said. “If I want to show Umbra how much I care, I gotta try and pull this off myself. I’ll figure it out. Believe me. I will do this.” Kris stated with determination.

Cory sighed. “Alright, but don’t bite off more than you can chew. Last thing we need is a mess that Discord would be proud of.”

“Trust me. I will work my butt off but I’ll be sure not to take on more than I can handle. Besides, I do have an idea of where I might be able to start.”

“Okay, I’ll leave it to you. But if you need me, just give a holler.” Cory offered.

“I will. Thanks.” Kris replied, giving a smile.

Cory nodded with his own smile. “Alright. I’ll see you around then. I have a few projects to finish up.”

“Right, see you later then.” Kris said before heading off to his first stop.

The brothels the changelings set up kept going. Since they no longer really needed love as badly now, they did charge a small fee to ponies for their use. This brought in money they could use to buy other things they could use such as clothing and food, and materials for other things. This allowed the changelings to build up their own economy and were now being paid in their own hive for their work. This included Kris and Cory to be paid for their jobs so they could afford what they might want or need.

From then, Kris worked extra hard around the hive and, when he had time off, went to Ponyville to do a few odd jobs. All this to earn a good amount of money to start working on his idea. One day, he took a trip to the minotaur nation. During his time in the hospital, he learned about the minotaurs out of curiosity. He went on his own without much word but promising he wasn’t going to get into any fights and looked to see about hiring a couple strong minotaur warriors to take part in his plan. He was fortunate enough to hire a few.

After that, he looked to hire some ponies for a bit of construction to build up a place that seemed like an arena. He managed to have them build it out of sight as he wanted this all to be a surprise. Then there was working to get enough food, drinks, and utensils for a crowd. Sure he wanted this to be a date with Umbra, but he also wanted to show other ponies a good time with an experience he had with such a show. Plus, it was sure to earn back what he had spent for all this.

It took nearly a month for everything to be set up and he passed the word a new themed restaurant was about to open but only for one night. Exhausted and beat, Kris returned to the hive walking with a hunch. “Phew….finally….ready.”

“So, the triumphant hero returns.” Cory was heard as he was waiting for Kris.

“Hey...Cory. Finally...got everything ready. It wasn’t easy though. But it’s all set.” Kris stated.

“I heard, however, what are you gonna do if everypony wants it for more than one night? Or is this gonna be something you do every now and again?” Cory asked.

“Well, if it does turn out ponies want to see more of it, I have someone lined up to take over running it in my stead. I explained it all to him and what to do and come to me if he ever needs help. So that’s taken care of.”

“So, who do you have for the knights, the king, and the princess?” Cory queried.

“Remember that trip I took a while back? I went to the minotaur nation. I managed to hire a few minotaurs to take part as the knights. Plus, I got a couple griffons to help as well. One for the king, one for the queen and one for the princess. I’ve also got a few sharp shooting ponies to take part in an archery contest that’s to be held during the show. And a few pegasi to do an aerial combat show.”

Cory snorted. “That’s gonna be an image. A minotaur knight and a griffon princess. You do remember how they are supposed to act right?”

Kris groaned. “Ugh, I just thought a griffon king and queen would seem more regal than a minotaur king and queen.”

“Not saying it’s bad, just saying that it might be a bit cute. Especially depending on the griffon. Speaking of, how in the hell did you convince any griffon to help with this, let alone go along with the acting?”

Kris smiled. “Surprisingly, there were actually a few nice griffons among the gruffs. Trust me, I did get alot of no’s and get lost from the griffons as I was asking around, but the ones I got to act for the king, queen, and princess approached me. And you’ll never guess who the princess is going to be.” He then added with a grin.

Cory honestly looked hopeful at this moment. “Please tell me it’s Gabby.”

“Aw, you did guess.” Kris replied with a smile.

Cory fist pumped. “YES! Oh, that cute little griffon is going to look gorgeous in that dress.” His brain then hit the brakes with the force of a one ton anvil. “Wait, WHO did you commission for the outfits and armor?”

“The minotaurs have great blacksmiths, so of course they’ll be using their own armor and weapons but will be dulled so there won’t be any chance of real harm being done. It is a show after all. As for the costumes, who do you think?”

“Just checking. You did want this to be a secret, so I can only imagine how you got Rarity to do them without letting her know what they were for.” Cory said.

“I actually did tell her what they were for but made her promise to keep it secret. Plus, she was rather impressed with the old designs from that time period and thought them elegant. I used magic to display the kind of clothing I had in mind. So she’s working on them as we speak and will be done soon.”

“Alright then. So, when will it be?”

“Next week on Saturday afternoon. It all starts at around four.” Kris stated.

Cory crossed his arms. “I might just go myself. Take Chrysalis there as my date.”

“I’d be hurt if you didn’t. I’m extending an invitation to the entire hive for this event as well as Ponyville.”

“Hope you’ll send some to the Princesses and Cadence and Shining.” Cory mentioned.

“Already have them written out with my own hands.” Kris said.

“Nice. Here’s hoping they enjoy themselves. Granted, I don’t see many enjoying the combat, like Fluttershy, but I hope the story will keep those types entertained.”

“I just hope this goes off without a hitch. I worked SO HARD to put all this together.” Kris stated. “It feels like I did this not just for Umbra, but for the hive and Ponyville, maybe even all of Equestria.”

“Might be exaggerating there, but I get ya. This isn’t just some piece of equipment that you made in an hour, this is something you literally busted your balls to do. I know for a fact that there aren’t many humans that would go that far, JUST for a date.”

“Oh gosh. You don’t think then Umbra will think of me as coming off as desperate then do you? Considering all I did JUST for a date with her?” Kris stated, starting to sound worried.

Cory deadpanned at Kris. “First, take a few deep breaths to calm down before you hyperventilate and I have to slap you.”

Kris did so and managed to calm down.

“Good. Now second, Umbra isn’t like that. She knows effort and hard work and she’ll know the energy you spent doing this. BUT, and this is number three, you need to understand something. Despite everything you’re doing, despite everything you’ve done, despite everything you hope for, you need to know that there is in fact one possibility that could happen even with everything going off great and she even has a good time.”

“And...that is?”

Cory looked sternly at Kris. “She doesn’t see you as more than a friend, and in time, might fall for someone else.”

Kris sighed as he slumped. “Yeah, you’re right.” He looked back up. “I just had another thought though. I hope Chrysalis won’t get jealous from this. I could say I did this for her too.”

Cory patted Kris’ shoulder. “You leave Chrysalis to me. I’ll make sure she’s good with you wanting more than changelings for lovers.”

Kris smiled. “Thanks man. You’re a real bro.”

Cory shrugged. “It’s either that, or watch her go praying mantis on you.”

“Hah hah, very funny.” Kris replied dryly. “She would never do that.”

“Never know. That’s how many people think of some women and they suddenly go full Yandere.”

“Yikes.” Kris replied.

The week passed by. Rarity worked hard on the costumes for all that were going to participate and got fittings for them. The minotaur blacksmith made the suits of armor for the minotaurs and pegasus soldiers that were going to take part as well. Word spread of the event across the hive and Ponyville and personal invites sent to the princesses Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Cadence’s husband Shining Armor. Twilight and her friends, along with the princesses and queen Chrysalis would be allowed free entry and food.

Kris approached Umbra, who was in her room, before all this though and asked if she was ready for a surprise he put together for her. “So, you ready to hear what the surprise is?”

Umbra answered through the door, getting dressed for the date. “You have been hinting at it all week, so if I’m not ready now, I doubt I’ll ever be. What is it?”

“I hope you like this. I put together a little event involving warriors battling it out, archers showing off their sharp shooting skills, and such all with food and drinks. And most of Ponyville, the hive, and the princesses are going to be there.”

“It was to my understanding that a date would involve only those OF the date. Or has that changed?”

“Well, yes many ponies are going to be there, but with as big an event as this is that I put together, I figured it would be a waste if it were just us two. But my focus is going to be all on you and that’s what makes it a date.”

“Hmm, very well. But I better be impressed. I’m not some skimpy mare you can woo with little effort.”

“Of course I know that. Hence why I put all this together for you.” Kris said.

The door opened, and Umbra was wearing a dress that Rarity made for her. While Umbra didn’t like dresses of any kind, she had to admit that this one appealed to her. It was very similar to her old armor and cape in terms of color. She wore a silver dress that hugged her body that went down to just a few inches above her ankles, with a slit in the side to show off her left leg. The top portion was strapless, leaving her shoulders bare and a good part of her back showing as well, while hugging her breasts. However, just because the dress was strapless, didn’t mean she left her shoulders bare. She had a crimson veil like sash that went over her shoulders and gently wrapped around her forearms. Her hands and forearms were covered by crimson gloves that stopped just before the elbows. In place of her old crown, she had a tiara that was also silver with dark rubies embedded in it. She wore little makeup, mostly because there was little in the hive, but she did have black lip gloss and violet eye shadow.

“Wow, you look amazing Umbra.” Kris commented, looking her up and down.

Umbra nodded. “I know. And you clean up rather nice yourself.”

“Why thank you.” Kris was wearing a dark red vest and pants with gold swirling designs on the lapel, sleeve cuffs and pant cuffs. He had a white silk button up shirt underneath and was wearing black loafers. His hair was combed back neatly. “So, let us be off. The show awaits.” Kris bowed.

“Indeed.” Umbra said before walking with Kris.

The arena for the event was about three stories tall and was covered in a white tarp like fabric along the outside with different colored checker patterns. The whole structure was made with wood and metal. The seating area was divided into different colored sections as well. The whole place was in an oval shape. Sitting in an elaborate balcony with three thrones and a red cover was where the king, queen, and princess sat. The king wore an elaborate red and gold robe with a gold crown on his head that was embedded with different colored gems.

The queen griffon wore an elegant red dress with gold and green swirls and had a gold tiara on her head.

The princess, Gabby griffon, sat with them wearing a pink dress and a pink pointy hat with a pink veil. Her dress had short sleeves and white trim. She looked rather adorable in her outfit and smiled as she waved at everyone that was coming in. Standing in the center of the arena were the minotaurs in full armor, a few ponies wearing robes and cloaks with bows and quivers with arrows in them. And hovering above them were a group of pegasi in armor as well.

Kris led Umbra to a seat next to the balcony where the king and queen were. The princesses were given a similar place much like the balcony the griffons were in to sit and watch the show. “So Umbra, what do you think so far?” Kris asked. The place was packed as ponies and changelings seemed rather hyped for the show.

“I will admit, I am amazed you were able to put this together. But I’ll reserve my judgement until the show begins.” Umbra said as she sat next to Kris.

The griffon king stood up and spoke, a series of speakers were set up throughout the stadium so all could hear him clearly. “Ponies and changelings alike, foals of all ages! This night! We hold a magnificent contest of strength, bravery, and skill! All to find the best among you that will earn the honor of receiving a favor from my daughter, the princess!” The king announced. “As you all notice, you each sit in a section of different colors. Those colors represent your knight and his team! Cheer out and give your knight their support!” The king said.

The crowd cheered out for their knight as the minotaurs saluted to their designated sections. Umbra and Kris were in a red section. “For the first event of this night, the minotaur knights will demonstrate their strength in one on one combat! FIRST! Red knight versus the green knight! Step forward and pay your respects!”

The two named minotaurs did so and bowed their heads to one another. “BEGIN!” With that, the event started. The minotaurs showed great strength and skill as they fought, as if it were for real. They clashed and fought hard making it look as real as possible. It was clear as the first event went on, the blue knight and his team were going to be the villains as the blue minotaur knight cheated here and there to try and win the upper hand.

Kris was feeling rather proud of the show he put together and was enjoying it so far. He looked to see how Umbra might be paying attention...if at all.

She was more than paying attention, her eyes were locked on the fights as she ate. She looked to be studying the fights, almost as if committing them to memory.

Kris grinned at this and looked back to the show. Soon, the fights were narrowed down to the red knight versus the blue knight. At first it seemed the red knight was winning but the blue knight started playing dirty by throwing dirt in the red knight’s eyes. The red knight wasn’t about to give up though and managed to avoid any hits. Eventually, the red knight won through luck and skill and came out on top. The crowd cheered for the red knight except for the blue section that booed. The crowd seemed to be getting into it as well.

Then came the archery contest. There were a few simple shots, like who could hit the target from furthest away. But the shots soon got to be more tricky. It soon came down to the green Archer competing against the blue archer. Before either could take a shot, another two arrows were shot and flew past between them and the arrows hit their mark. In shock, the two competitors looked back to see who took the shot. It was another figure wearing a cloak. After a moment of silence, the figure removed her hood to reveal it was….Zecora!

Cory, who was sitting with Chrysalis, felt his jaw drop from the reveal. He did NOT expect this, nor for her to be such a good shot to fire two arrows at once and both hit their target. It would seem Kris decided to change a few things with the normal script, not that he was complaining.

Kris planned this part and was proud of the shock that followed the reveal. He had visited Zecora one day and were merely talking when he shared a bit about his time at a summer camp and archery came up. Zecora spoke about how she was rather good with a bow as it was required for some defense back in her homeland. She was a great shot with the bow, a regular robin hood. When the idea for this event came up in Kris’s head, he remembered this of Zecora and asked if she would be interested in taking part in being a surprise competitor.

“Who are you to interrupt this event!?” The griffon king barked.

“Zecora is my name! And bows and arrows are my game! I mean no disrespect, but the blue knight can not win this bet!”

“Accursed zebra! How dare you interfere!” The blue archer exclaimed.

“I seek a challenge this day, will you fight, or run away?”

The blue archer clenched his teeth in anger. “Fine! I will prove you have no place here zebra!” He then looked to the king. “Sire! Do we have your blessing to face one another!?”

“I will allow this match. Let it be so!”

And so the two began their competition. Zecora managed to match the blue archer shot for shot. The final blow was when the archer had to shoot his arrow through several rings, just over a torch, and hit the target dead center while moving. He managed to do so. When Zecora attempted, not only did she make it, but her arrow split the blue archer’s clean in half making her the winner. The crowd cheered for Zecora and she bowed before taking her leave.

“Way to go Zecora!” Kris cheered out.

It was clear throughout all of this, the princesses and Shining were enjoying the show along with Twilight and ‘most’ of her friends. Fluttershy of course didn’t seem to care much for the violence. She was enjoying the food though.

Umbra herself was enjoying it all. From the combat, to the surprise appearance, she wasn’t sure what she liked more.

It was finally time for the next part of the show, the pegasus soldiers. They took to the air and began their mid air free-for-all. They displayed great aerial prowess and skill as they flew and fought and dodged and weaved and used any and all aerial tactics they could to get the upper hand on their opponent. Eventually, the red pegasus knight was the last one standing and the crowd cheered. Not just for the victor, but for the spectacular show all the pegasi put on.

With that out of the way, the griffon king stood up. “And now my friends, we come to the final surprise of the night! On this night! One among you will have the chance to step into the ring and display your skill as a warrior!”

Umbra perked up, this interesting her greatly. Cory himself was also curious, knowing this was another change Kris made.

“For the first combatant! The crown calls upon…..Lady UMBRA!”

Umbra was shocked to hear her name called, but she didn’t let it keep her from moving as she stood up from her seat.

“Lady Umbra! Report to the blacksmith for a fitting for your armor!” The king declared. “Once ready we will call for your opponent!”

Getting into it, Umbra bowed to the king and took her leave for the blacksmith.

As it happens, there was a suit of armor just for her already to go. “Courtesy of your date madam.” The blacksmith said as he presented the armor to her. It was just like her old armor only it looked newer and covered a bit more.

Umbra stared at the armor before smiling softly. “Thank you.” She said before taking and putting the armor on. It fit just like her old armor. It was a tad heavier, but that was a given thanks to the extra protection.

Once she came back out, the crowd was cheering for her. The king stood. “Now, your opponent this night will be the very champion we have witnessed be born! You will face the red minotaur knight!”

The red Minotaur Knight stepped up and stood before Umbra brandishing a mace and shield.

Umbra herself had a longsword she held in her right hand while the other held a shortsword in her left hand. She gave her longsword a flourish before taking a ready stance.

“I speak earnestly when I say this! No need to hold back! But there is to be no killing! The winner will be decided if you can disarm or incapacitate your opponent!” The king declared. “You may begin when ready!”

Umbra braced herself, waiting for the minotaur’s first move. The red knight charged forth like a bull brandishing his mace. He soon reached Umbra and swung down with his weapon. Umbra swung her longsword and managed to push the mace to the side before thrusting with her shortsword at his opened side. The minotaur just barely avoided the stab by an inch and jumped back before recollecting himself. “You fight well. Your skills were not exaggerated by the human that set this up.” The red knight stated.

Umbra gave her blades a flourish. “I may be a unicorn, but I am a warrior. I do not need magic to face an opponent.”

“Very well then. Let’s put those skills to the test!” The minotaur slammed his mace to the ground with such force it created a shock wave heading right for Umbra. She jumped over it and towards the minotaur, using her speed to her advantage. The minotaur attempted a shield bash at Umbra’s predicted landing spot. Umbra barely managed to use her longsword to block the shield and used it as a springboard, leaping over the minotaur knight. She spun about and swung her shortsword at the back of the knight’s neck. The minotaur ducked just barely avoiding it and quickly spun to bash his mace into Umbra’s side.

Umbra barely managed to block with both blades, the blow flinging her away. She landed in a slide, sliding backwards as her hooves dug into the ground before she stopped. Her arms were tingling, the force of that blow nearly rendering them numb. “I need to be careful, that could have caused some damage had I not been fast enough.”

“I have to say. You're definitely a worthy opponent. You almost had me a couple times. You’d be a fine warrior admired among my people back home.” The red knight minotaur stated still standing in a defensive position with his shield held and mace at the ready.

Umbra smirked. “And as far as pure physical combat goes, you’re the best I’ve fought yet. I haven’t felt such a rush in a long time.”

“Then let’s keep going and enjoy this as long as possible. Shall we? Really give the audience a show.”

Umbra grinned. “As you wish.” Umbra shot for the knight before throwing her shortsword like a throwing knife, the blade flying for the unprotected joint of his leg. The minotaur figured the target and lowered his stance so his shield guarded his legs as well. As soon as he heard the sword hit his shield, he quickly swung it sideways and attempted another bash with his mace thinking Umbra would be right behind it. Instead though, she appeared at his unprotected side as he swung, holding her long sword with both hands. She then thrusted it with great force. Just before the blow hit, she stopped it just at the gap under the knight’s arm, the tip poking it through the chainmail. In a real duel to the death, continuing that attack would have gone through his body, cut through a lung, and tore through his esophagus, the end resulting in him drowning in his own blood. For all intents and purposes, Umbra had him dead to rights.

The minotaur froze upon realizing what had happened. He sighed but smiled. “Seems I’ve lost. I submit!” He then called out, Umbra stepping away afterward.

The griffon king stood up. “This night’s champion! UMBRA!” The crowd cheered.

The knight stood up and sheathed his mace. “Miss Umbra, you are very impressive. I feel no shame losing to one as strong as you. I hope we can meet in battle again like this one day.” He offered a hand for a shake.

Umbra didn’t hesitate and took the hand in a firm shake. “Anytime you wish for a duel, I’ll be waiting.” She had a smirk, but one of eagerness.

“My name is Bullner. I don’t intend on losing again.” With that, the red Knight Bullner took his leave of the arena.

Umbra nodded to him before taking her leave as well.

With the show now over and all things wrapping up, Kris escorted Umbra from the place as it was emptying out. “So, did you have fun?” Kris asked.

“I did. I will admit, you truly have impressed me this night. I was not expecting to be called on for a duel.” Umbra said, a soft smile on her face.

“Glad to hear it.” Kris said. “I actually stumbled upon that Bullner guy during my visit to the minotaur nation when I went to recruit a few for this show. When I saw how tough he was, I figured you might enjoy having a little duel with him. So I added that as the last part of the show.”

“I see. Well, I did enjoy getting my blood pumping. I have not had a duel that enjoyable in a very long time.”

“I’m glad you liked it. I wanted to do something to impress you and show you a good time. As it turns out, this was similar to something back in my world they have. That’s where I got the idea to do this.”

“I see. Humans seem to have many talents.” Umbra said.

“So, will you accept me as your colt friend now as the term goes?” Kris asked.

Umbra paused at that, thinking in silence. Before long, she looked at Kris intently. “I am willing to give it a try. But remember this, I am not sure about most of this, so if I believe it doesn’t feel right, we will end it. I will not be in a relationship that I don’t fully enjoy. Understand?”

“Whatever you wish, Umbra.” Kris replied with a smile. “I aim to please.”