When Shichen left Megumin and Yunyun's room, a faint smile lingered on his face.
Megumin's constant nonsense gave him headaches, but taking a little pay-back felt truly satisfying.
He flexed his palm in the air and nodded to himself.
That little girl might not be well-developed, yet she was pleasantly springy.
Aqua followed him out, clinging to his arm. "Shichen, I want sparkling wine."
"Sure," he said, glancing sideways at her.
When Aqua wasn't acting stupid she oozed "beautiful-girl" charm—unfortunately her ditzy image was now burned into Shichen's mind.
"Shichen, you won't spank me, right? I'm a goddess—you can't treat me that way."
"Why would I spank you for no reason?" he asked dryly. "Are you afraid of it?"
"A goddess mustn't be spanked—it would ruin my image!"
"Image… Whatever. Behave and I won't hit you."
"Behave? No problem—I'm the most obedient goddess ever. I'll even let you keep all my money as long as you buy me sparkling wine."
"Seriously?" Shichen was surprised. Had he scared her that badly?
"Absolutely—just keep the wine coming." She patted her chest solemnly.
"That could work…" Considering Aqua's spending habits, acting as her treasurer might be best.
"Deal, then!" she chirped with relief. The memory of Megumin's punishment had been terrifying—no way would she be spanked in public. Besides, Shichen was generous; anything she wanted, he'd buy, so who needed cash?
"Shichen, hurry and get my sparkly."
"Fine—wait in my room."
Shichen, in a good mood, bought four bottles. When he returned Aqua was sprawled face-down on his bed, skirt bunched so that half her pale butt was showing.
He tore his eyes away. "Here's your wine."
"Whoa—four bottles!"
"Today's reward."
"You're the best!" She hugged him, then uncorked a bottle and chugged half in one go—oddly charming in its boldness.
"Want… a sip?" she offered, reluctantly holding out the half-empty bottle.
Shichen forced a smile and waved it off. "No thanks—I don't like the stuff."
"How can you not? It's delicious!"
"Then finish it yourself."
"You're wonderful!"
She drained the rest and burped.
"Take your time—I'm heading out," he said.
"Okay, come back soon!"
"And don't puke on the bed."
"As if I would!" (She did not sound convincing.)
Well, if she hurled he could always sleep in her room—assuming she didn't need it.
One day, once they had more money, he should just buy a house.
…
Outside, Shichen sensed Kazuma's location—still near the succubus café. That guy is getting hooked, he thought. Let him be; a few dream sessions and the novelty would wear off.
Shichen strolled to the guild. Even from outside the place was buzzing—adventurers still feasting on his tab.
Inside he was greeted with cheers:
"Thanks for the food, Shichen!"
"You folks crushed that high-rank demon—amazing!"
"Even the hero Mitsurugi couldn't do it!"
"You're Axel's real champion!"
(Mitsurugi? The name rang a faint bell—clearly not important.)
He waved back and walked to Luna's counter.
"Shichen-san, alone today? Looking for me?" she asked eagerly.
"Um… actually I came for a quest."
Her shoulders drooped for a heartbeat, then she perked up. "So soon? Didn't you just earn a big reward?"
"Nothing else to do."
"Nothing… to do." Her eyes lit up. "Then perhaps I could show you around Axel?"
"Eh? Don't you have to work?"
"I can take the afternoon off—my colleagues will cover me."
"Uh… I appreciate it, but I've already toured the town these past two days."
"Oh… I see."
"Don't worry—there'll be plenty of time. I'm not leaving soon."
"Well… all right."
She cleared her throat. "Besides Toad Hunts, the 'Newbie-Killer' subjugation suits your level. Interested?"
"Sure, why not."
She processed the paperwork; Shichen chatted with a few adventurers, then left as noon approached.
…
At the inn entrance he bumped into Kazuma, still rosy-cheeked.
"Big Bro, where've you been?"
"Guild—gathering intel."
"As expected!" Kazuma sighed. "I didn't even think of that."
"Try some self-control first." Shichen patted his shoulder and went upstairs.
"Self-control?!" Kazuma blushed red. He knows!
Shichen checked his own room first: Aqua was sprawled sideways, dead drunk, hugging an empty bottle; one leg over the blanket, a snowy cheek of backside exposed. Nothing else was visible, so he quietly left.
In the girls' room, Yunyun was reading; Megumin still lay face-down.
"Something up, Shichen?" Yunyun asked brightly.
Megumin flinched at his name—then groaned as her butt throbbed. "Oww…"
"I'm not here to hit you," he chuckled.
"Hmph! We're mortal enemies!" she huffed, glaring sideways.
"At this rate you'll never sit properly… Anyway, I came to call you for lunch."
"Bring mine up—I'm not moving!"
"Really?" He looked at Yunyun.
"We'll carry food up later. Her, um, butt is bright red," Yunyun whispered.
"Yunyun!" Megumin squealed.
"All right," Shichen laughed. He stole a glance at the petite posterior, then headed downstairs with Yunyun.
Lunch was quiet—just the two of them and Kazuma, who barely spoke to Yunyun.
Afterward Kazuma dashed to the guild, eager to "gather intel" too.
Shichen carried Megumin's meal upstairs, then led Yunyun out of the inn.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"Bored. How about we run a quest?"
"E-eh?" She blinked.
"You don't want to?"
"I do! But… just the two of us?"
"Who else? Shall we?"
"Yes!" she blurted.
Shichen took her hand instead of her shoulder. "Then let's go."
~~
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