Episode 46. Your Joy Is My Joy
Episode 46. Your Joy Is My Joy
What was hidden beneath an ordinary fruit shop was an unbelievably large secret space over twice the size of the building above.
It was astonishing enough that such a massive space had been secretly constructed underground, but the fact that it had remained hidden all this time was equally shocking.
Because I'd occasionally visited this fruit shop before. To think illegal activities were happening beneath me while I innocently bought fruit... gives me chills.
"This place... reeks of skin and lust... the scent we succubi love..."
Camellia sniffed the air while clutching my sleeve, trailing behind me like someone sampling food at a street market.
The underground area filled with rooms arranged like living quarters, the thick scent of Vital Energy even I could detect - just as my daughter said.
Judging by the atmosphere, this appeared to be a brothel.
"Everyone, come out for a moment~ We have a distinguished guest~"
Kumo clapped her hands and called out to summon whoever was underground.
Doors began opening one by one at her call, and people started emerging from the rooms.
"Yaaawn... What? Are we starting business already...?"
"Hi Kumo unnie! Is the person beside you today's customer?"
"Wow, she's pretty... Are you nobility?"
The people coming out were all young girls appearing to be around ten years old or younger.
The children emerged rubbing sleepy eyes in casual loungewear, as if they'd just been napping in their rooms.
The girls exclaimed in surprise at my appearance, each voicing their impressions. I keep forgetting that becoming a succubus makes me appear extremely attractive to others.
"Now, now. Quiet. We're not open yet. This person is, um... Kumo's... most precious person."
"Wooow...!"
The girls gasped at Kumo's answer, looking back and forth between us with sparkling eyes full of curiosity.
This seemed to irritate Camellia, who grabbed Kumo's tail tightly and growled lowly.
"...Who said you could pretend to be lovers? You're just mama's pet bitch. Know your place."
"Eeep! S-sorryyy...! Kids, let me reintroduce. This is Kumo's master..."
Contrary to Camellia's wishes, the girls became even more interested in our relationship. Camellia sighed while massaging her temples.
Thinking we should leave before Camellia's mood worsened further, I asked Kumo:
"Kumo, could you explain this place?"
"Ah, yes. As you've probably guessed, this is a brothel. We take in homeless girls, feed and clothe them in exchange for work-"
"These children... do that kind of work?"
"Yes, we professionally train the girls we take in~ Then we have them serve distinguished gentlemen who prefer... younger companions~"
Just as I was about to question whether young girls should be treated this way, the children stepped forward to defend Kumo.
"We chose to do this ourselves! Kumo unnie isn't bad! We'd have starved to death on the streets without her."
"That's right! Street orphans like us with no status or parents would never receive this kind of treatment anywhere else."
"I see... If it's not forced... Well, alright then. But Kumo? Running business with high-profile clients alone doesn't explain how you built such an organization."
"Of course not~ We gather leverage."
"Leverage?"
"These girls don't just sell their bodies - they also work as intelligence gatherers~ Pedophiles who'd normally keep their taboo desires hidden become loose-lipped after sex, bragging to the children about all sorts of things. The girls collect that information and pass it to me."
"Ah."
"You catch on quickly~ I sift through the useful information, sell it expensively to those who need it, or negotiate/threaten the information subjects to become our organization's backers~"
My jaw dropped at this ingenious method I'd never considered.
Now that I thought about it - the Kubozo Organization's scale and influence were substantial enough that the Adventurer's Guild could have issued subjugation requests, yet none ever appeared.
This was why. If Kumo's organization fell, all the distinguished gentlemen using her illegal facilities would be implicated, forcing them to protect her through gritted teeth.
"If master wishes, shall I transfer this business to you? Since both I and my organization belong to you, just say the word..."
"No need. I doubt I could manage this well. Keep running it as you have been."
"Yesss~ Now that I've shown you the facilities, is there anything else you'd like to see~?"
"No, that's all. Ah, I do have some tasks for you."
"Yes~?"
"Do them well and I'll reward you."
After touring her facilities, several plans came to mind. I gave Kumo specific instructions.
Though she looked puzzled, Kumo agreed enthusiastically, anticipating her future reward.
* * *
When we emerged from the city after finishing with Kumo, late afternoon had arrived.
Returning home now would get us back right at dinner time.
As I considered buying something tasty for home while fiddling with the heavy pouch of gold coins from Kumo, Camellia asked:
"Mama, why did you give that bitch those tasks? I understand the first and third, but not the second."
I'd given Kumo three missions:
First: Subjugate and bring all organizations in this city to heel.
Second: Negotiate with powerful figures holding leverage to convert illegal businesses into legitimate ones.
Third: Regularly send money to our Church under the guise of donations.
While Kumo nodded in immediate understanding, Camellia still seemed unsure of my reasoning.
I explained each point carefully to Camellia:
"The first blocks future pests. We can ignore Guild or Clan invitations, but organizations inevitably lead to violent clashes."
"That matches my thoughts. What about the second?"
"Let's review the third first. Was your guess correct? The third... is simply for money. As our family grows, I want to provide abundantly - that's a parent's heart, right?"
"Hmm... That matches too. Now please explain the second."
"Kumo's organization has value. While useful for funding, its greater worth lies in intelligence and organizational power. To maintain it long-term, we must prioritize safety over profits. Powerful figures might eventually issue subjugation orders, and adventurers like Rita-ssi who destroy organizations on principle despite no personal gain are countless."
Camellia nodded with a puzzled expression, seemingly struggling to process everything. Her clever mind will surely surpass mine someday - she just lacks experience.
'Huh? This place...'
Without intending to, my wandering feet brought me before the inn where Rita-ssi was staying.
Was my body moving against my mind's warnings? Or mere coincidence?
Since I'm here... Should I see her face? It feels wasteful to leave now.
Though Camellia would obviously protest it's "not time yet," she'd reluctantly permit it anyway. Thus I approached Rita-ssi without hesitation.
"...Triae?"
Just as I stepped toward the inn entrance, I looked up upon hearing my name called from above.
But when I raised my head, only curtains fluttered in an open window.
'Was I imagining things?'
As I tilted my head staring at the window, loud crashing sounds suddenly erupted from the inn.
Moments later, the inn door burst open as someone familiar rushed out frantically.
"Rita...ssi?"
Her sky-blue hair, usually pristine, was tangled and messy as if unwashed all day, emitting strong body odor.
In her haste, Rita-ssi had emerged barefoot wearing only a sweat-soaked white shirt and panties.
The drenched white shirt clung transparently to her skin. Thankfully no one was around - this would have been disastrous if seen.
"Rita-ssi, what happened? Why the rush..."
"Triae..."
Her unfocused eyes reflected intense desire she wasn't outwardly showing.
Even Camellia watched curiously, apparently never expecting the formidable knight to fall this far.
I decided not to probe her desire directly, letting her reveal it herself.
"Triae, sorry for startling you. I don't mean to bother you but... damn. Sorry, I can't organize my words..."
"Now, Rita-ssi. Calm down first. Breathe and tell me slowly. What do you need from me that made you rush out like this?"
"...This is shameless but... may I make one request...?"
"Yes, tell me. What can I do for you, Rita-ssi?"
"Could you... give me another massage... just once more?"
Rita-ssi blushed crimson while twisting her thighs together.
Her expensive black silk panties were soaked through, dripping visibly, but she seemed beyond caring.
Smiling kindly at the fully feminized knight, I took her hands and replied:
"Of course. Your joy is my joy, Rita-ssi."