Chapter 68. A Drink Amidst Floating Clouds
Chapter 68. A Drink Amidst Floating Clouds
After the incident with the perverted Baron, we safely arrived at the nearby city of Pesto without further trouble.
We could have continued our journey, but that would have required camping outdoors once before reaching the next village or city. So we decided to rest here today, resupply, and depart again.
"I guess... I won't be able to visit this place for a while now."
"True. Do you feel nostalgic too, Rita?"
"Whenever I stay somewhere long enough to work, I naturally grow attached. Especially when I see people's relieved and happy faces because of me..."
Thanks to Rita-ssi's presence, the gate inspection concluded quickly. The guards eyed me expectantly like last time, hoping I'd "serve" them, but Rita's status as an A-Rank Adventurer kept them in check.
I gave the struggling soldiers a slight wink, which only seemed to frustrate them more as they licked their lips in vexation.
Not wanting to spare time for soldiers right now, we passed through the gate and headed straight to the marketplace upon entering the city.
"Wow... It's huge. Are all cities like this?"
"Is this your first time leaving the church and village, Cecilia? Pesto is actually small. I've heard cities near the capital are several times larger and more splendid."
"A beautiful place indeed. If we travel diligently, we'll soon see even greater cities."
"Wah... Really?"
I handed my wallet to Cecilia, who was marveling at the city while looking around.
"Here, Cecilia. Take this."
"Huh?"
"Buy whatever you need and anything you want. Spend it all if you wish."
"Really? Can I?"
"Of course. See everything you want to see, buy everything you desire, and enjoy yourself. Understood?"
"Kids, let's go! Triae's treating us today!"
She immediately grabbed the wallet and excitedly ran into the marketplace with the children in tow.
Cecilia had never properly enjoyed her teenage years due to nun duties and caring for siblings as the eldest sister. I hoped this would somewhat compensate for those hardships.
"Rita, could you guide Cecilia around the streets? I need to go somewhere briefly. Let's meet at the inn."
"Not a problem... But where are you going alone, Triae?"
I showed Rita my completely empty pockets after giving Cecilia all my money, then playfully turned around.
"To earn some cash."
* * *
"Aaaah...! Master-nim-♥ I missed you sooo much...!"
"Long time no see, Kumo."
My destination was the Kubozo Organization's hideout - the same violent group I'd crushed before, led by Kumo.
Having been reborn as my loyal bitch after I violated her very being, Kumo rushed out barefoot upon hearing of my arrival, greeting me joyfully.
Her subordinates hadn't heard her call me Master-nim, but seeing their boss dash out like a love-struck girl left them utterly bewildered. Should she really act like this in front of her men?
"What brings you to visit this Kumo-? For Master-nim's sake, I'll make all the time in the world♥"
"I wanted to ask about what's happened since we last parted. But... shall we continue elsewhere? There are... too many eyes here."
Kumo's eyes turned icy as her gaze swept over nearby subordinates.
They immediately bowed their heads, avoiding eye contact. Kumo barked a short command at them.
"What are you gawking at-? Move it! Prepare quarters for our distinguished guest-!"
"S-sorry, Boss."
The members silently held their breath while guiding us to a fine room, where they swiftly prepared an extravagant drinking setup.
Expensive liquor and assorted fruits arrived first, followed by meat dishes and sashimi covering the table. Their orderly efficiency suggested Kumo had done this many times before.
They all wondered who I was to make Kumo so excited, but none dared voice it and risk irritating their boss.
However, the world is wide and people are bold. A rookie-looking member cautiously approached Kumo and whispered a question.
"Boss, who... who is this woman? She doesn't look like someone from the underworld. More like a prostitute..."
"...Shut your fucking mouth. I'll let it slide because you're a clueless brat, but if this weren't in front of our guest, I'd cut out your tongue-?"
"S-sorry, Boss!"
"Apologize to her, not me-?"
"P-please forgive my rudeness."
"I don't mind, Kumo. If anything, I should thank you for hosting me despite my sudden visit."
The member seemed moved that this beautiful woman defended him, tears welling in his eyes.
Kumo sighed deeply at this pathetic sight.
"...This is my jeongin*." (*Korean term for lover/paramour)
"...Eh?"
"That's all you need to know. If you ever meet her when I'm not around, serve her as respectfully as you would me-?"
"Guh...! Y-yes! Boss."
Though Kumo meant "jeongin" as a close friend, nobody interpreted it that way.
They all glanced at me while hastily exiting, soon whispering excitedly outside the closed door.
'A paramour to that ruthless underworld boss!'
I alone could hear their voices - some saying the boss had finally mellowed, others questioning if she'd always preferred women.
"Hehe- My useless fools have no manners, my apologies-"
"Your subordinates really respect you."
"They're all homeless brats who only know how to swing swords and worship strength- Of course they idolize beautiful, powerful Kumo-"
Kumo was indeed the second strongest person I knew after Rita. She simply hadn't shown her true power against me.
From what I'd heard, her sword was swift and cruel - delivering non-fatal but agonizing attacks to slowly bleed opponents dry.
Thus, any place where she fought became blood-soaked, making her feared by civilians and rival gangs alike.
"So, what's happened?"
"You've likely heard rumors- We eliminated all rival scum. The city officials and nobles gladly took credit-? In exchange for letting them claim glory, we secured our safety. Now we can walk openly in daylight as long as we avoid major trouble-?"
"Ohh. That's great."
"Yes, very fortunate. We've started a legitimate business too. Taking in homeless girls to train as courtesans for nobles-? Still early stages, but promising. Those with combat talent become members, others become informants disguised as courtesans-"
"Seems focused on recruitment. Is Kubozo short-handed?"
"Not to blame you, Master-nim, but when I first offended you, our elite members were... eliminated by you and little Master-nim... Plus, expanding requires more people-"
"Ahem... I see."
"Now now, enough boring talk- Let me pour you a drink-"
Kumo hummed cheerfully while elegantly pouring liquor into small cups, her graceful movements reminding me she was once a nobleman's daughter.
I took the offered cup and downed the colorless liquor in one gulp.
Its smooth yet strong flavor with fine aroma told me this was the legendary Eastern Empire liquor I'd only heard about.
Reportedly extremely expensive since it had to cross oceans, yet she brought multiple bottles casually... Being a beastkin from the Eastern Empire must give her cheap access.
"Khh... Delicious. Never tasted liquor this good."
"Right-? Though I have no fond memories of my homeland, I couldn't abandon its cuisine. Do you enjoy drinking-?"
"Love it. Never had time or money to indulge until now."
"Perfect- I'll entertain Master-nim thoroughly tonight-"
I kept gulping drinks as Kumo poured. The rare drinking opportunity lifted my spirits.
One cup, two cups... With delicious side dishes, I drank until blackout drunk, forgetting how much I'd consumed.
Kumo's playful sniffles and breast-pressing seductions beside me shattered my remaining sobriety.
"Kumo's clothes are pretty... Eastern Empire fashion?"
"Winter Country attire, actually. You seem to enjoy them♥"
Drunkenly, I naturally slipped my hand into her chest slit and fondled her breasts.
Too dizzy to recall whether I initiated or she allowed it. Just loved the soft texture - couldn't be bothered to think.
Ah, I really love this outfit. Should make my wives wear it too...
"Ahn...♥ Want to ravage this bitch's body...?♥"
"Hmm...?"
My hand somehow moved to Kumo's shoulder, pulling her against me.
Oh, my cup's full again. Should drink...
Ah, this tipsy feeling's nice... First time getting properly drunk...
After emptying my cup, I glanced sideways at Kumo's flushed face wearing a lewd smile.
She was indeed beautiful. I'd been harsh, reserving affection only for my vassals, but Kumo was a worthy, charming female.
Ah... Kumo's scent... so fragrant... body so warm...
My libido's raging... Want to do dirty things...
"...Kumo."
"Yes-? Master-nim?"
"I want to have sex... Wanna fuck Kumo... Gonna breed you...♥ Open your mouth for kisses, you bitch♥"
"Euhp♥"
I forcibly stole her lips without consent.
Kumo gasped, surrendering her tongue and body willingly for my pleasure.
"Hhhupt, chup♥ Chuuub...♥"
"Puhah...♥ Yes...♥ Master-nim...♥ Please ravage this bitch's body as you desire...♥"
We undressed each other layer by layer, lying completely naked on the large sofa.