Chapter 76. Still Not Satisfied (1)
"Look at this, Cecil. This is the money we earned."
I tossed the pouch filled to the brim with silver coins into the air and caught it, proudly displaying the value we had created together.
The pouch contained several times more silver coins than the originally promised reward-a token of gratitude from the client couple who were moved to tears upon learning they were having triplets.
It wasn't entirely unrelated to their brainwashing into becoming my devout followers... but since we delivered far beyond what they desired, I considered this rightfully earned.
Cecilia's gaze followed the bouncing money pouch, still lingering in the afterglow of earning her first income.
As the last nun who remained with me after everyone else from Hush Church departed, she'd been too busy managing church affairs while I brought home all the money.
Though we had operational funds and donations from the Religious Order headquarters, this was her first time directly working for payment. I understood why this experience felt novel to her.
"Seriously... Do all adventurers make this much money?"
"Not all of them, and not always. Only high-ranking adventurers completing high-difficulty requests earn this much. Slaying terrifying monsters, exploring ruins and dungeons, accomplishing seemingly impossible missions."
"Well... A request to make someone pregnant was truly impossible without you. Who else would even think to impregnate another man's wife? No wonder the reward was high, mhm."
Her slightly teasing tone made me pinch Cecilia's thigh in mock offense.
Clearly having intended to provoke me, Cecilia rubbed her pinched thigh while bursting into laughter.
"Pahahaha...! Owie... But it is funny. That couple tried every method before desperately submitting their request, only for the solution to be impregnation by another's seed. Still, meeting Triae saved them from disgrace and even blessed them-guess it worked out?"
"Teasing me when you helped plan it... Whatever. Let's drop this-it's all in the past now."
I had no interest in discussing people whose names I'd forget by tomorrow.
Instead, I turned my thoughts to the future.
This request had earned us unexpected wealth-more than enough to depart for our next destination tomorrow without needing to linger here.
Yet... hmm. Perhaps because I'd personally worked to earn money after so long, I felt strangely unsatisfied.
My hands itched for more, like unresolved frustration. To use a crude metaphor-it felt like climaxing without any satisfaction.
Though we had sufficient funds, my personal fervor craved another task to sink into.
Feeling guilty toward Cecilia, I considered sending her ahead while taking just one more job. Our partnership had begun simply because she wanted to accompany me to the Adventurer's Guild, where we accidentally took on a request together.
"Cecil, I-"
"Stop. I know without you saying it. There's something else you want to do, right?"
"Huh? Uh..."
"How could I not know what's in your heart when your eyes sparkle like that? Want to know something? When you want to spend time with us, warm love glows in your eyes. When you crave adventure, they shine with excitement. When you desire something... ugh, it's terrifying."
...Was I really like that?
Embarrassment washed over me as I realized my ingrained habits might have unconsciously revealed my emotions.
Though Cecilia was particularly observant, if she noticed, others might have read my feelings through my actions too-making me reflect on past behaviors.
Sigh... I need to be more careful...
"What I mean is, don't hesitate to speak your mind when you want something. We already know your thoughts and understand how much you care for us. Most importantly... no matter what anyone says, you're our Master and beloved husband-more precious than life itself."
Cecilia spoke without a hint of resentment, as if prioritizing my happiness was natural.
My vassals never showed displeasure when I wandered off or mingled with others for pleasure or vital energy-always supporting me unconditionally. I couldn't help feeling guilty.
As I pondered how to repay this gratitude, Cecilia twirled her hair and hinted:
"Don't come back too late. Um... Your pheromones got me all worked up earlier, so when you return tonight... we'll cuddle and snuggle, okay...?"
"...! Of course! I'll hold and love you as many times as you want-you're... my first, after all."
Satisfied with my answer, she smiled an angelic, radiant smile.
"Hehe, yes! I'll be waiting!"
Cecilia waved as I turned and headed back toward the Adventurer's Guild.
She kept waving until I was far enough away. As her hand lowered-
Someone approached soundlessly behind her.
"Mother Cecilia. I've returned."
The quiet arrival was Camellia. The girl had risen from the Shadow's Surface beneath Cecilia, appearing behind her unnoticed.
Unfazed, Cecilia calmly asked her eldest daughter:
"You're back. How did it go?"
"Lycoris is currently at the local pharmacy learning about pharmacology. She seemed happy thinking about testing her concoctions on Mother Triae."
"...Hmm, I see. Do you think she noticed your surveillance?"
"It didn't seem so. But since her ability involves seeing the future, she might know she's being watched?"
"Mm, true enough. Can't be helped then. Keep watching your sister even if she notices-you can openly follow her if needed. As you said, Lycoris's ability likely means she already knows about this conversation."
"Yes, Mother. I'll report any unusual developments at the inn."
With that, Camellia sank into the shadows like quicksand, vanishing from sight.
Ever since Lycoris developed twisted obsession toward Triae, Cecilia had ordered Camellia-who could manipulate and hide within shadows-to secretly monitor her.
Though Lycoris hadn't caused major trouble yet (hence Cecilia hadn't informed Triae about the obsession), recent signs of her crossing lines while learning to brew dangerous potions worried Cecilia.
How should this be handled? As a mother, acting without evidence could strain their relationship. Yet she couldn't overlook a vassal's disrespect toward their Master.
Prioritizing loyalty as a vassal, Cecilia resolved to act.
"Hmm... Should I put her over my knee and spank her bottom...?"
How to lure this clever second daughter? How best to discipline her?
Her usual cheerfulness replaced by a cold smile, Cecilia walked toward the inn while deep in thought.
* * *
"Um... This uniform doesn't fit..."
"That's the largest size! Blame your chest and butt-I mean, your generous figure!"
"You totally almost sexually harassed me just now... Whatever, no choice."
The request I chose was simple tavern work-taking orders and serving food/drinks.
Why? Pure curiosity. I'd always wondered about waitstaff who smiled while serving customers, occasionally earning tips beyond wages.
Now confident in my appearance, I confidently applied after seeing the help-wanted notice.
The tavern owner hired me instantly upon seeing my face and figure, handing me a slightly undersized waitress uniform.
Struggling into the skin-tight clothes, I realized too late I could've adjusted my body with 『Body Transformation』.
Though over half my breasts spilled out, the areolas remained covered-barely safe. The Owner's satisfied expression ("Customers will flock!") suggested I looked appealing. Hehe.
He taught me basic hospitality-taking orders, serving, etc. Simple enough, so I started immediately.
"Miss! Two beers here!"
"Hey! When's our order coming?"
"Miss, over here! Take our order!"
"Yes, coming...!"
Contrary to expectations, tavern work proved chaotic and exhausting.
Initially manageable, the crowd grew until tables overflowed beyond capacity.
Despite three other staff, we never stopped moving.
"We've got a stunning miss working today! Perfect for drinking, haha!"
"Ahaha... If you're not ordering, excuse me?"
"Leaving already? Stay awhile-have a drink with us."
"Sorry, I'm working..."
Clearly... my presence caused this crowd. I'd heard pretty staff attract customers but never imagined this scale.
Overt stares targeted my face and body, with flirtations and intense attention from all directions.
The Owner looked thrilled handling orders, only relaxing after staff became exhausted.
Then, the situation I'd anticipated began unfolding.
"Hehe... Why wear such clothes, miss? Asking to be touched? Hmm?"
"Eep, sir...! Don't touch staff while working...♥"
A drunk patron reached for my thigh, and I dodged with performative refusal-exactly as planned.
My refusal lacked displeasure, even sounding pleased, encouraging bolder touches whenever I passed.
Interpreting my reactions as permission, they escalated when the tavern quieted later.
"Miss, here."
"Ah, yes. Ready to order?"
"No, I wanted to tip you for working so hard. That's allowed, right?"
"Wow! Of course!"
Though aware his intentions weren't pure, I approached like a naive rookie, beaming brightly.
He placed two silver coins on the table-excessive for tavern tips. Anyone would sense something off.
He thought so too, blocking my hand before I took them:
"No rush. Reciprocity's important, right? You're only wearing this and working here because you need money. Am I wrong?"
"...What do you want me to do?"
Ah, I had to suppress laughter.
I desperately wanted him to entertain me faster. The scenario-an innocent girl harassed for money while waitressing-thrilled me beyond endurance.
"First, show me those barely-contained breasts. Just a quick peek, and all this silver's yours."
Ah, classic enticement. Perfect.
Pretending to struggle, I averted my gaze and slightly lowered my uniform's front.