Token of Bond (3)
I sent just Ashu and Agnes off in the carriage.
It's rare for two women to have some quality time together—wouldn't want a guy crashing their vibe and pissing them off!
…Not exactly for that reason, though.
I just wanted some time to myself.
Originally, I got summoned to this new world hoping to adventure freely. But lately, I've been getting dragged around by everyone else's whims.
Don't get me wrong—it's been plenty novel and fun so far, no complaints. Still, every now and then, I crave that taste of pure freedom.
I haven't even gotten to properly stroll the streets of this massive city.
And above all…
Like with Ashu and Agnes, I miss kicking back with the guys over drinks!
To savor that feeling of sending the wife back to her parents' place, I went looking for my drinking buddy I'd recently met—Tibumira.
His tavern, no doubt.
Chatting with him is fun, and hey, maybe I can get some street tips out of it too.
Wandering alone at night feels a bit iffy.
I stepped into the tavern and took my usual spot at the bar.
Still packed with folks from all sorts of races.
Humans? Just me.
A few tables went quiet, eyes turning my way. Not exactly friendly stares. Might even have someone itching to pick a fight.
What to do?
"Krugh, if it isn't Kirgil. Welcome."
Orc-looking guy… nah, definitely an orc.
Long black hair, dressed like he's in a tuxedo—so he just passes for some exotic race at first. That flat nose is pure orc feature.
Anyway, the owner calls my name and greets me, and suddenly the orc who'd been heading my way and some pale-skinned guy with metal horns on his head scurry back to their seats.
That greeting carried some weight. Maybe it's my name doing the work.
"Thanks to you, I can drink in peace now. Same as last time with Tibumira—a round, please."
"Krugh. My thanks."
Tibumira had told me to drop by anytime. Someone must've tipped him off that I was here, so I figured I'd wait.
I killed time asking the owner for drink and food recs.
Bartenders in this world are pros at playing along with customer chit-chat too.
Some job skills transcend worlds.
A bit later, I spotted an orc customer whispering to the owner. He nods and heads straight to me.
"A guest looking for you is waiting in room 3 upstairs. Krugh."
"About time. Thanks."
Didn't see Tibumira come in through the entrance. Guess upstairs has a separate entry, like a fire escape.
I pulled out a gold coin as thanks-plus-tip for the guide.
Ashu and Parania are always footing the bill with their deep pockets—when else am I gonna splash out?
The owner smiles his thanks—yeah, definitely a smile, that toothy grin—and rings a bell.
Next thing I know, as I head up the stairs, the whole first floor's shouting my name and toasting me.
Big tips here mean free rounds on the house, huh.
Smart marketing, if you ask me. I like it.
Ended up toasting back without thinking.
Up on the second floor, a few doors down, I found the one marked 3 and knocked.
"Come in."
Huh? Was expecting that goblinish "kiii" wheeze. Instead, a woman's voice.
Still, better check. I open the door…
A hooded figure's seated there. I knew who it was right away.
First things first—a sigh.
"…Sigh. My fate."
"Sighing at the sight of me? Rude pup. But I'm in a good mood today, so I'll let it slide."
"I was hoping for suave guy Tibumira, not some shady frumpy woman—who wouldn't be disappointed? Anyway, long time no see, Miss Pana."
"Heh, you clown. Get in here and sit already."
I came out to avoid getting bossed by women, and here we are again?
My first run-in with Pana was at Katona and his soldiers' graves.
Short meet, but we traded fresh knowledge—left a mark.
Second time: rescuing Orio. Showed up when I couldn't use my power, held off an orc horde solo to buy my escape.
Thought about bailing, but can't snub the one who saved my skin before.
Not because the table's loaded with food and booze, nope.
Tons of unfamiliar dishes. Not on the regular menu, clearly prepped for this.
Just ate not long ago, but damn, it's whetting my appetite.
These have to be delicious!
And Tibumira's "someone I want you to meet" turns out to be Pana. Fate's a weird bitch.
"First time outdoors, fine. But indoors too? Gotta keep the hood on?"
"I have many enemies. Showing or seeing my face takes resolve."
"Ah, nom nom—I'm resolved. Slurp~ gulp. Ahhh! Take it off."
"…Feels like I'm being humiliated somehow."
"Then don't. Nom nom."
"To think you'd… Never mind. Dragging you in like this can be my petty revenge."
With that, Pana slipped off her ever-present hood amid my nonchalance.
"…Whoa!?"
"Heh, surprised?"
"This drumstick's killer. City's races mean wild sauce variety. Want more. Hm."
"You insolent cur!! My beauty ranks below chicken!?"
"Come on, seen a demon or two around town. Horns—what's the big deal?"
"…I see. You're that kind of human. Now I get why Tibumira vouched for you."
Normal folks would instinctively draw steel facing a demon this close.
Me? Gaps in this world's common sense, plus she helped me—no knee-jerk hate.
Just horns that stand out, red hair, flashy red dress, killer curves, nice scent—hot lady.
Right now, zero libido, all hunger. Eh, she's mostly red overall.
Wait…
"Not on good terms with Agnes?"
"Didn't expect you to bring her up first. Correct. The Witch of Stars and I share bad blood."
Nailed it on the first shot.
Agnes's "stinky red" was Pana.
Say that nickname now? Instant rage.
"I know you're tight with that loathsome witch. But you're intriguing enough to overlook it."
"Mm, truth be told—your unhooded look sparked my interest too."
"Heh, I've heard my beauty praised plenty. Curious what you'll say. Speak freely."
Even after nonstop women trouble day and night, can't blame a guy. Secluded room, noble demon beauty.
Got me fired up. So I went bold.
"Those horns—don't they poke you sleeping?"
"Of course my horns… What!? What did you say!?"
This is serious! Been wondering forever!
Horned races—sleep on back okay?
Side-sleep stab self?
Rip pillows? Poke bedmate?
Cloth wrap at night?
Fantasy fans gotta wonder!
Sleep's critical!!
"Dead serious. Your horns look pillow-unfriendly. Bet the hood snags too. You said speak my mind."
"What kind of man…"
Pana looks done, but can't kill my curiosity that easy.
Hell, wanna poke 'em with my power. Really wanna!!
"…Heh. Fine. Permission to touch—granted."
Eh? Wanted it so bad, slipped out loud!?
She was grossed out a sec ago—now resigned smile.
Desire transmits somehow.
"From our first meet, you were rude but no random killer. Playing along with your quirks sounds fun sometimes."
"Kuhuhu, might bite now—stay sharp."
"…Wait. Kyaa!?"
Strike while the iron—or horn—is hot!!
Wha… warmer than expected. Body heat?
Firm but springy warmth… like, um… my lower half's sponge tissue. Similar hardness.
Whoa, shrank. Softened!?
For real!? Surprise fact!!!
"Mm… Drained the mana. There—mystery of my bedchamber solved?"
Eh? Mana, not blood?
Ah, demons erect horns with mana.
Mana sounds naughty now.
Anyway, deflates to little nub.
Still mildly inconvenient.
"Utterly absurd. Me, letting a mere human touch my horns. Mm… don't squeeze too hard. Hn. That kneading clears my head. Ah! That's nice. New sensation."
Feels like massaging an elder's temples.
She's getting a haircut-head-rub vibe.
"Bit late, but—why'd you call me here?"
Still kneading—fun, and she digs it. But no clue why I'm here.
Tibumira set up a blind date? Maybe.
"Wanted to see you. Mm… perfect pressure. First time feeling this… ahh, today's meet is worthwhile already.
What? Why stop?"
Curiosity sated—no reason to keep going.
I ignored her grumble and returned to my seat.
"Figure you're some noble. Got servants for that."
"…"
"No?"
"Subordinates aplenty. None I can relax with like you. You're likely the first to touch my horns."
Pana tilts her glass wistfully.
Come to think—lots of enemies. Maybe on the run.
Awkward to ask, but smells like Ashu-level family drama. The hood too.
"Now I feel bad. See you often, I'd do it more."
"Then, how about serving me outright?"
"Pardon??
Wait—this an interview, not a date?
While I blinked, Pana's vibe shifted.
Suddenly regal queen—eyes gleaming, legs crossed. Across the table, but feels like I'm at her throne.
"Kirgil, you've intrigued me from the start.
Your power, knowledge, brazenness, that ease.
Today, I realize—I want you by my side.
I need you!"
"Hold up. Can't we just… meet occasionally?"
"Impossible. Above all, I want you.
Fear not. I'll grant a fine position for a human. Shower you with all I can offer.
Yes—even horn-touching like today."
"…"
She's relentless. Doesn't care what I think—hurls her whims at me.
This flow's bad…
"Testing my patience? Why no quick answer!!"
Suddenly, Pana's horns spiked up like a dragon's.
"!?"
I jolted.
Katona bulked his arm-horns unleashing true power. Erect like that? Means channeling mana, focusing hard.
Her presence alone's oppressive.
No idea why, but gearing for a spell on me?
Irked by my hesitation, her eyes narrowed.
"If you refuse…"
Before Pana could finish, I moved first.