Chapter 176
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 176
Chapter Title: Dancing with Orcs
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"Blackie, wake up. Didn't you say we're heading out in the morning?"
I opened my eyes to find Winia in her robe looking down at me. Morning already? She must have woken up first, shaking me awake while I was still groggy from sleep.
"Ugh... yeah...? Is it morning already? Gotta get up..."
"Here, Blackie. Drink some water."
"Oh, thanks."
Winia handed me the canteen. I took it without thinking and chugged it down. Then it hit me—I'd done something pretty extreme last night thanks to the booze.
What the hell had I done?
Guilt washed over me.
"Uh, Winia..."
"Yeah? What?"
"About last night. You know."
"Last night?"
"...Sorry for going too far. I think it was the alcohol messing with my self-control."
Sure, Winia had tried to punish me, but for her, it was understandable mischief. Normally, she'd let it slide. But the booze killed my restraint, and I pushed too hard. She must have been hurt.
Putting the two of them side by side like that and going at it...
I was human trash, Kim Katt.
I reflected deeply on it.
But what happened after that?
I tried to remember, but nothing came up. My back ached, so something intense must have gone down. My last memory cut off right as I started with Winia and Claudy lined up.
Blackout.
I strained to recall... but no dice.
The film was cut.
"Heh heh. What are you talking about, you fucking blackie? Well, I might've gone overboard too. But you apologized, so it's fine. Woke up first thing in the morning just to say sorry? Good boy!"
For some reason, Winia was in high spirits and ruffled my hair.
Come to think of it, my skin had a healthy glow... What wild side had I shown during that memory lapse to turn the persistently pursuing Winia this affectionate overnight...!
A chill ran down my spine...!
The possibilities of this man named me were terrifying!
Mara Papias!
"Blackie, wake that sister up too."
"Hm? Oh."
Claudy was hugging my waist with both arms. I brushed her hair aside, touched her ear to wake her, and she let out a soft moan as her eyes slowly opened. Topaz-orange irises with vertical slits—like a cat's eyes.
"Katt..."
"Whoa."
Claudy suddenly sat up and ambushed me with a kiss. Mmm... first thing in the morning? I accepted it, but Winia forcibly pulled her off.
"Sister, ease up."
"Hnn... I want more."
"Bullshit. Get up already. And Blackie, me too."
My lips were stolen again by force.
This time, Winia.
After a brief tongue tangle, she pulled away... saliva stretching like a thread before snapping. It looked obscenely erotic. Damn. I was swelling up again.
"Okay, okay. That's enough. Blackie, get up. We're heading out in the morning. If we don't prep now, we'll be late."
"Right... Winia. Aren't you being unusually sweet today?"
"Got a problem? Even when I treat you nice, you bitch about it?"
"N-no. Not bitching. Just... happy about it."
"..."
Anyway, I headed straight to the shower to wash my face. Claudy was extra clingy today too. She always stuck close, but today was especially intense. What the hell happened last night? Why was the prickly Winia all soft now, and Claudy in heat like this?
"Claudy. What exactly went down? Be honest—I barely remember anything after the booze kicked in. Fill me in."
I asked Claudy, who'd followed me in.
"Huh? You don't remember?"
"Yeah. Why's Winia suddenly so nice?"
"Hnn... hee hee hee. You rang my bell and then forgot all about it?"
"Rang your bell! What the hell happened!"
Claudy laughed gleefully and reached out to stroke my dick.
"With this... ahh, Katt. Last night was amazing. Love you?"
"Uh... love you too."
"You were like a total beast. Wanna skip today and go again? Looks like it's still raring to go. Heh heh, gave it your all and still not satisfied? So full of energy."
I had no idea what happened, but good was good. With Winia and Claudy smiling, I'd fulfilled my stud duties, right?
"But hey, tone down the random outbursts when you're balls deep? Everything else was great, but that nonsense broke my focus... UFOs and Vietnam War? What the fuck?"
What the hell were UFOs and the Vietnam War?
Had I said that shit?
"What're those?"
"You said it."
"No clue... don't remember."
I finished washing up and got dressed.
New pants and cotton tee, then fresh quilted armor. Sword belt on. Breastplate, boots. Finished with greaves and gauntlets.
Fully geared Kim Katt.
Winia, who'd been waiting, opened the door.
"Blackie. You're hunting orcs today, right? Hmm, honestly, with your skills, I'm not sure... but you took down that giant kobold guardian, so you should be fine."
"You think? Oh yeah, Winia. Ever hunted orcs?"
Come to think of it—orcs.
Winia probably knew them best. She was the veteran adventurer here. While I was flailing as an F-rank, she'd built her knowledge as a mage.
"Sometimes. They paid well during cull seasons... They're kinda cute, kinda look like you, Blackie."
"What?"
"Said they look like shit like you."
"Why the sudden harsh words!"
"Kidding. You're too cute when you sulk."
Damn, she was messing with my heart.
Anyway, we headed out. Morning time. Appointment with Kobson. No idea what I said, but we were off to hunt orcs.
Winia seemed fine with it, and Claudy had only killed desert orcs before—no green forest ones, so she looked satisfied. Killing new things was always a big yes for her.
"Hell-Kahn always encourages slaughtering new beings."
"That's brutal."
"Had to be. Shurdik was like that."
"Tough place to live, yeah."
Endless deserts, oasis wars with monsters and dark elves. Harsh lands bred warrior-god worship. Chatting like that, we spotted Kobson waving from ahead.
"Barbarian! You're here! Been waiting!"
"Get home okay last night?"
"Thanks to you! I owe ya... Hey, isn't that lady Winia?"
"Oh, Blackie's friend. Hi."
Kobson looked pretty shocked to see me with two women. Made sense—I'd vented to him about girl troubles before. He'd told me to fuck off back then.
He grabbed me and whispered in my ear.
"Barbarian? What's going on? Don't tell me those two women are..."
"Yeah. Exactly what you're thinking."
"Unbelievable...! Something's wrong with this world!"
"Tell me about it."
"You fucking barbarian!"
Tough luck, Kobson.
Get yourself a girlfriend soon.
Though with that jaw, even a girl friend might be a stretch... Oh well. World's got friendships better than love, right?
"Ahem... anyway, barbarian. We're heading out now... you good?"
"What're you asking? I'm here to work today."
"Right then. Check this out—I prepared something."
Kobson cleared his throat and pulled a rolled paper from his pocket. A map? He unrolled it and showed me.
"Got this local map at dawn. See here? Dodens Barony."
He pointed, but I wasn't great with maps. Still, I got the gist.
"Yeah. Dodens Barony?"
"Yep. Word is, orcs raided a village on the baron's land for some reason. Army smashed them, but the forest-savvy orcs scattered. Headache for 'em."
Info-savvy Kobson explained fluidly. Guy had ears everywhere for this stuff.
Total investment in info gathering and charisma. Talent for sure. He'd make it big.
"So, between Isbrandt and the barony—stragglers hiding somewhere. One silver per orc. Smart bastards too—might loot decent stuff. They love shiny decorations, so maybe even cash."
Orcs decked in shinies?
I called Winia over to ask.
"Happens. They love showing off. Like Blackie going apeshit—they do it too. Silver coin necklaces and shit."
Bombshell statement.
Winia said it casually, but silver necklaces could shatter worlds.
"Ugh, silver necklaces!"
"Silver amulets!"
Kobson and I climaxed together.
"Fuck! Let's move!"
"Right now! Winia! And Miss Claudy...? Good to go?"
"Yeah. Let's head out."
Claudy answered.
And so we passed through the gates. Silver... necklaces! My heart was pounding! Were orcs secret treasure goblins?! My chest wouldn't calm down.
"Blackie, you only befriend total idiots."
Winia whispered as she approached.
Hurtful, but spot on this time.
"Silver necklaces...!"
"Heh heh. Loving it, huh? Not common, though. Rare as braindead blackies like you."
"Why keep comparing me to orcs!"
"'Cause it's cute."
Outside the gates, a well-maintained road stretched out. Paved for a bit, then it petered off. Where to search first?
"Blackie. Ask your friend for the map."
"Oh? Sure."
I got it from up-front Kobson. Winia wanted a look—he handed it over readily. She was the most experienced.
"Hmm... orc stragglers. They couldn't beat soldiers. Fled like cowards... Search near the valley after going in a ways. They'll base near water."
Winia sounded like a proper smart mage. Made sense—trustworthy as her chest size. She'd memorized it quick, handed it back.
"Hey, Kobson. Winia says valley area should turn up something."
"Valley, huh. As expected from a mage. But barbarian, why there? Spill your secrets. How do I get girls?"
"Bulk up first. Muscles bring girls."
"Knew it...!"
Hell, if I were a girl, I'd fall for my rugged bod in three seconds flat. The savage scars all over—like my whole body got slashed—were bonus points.
I was one attractive dude.
Kobson could macho up with some muscle.
"Join a guild maybe. Fighter's Guild has initiation discounts."
"Discounts... tempting, but where's the coin? It all goes to arenas and bars."
"That damn arena... Oh yeah! Durban that prick! Seen him?"
"Not lately. Vanished."
Front: me and Kobson.
Behind: Winia and Claudy.
I chatted with Kobson, stayed alert. Winia nagged Claudy from the rear, directing us. After a good hike, we found a downhill path into a valley.