Chapter 602
Chapter 602
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 602
Chapter Title: Scent of Spring
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"It's more peaceful than I expected."
The saintess of Cardia, legs crossed, puffed away on her cigarette as she spoke.
"There haven't been any notable reports since winter. Looks like even the heretics and demons are worn out."
"Heh heh heh, is that so? Well, that's a good thing, isn't it?"
Seems like there's nothing for me to do. The dispatched holy knights haven't found anything special either, and overall, things are calm.
"After hitting us so hard, who knows what this lull means. It's so quiet it's making me uneasy instead. The demon gate phenomena have stopped too. It'd be perfect if this all wrapped up like this, but naturally, I'm worried."
Apparently, the lack of incidents is what's unsettling her more.
At least when things are quiet, you should relax and rest easy.
"Even if something blows up later, being peaceful now is what matters, right?"
No need to dread Monday morning on Sunday.
"Trouble always hits eventually anyway. Peace is just the breather before the next storm, isn't it? Best to rest up while you can."
"Heh, well said. As expected of a paladin—you've got a way with words."
The saintess of Cardia chuckled and nodded at my words.
"Anyway, glad there's no trouble. In that case, I'll head out to hunt some drakes."
"Drakes, huh... Right, there was that issue. Come to think of it, you're a former adventurer, paladin."
I hadn't heard that holy knights were involved this time.
But that's par for the course.
The Brass Celestial Society doesn't prioritize monster disasters much.
Scouting for demons and heretics like now takes precedence. They'd help if it got serious, but for now, it's hands-off. That's what the church focuses on.
"No demons or heretics means I gotta earn a living somehow. Besides, protecting people from monster threats is a paladin's duty too."
"True enough. Our paladin's so diligent. I really like that about you."
All the same, no activity from evil forces was a relief. With my mind at ease, I bid the saintess of Cardia farewell and stepped outside.
Should be worry-free for a while.
As soon as I exited, I headed straight for the Martial Fighters' Guild.
"What?"
But as I slipped in casually like always, Mariel popped up out of nowhere and blocked my path. Her expression was a bit sour—she seemed annoyed with me.
"...You, Heavenly Demon."
"What? Spit it out."
"What business do you keep having with our guild master that you're showing up here so often?"
Guess dropping by frequently caught their eye.
"What're you talking about? Business? I always say the same thing—I'm here to relay a message from our guild master."
"Don't lie to me, Heavenly Demon!!!"
Suddenly, Mariel yelled and pointed accusingly at me.
"Wha...! Lie? What the hell are you on about!!"
"Not only do you come here all the time, but I've seen you two chatting alone sometimes!!! What exactly is your relationship? Don't tell me you're after our guild master...!!"
"Hey, hey, calm down. Whatever it is, it's a misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding my ass!! You plan to lie to me straight to the end, huh!!!!"
In Mariel's head, Liztina and I were already tangled up in some illicit affair.
She was seriously pissed about it.
"Fuck, why the hell would I lie to you!!"
"You only ever spew lies whenever you open your mouth, Heavenly Demon!!!"
Guess this calls for settling it with fists.
"You little shit! Wanna taste my Executive Fist Technique?!"
"Ah, no! Why bring that up out of nowhere?!"
I yelled back and dropped into stance, and Mariel assumed a defensive posture. I could flatten a scrub martial fighter like her in one second flat. That's the gap between us.
"C-Calm down, Heavenly Demon! I just wanted to know the truth!"
"Heh heh heh, ever hear of the Truth Asura Blood Fist?"
"Don't wanna know, and don't tell me!"
As I threw a punch into the air and advanced on Mariel, a voice came from the stairs.
"Mariel? What're you doing there?"
"G-Guild master!"
"Quit slacking and go teach the kids. From what I overheard, you're spouting nonsense... You free right now? If you are, get back to teaching."
"Ah, no, that's not..."
Liztina came lightly down the stairs as she spoke, and Mariel tucked tail, trembling.
"And you—got that talk with Karin today, right?"
"Heh heh heh, yep. Shall we head up?"
"Yeah, let's."
Liztina seamlessly played along and gestured for me to follow her up.
"Mariel? Still hanging around?"
"Ah, yes! Guild master!"
"I said go teach the kids."
"Got it!"
Mariel saluted sharply and vanished down the hall.
"...Coming here so often has them catching on."
"I don't care if word gets out. But if you're worried about your reputation, sis, do what you want."
"Mm, thanks. Means a lot hearing you say that."
I went up to Liztina's office with her smiling brightly. As soon as we were up, I asked her to check my form for the Mystic Weighted Hand Technique.
"Just can't get the hang of it."
"You can't master it overnight anyway. Keep practicing—that's the only way. And... I'd love to make time, but I'm swamped today."
"What's up?"
Busy today, huh?
"I'm not just lounging around the guild either. Gotta teach Lizet, handle paperwork. That's my job. And lately, I've been neglecting it all because of you."
Can't really push her then.
"Sis...! I came all this way!"
"Ahh! Don't get mad! I'll watch you practice!"
I teased with a shout, and Liztina panicked, lunging to hug me while begging me not to be angry.
"What? No, why would I get mad? I don't get mad at my woman."
"...R-Really? Okay then. Now, get into stance."
Anyway, I assumed position and dove into practicing the Mystic Weighted Hand Technique with Liztina for a bit.
"Ugh, you scared me. Thought you were really mad."
"...Feels like I'd get beat to death if I ever snapped at you?"
"What? Am I that kind of woman? Just saying."
I don't get mad at my women. Shit that'd piss me off doesn't happen, and physically, it's impossible anyway.
While practicing the Mystic Weighted Hand Technique, I let her know I'd be heading out on a job.
"Good thing it's during a busy stretch. Go get 'em. I'll be waiting. Anyway, I'm swamped, so that's it for today. Practice at home."
"Yeah, yeah."
I left the Martial Fighters' Guild right away and headed home. Feels like time flies hitting the guild and church after so long.
Back home, I filled in the wives on the job too.
"Drake hunt?"
"Yeah. Won't take long."
"Hm..."
Winia toyed with her lips, staring into my eyes.
"Perfect chance, Katt. The Isevand noble lady might notice—could mean bigger rewards? We've slacked all winter; time to get moving."
"Right?"
Claudia thumped my shoulder as she said it.
"Mm, at least it sounds quick. Lucky you, darky. Doesn't seem too dangerous, so go for it. I'd tag along, but my studies are backed up."
"You? Studies piling up?"
"All because of your dick."
"Ah."
"Can't focus 'cause of it, no time... Anyway, you can handle it solo, right?"
I handle solo fine anyway.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ And so, it was decided I'd handle the job alone for once. Not tough, so I'd earn just enough and bail quick.
Up early, geared up, stocked supplies at the general store, and strolled out the gates.
Not some far-flung village—no issues finding it.
No need for a carriage either.
Comfy, sure, but slower than me. Essential with Winia and Claudia, but solo? Speed matters more. So, on foot it was. My stamina's more than enough—overkill, even.
Destination: Shured, the drake extermination rally point.
I jogged the paved road alone for about thirty minutes, then veered into a sparsely peopled forest.
Been a while solo—time to call the one I needed.
"Come out! Hildegarth!"
I pulled the pink crystal from my pouch, infused it with mana, and summoned Hildegarth.
—Shhh.
A gate ripped open at the signal, and she emerged.
"Ah~n! Katt nii~!"
"Nooo!!"
Hildegarth, unchanged succubus as ever, lunged for a hug after so long. I dodged naturally, of course.
"Katt! Long time no see! Missed you!"
Knowing I'd evade, Hildegarth smoothly adjusted and greeted me brightly. Always so upbeat.
"Yeah, fuckin' forever."
"Really, you have no idea how much I missed you! You didn't call me once! Do you know how tortured I was?"
She cooed stickily and clung to me.
"Been working with holy knights. Couldn't call. Sorry."
"Oh, really? Guess no helping it then."
"Damn, you're understanding."
"Only for you, Katt."
Her bright smile reminded me of Aria at home. Hildegarth flapped her wings, wagged her demonic tail, and hooked my arm.
"Anyway, seeing you after so long feels amazing! My womb's already tingling—think I'm going into heat...!"
"Same old you. Hey, hey, off, off."
No change post-winter.
I shook her off my arm.
"Whew, but Katt. You seem stressed lately? You're overflowing with lust right now."
"Figured it out the second you saw me?"
"Of course. I'm a succubus. Easy peasy."
She clearly knew I was pent-up as hell. Succubus perks, I guess.
Hildegarth eyed me, toying with her lips, then spoke.
"Katt. Not saying this weirdly—purely 'cause I'm worried about you. No misunderstandings."
"What?"
"I could handle all your lust for you."
Hildegarth puffed her chest proudly.
"Piss off, you slut. Called you to chat, not for your bullshit."
"No, no, for real."
Her face was dead serious.
What the?
"Bottling that lust up is gonna bite you someday. I just wanna prevent that! If direct's too much, I can do it in your dreams!"
Just nonsense after all.
"Nah, bitch. I'm good. I'm a celibate guy."
"Living with that much lust unscathed proves how celibate you are."
"Yeah, that's it."
"Still worried, though. You'll regret ignoring me later?"
My lust is high, sure, but not succubus-worry levels.
No regrets there.
"Of course, your ever-ready Hildegarth is always on standby. Rest easy."
"...Reliable."
"Right?"
"Anyway, nothing much?"
Checking in after so long, her face turned grave as she answered heavily.
"Stuff... tons."
"If it's about me, you're dead."
"Heh heh, busted."
Shit.
"Nah, nothing. Just thought of you the whole time. Felt like I masturbated all winter without sleeping—got energy to spare now!"
"You bitch. Hey, hey, scram. Go home."
"Ack! Joke! Joke! Not that much! Only like 20 hours a day!"
"That's a fuckton, you psycho!!!"
Masturbation maniac...!
"But Katt. You just call me to say hi?"
"Eh... pretty much. Heading out solo on a job. Called you for it."
"What job?"
I explained the gig to Hildegarth too. Nothing she could help with today. She's a demon radar, not monster.
"Hmm... no helping today then. Bummer! But since you called, I'll keep you company! Let's chat on the way, yeah?"
She beamed, eyes sparkling, after hearing me out.
She's totally Aria's type.
With that, Hildegarth shifted to human form, and we set off running together.