Chapter 13
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Translator: Xrecker
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: The Peephole
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Camilla’s concern was a continuation of our earlier conversation.
“…Is it really that strange for a succubus to be a virgin?”
She fidgeted, clearly embarrassed to be asking such a personal question.
I hadn’t expected such a shy side from the usually stoic maid and chuckled.
“Well, you can’t completely ignore common perception, can you? And it’s well known that succubi feed on male essence.”
“I know that, but…”
I interrupted her, adding,
“At least among the succubi I’ve met, none have been virgins. Perhaps a very young child, but any adult succubus with your appearance would have experience with men.”
I hadn’t met every succubus in existence, but she was definitely a unique case.
“…”
Camilla, knowing this herself, pressed her lips together, a frustrated expression on her face.
Not wanting to push her too hard, I decided to lighten the mood.
“But being a virgin isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Even for a succubus, the first time is important. And you’re still young, Camilla.”
“…That’s true.”
My words seemed to reassure her, and she nodded, a hopeful expression on her face.
“It’s better to wait for someone you truly love than to rush into it with just anyone.”
That was all the advice I, as a man of experience, could offer.
I didn’t have anything else to add, and we had only known each other for four days.
Further interference would be crossing a line.
Camilla, seemingly understanding this, didn’t complain or whine.
“If there’s nothing else, would you mind leaving? I’m tired and would like to rest until dinner.”
I politely dismissed her, and Camilla, who had been standing stiffly, hesitated, then spoke again.
“…Could you perhaps offer me some guidance?”
“Excuse me?”
I thought I had misheard her.
But Camilla looked at me with a serious expression.
“From what I’ve observed, Master Kaldrash, you possess a wealth of experience and knowledge in such matters. Would you be willing to share some of that knowledge with me?”
“…So, you’re asking me to give you sex education?”
“If you must put it that way, then yes.”
I wondered if she had developed feelings for me. Why else would she ask such a thing of a man she had just met?
But her eyes held a pure, academic curiosity.
She simply wanted to learn what she didn’t know.
Is it really that simple?
Taken aback by her bluntness, I hesitated, unsure how to respond.
I never thought I’d be asked to give sex education to a virgin succubus.
Not only was the request itself absurd, but I also wasn't sure if it was appropriate.
Perhaps Camilla was embarrassed about being a virgin and had acted impulsively.
Would she regret her words once she calmed down?
Thinking this, I sighed.
“I’ve given it some thought, but this isn’t something I can decide on the spot. You agree, right?”
“…Yes.”
As I expected, Camilla blushed, admitting she had overstepped.
“So, how about this?”
“What do you suggest?”
“Let’s give each other some time to think about it.”
I pointed to the clock on the dresser.
“It’s 5 PM now. Come back after dinner, at 8 PM. We’ll have a proper discussion then.”
Camilla, seemingly finding my compromise acceptable, nodded.
“Alright, let’s do that.”
“Now, since our consultation is over, please leave. I’m more tired than I look.”
One of the main side effects of mana exhaustion was lethargy and drowsiness.
According to biological research, since mana was a key component of the human body, excessive use triggered a metabolic response that induced sleep to replenish the depleted mana.
I yawned and waved my hand dismissively. Camilla, realizing it was pointless to continue the conversation, bowed politely and left the room.
Once she was gone, I collapsed onto the bed, overcome with exhaustion, and instantly fell asleep.
***
I woke up two hours later.
Violet came to wake me, saying dinner was ready.
I splashed some water on my face and headed to the kitchen, where a feast, similar to the one we had on our first night, awaited us.
Even Camilla, already seated at the table, looked surprised.
Dumbfounded, I asked Violet,
“What’s all this?”
She smiled gently and explained,
“The villagers gave us some leftover ingredients, saying you’ve worked hard and will be leaving tomorrow. I just cooked them.”
My mouth watered as I sat down.
A large roasted ham, a whole roasted chicken with herb paste, various home-cooked dishes, garlic salad, and a hearty beef stew.
I didn’t know where to begin.
And to top it all off, Violet approached with a bottle filled with a crimson liquid.
“What’s that?”
“It’s honey wine, good for stamina. It’s my husband’s favorite, but I’m sure he’ll understand if I tell him I offered it to the village’s benefactor.”
“…”
I finally understood the ominous feeling I had earlier.
This was my last night here.
Which meant that once I returned to the castle, Violet, a married woman, would have to endure another period of solitude until her husband returned from the war.
It was only natural that she would be feeling impatient.
I looked at the dishes on the table again.
I hadn’t noticed before, but they all seemed to incorporate ingredients known to enhance male performance, especially garlic.
Tonight will be even more demanding than last night.
I steeled myself.
Beastkin stamina was legendary, especially when they were in heat.
I had managed to keep up last night, but two nights in a row might be too much.
And that was something my pride wouldn’t allow.
“Thank you for the meal.”
I began to eat with a renewed determination, preparing for the long night ahead.
My primary objective was to replenish my depleted energy.
As I shovelled food into my mouth, abandoning all pretense of decorum, Violet, watching me from the side as she poured the wine, smiled.
***
After dinner, once my stomach had settled, Camilla came to my room.
“…Excuse me.”
She had apparently taken a bath, her white hair damp, and bowed politely as she entered.
I had been waiting for her, having made all the necessary preparations. I swallowed nervously and asked,
“So, have you thought about it?”
Camilla blushed slightly and nodded.
“…I haven’t changed my mind about wanting to learn about that.”
Her eyes burned with academic fervor.
Like a late bloomer, Camilla was heading down a strange path.
In any case, my doubts were gone.
If this was what she truly wanted, I would share my knowledge.
I pointed to the wardrobe in the corner of the room.
It usually contained blankets, but I had moved them elsewhere, leaving it empty.
“What do you mean?”
Camilla tilted her head, confused, but I said firmly,
“Seeing is better than hearing a hundred times. Camilla, you need to learn what lust is between a man and a woman.”
Camilla’s eyes widened in understanding.
“…Are you asking me to watch you two…?”
I wagged my finger.
“Not watch. Observe. For educational purposes.”
“Educational purposes…”
Humans could justify any madness with the right excuse.
And it seemed succubi were no different.
Camilla stared at the wardrobe, its door slightly ajar, as if mesmerized.
Knock! Knock!
A timely knock on the door interrupted us.
“Mage, may I come in?”
“Just a moment! I’m not finished tidying up!”
I bought myself some time and asked Camilla,
“So, what will you do? If you’re not comfortable with this, you can still leave.”
This was her last chance. Her last opportunity to make a choice.
Once she crossed this line, there would be no going back.
Camilla glanced at the closed door, then at me, and finally nodded with a determined expression.
“I’ll do it. I can’t remain an innocent maiden forever.”
I opened the wardrobe door.
Camilla stepped inside.
Click
I closed the door behind her, making sure to leave a small crack so she could see out.
I strode towards the door and opened it.
Violet, transformed into her human form, smiled brightly and threw herself into my arms.
“You’re not going to let me sleep tonight?”
I wrapped my arms around her slender waist, her fluffy tail tickling my hand.
I could feel her warmth through her thin clothes.
I met her gaze and said,
“That’s what I was going to say.”
And then, our lips met in a passionate kiss.