Chapter 487
Chapter 487
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 487
Chapter Title: Charity Event (5)
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1.
11 PM, a midnight stroll.
Si-woo and Amelia's walking route was naturally settled on the Malkuth Gallery.
The arcade itself was only about 400 meters long, but including the alleys branching out beyond the glass dome, there were plenty of spots to explore—enough for a leisurely hour-long tour.
In the elegant, serene atmosphere of Renomond Town, the Malkuth Gallery stood out with its somewhat lively vibe.
But given the late hour, everything except the bars was shut tight—beauty salons, theaters, and most shops. Even the magic supply stores had closed up, save for a few.
Witches might be active around the clock, but the ordinary citizens running the shops weren't.
They locked up and headed home for rest. Even the side-gig shops run by witches themselves usually closed by 2 PM at the earliest or 6 PM at the latest.
Witches cherished their work-life balance more than anyone.
As a result, the gallery—usually buzzing with witches—was eerily quiet tonight.
A witch in full robes might glance their way curiously now and then, but unlike before, none approached to chat.
Not many would casually strike up a conversation with Si-woo, who had humbled the Witch of Desire and was hiding sharp fangs, or Amelia, the culprit behind a recent major incident.
In witch society, hierarchy was everything—might made right.
"Why'd you suddenly suggest going shopping? Need something urgently?"
Si-woo, gazing at the swaying streetlamps along the covered path, turned to Amelia walking beside him.
She was bundled up in a lamb's wool cape that fell below her knees, her hair swaying gently as she walked. She looked... uncomfortable, somehow.
Awkward, maybe embarrassed.
But regardless, she answered his question straightforwardly.
"No, I just wanted to walk outside with you, Si-woo."
As expected, the shopping excuse had been just that—an excuse.
"I wanted... a date."
She glanced at him sidelong, confessing her true feelings.
Those days of skirting around each other were long gone.
Though a recent incident had created some awkwardness, their bond was incomparable to before.
Hearing that eased Si-woo's mind.
He still didn't know why Amelia had been keeping that odd distance lately, but at least it confirmed their relationship wasn't broken.
The mood was fine even without much talk.
This seemed like a good chance to ask what was on her mind.
"Amelia, you've been avoiding me a bit lately... If it's about that hallway thing embarrassing you, it's okay."
"Eek!"
He skirted around directly mentioning the incident to avoid backfiring.
Amelia's reaction was immediate and visible.
She whipped her head away to the opposite side, her clasped hands trembling visibly.
She had said she'd do anything for Si-woo.
But he didn't expect that much.
He was just grateful she was slowly matching his pace, clumsy as she was.
In that vein, her sudden burst—dragging him to a secluded hallway for a paizuri attempt—was endearing, nothing more.
"I appreciate the effort. That's enough to be thankful for."
"Y-Yeah..."
"No need to rush."
Whether his sincerity got through or not, her grip loosened.
But her stiff shoulders and averted gaze hadn't fully relaxed.
She walked hesitantly, looking distinctly uneasy.
And for good reason—Amelia's desperately pondered event from two days of anguish was still underway.
Today's event outfit, prepared with even a thick cape, was none other than her naked body and perfume.
Not her usual fresh floral scent.
It was the "Seductive Perfume"—a special recipe from her master, slightly tweaked.
Packed with sensual ingredients that stimulated arousal, it was said to steal even the heart of a devout bride.
Spraying it on earlier had startled her with its blatant aroma.
The opening notes of pink powdery sweetness evoked sitting at a dancer's vanity.
The soft brush of foundation amplified by magic blended with her own skin's scent, multiplied several times over.
The erotic fragrance begged desperately, "I'm lonely... I want to cling to you right now." No wonder her master named it "Seductive Perfume."
Thus, trapped beneath the fluffy lamb's wool cape were only Amelia's pale naked form and the seductive perfume.
That explained her rigid stiffness.
Her talk with Sharon had roughly diagnosed his tastes.
She knew fulfilling them required immense resolve and embarrassment.
For his beloved "outdoor" escapades, going nude with just perfume and a cape was fine.
She even prepared a retort for Sharon someday: "Si-woo likes perfume better than nakedness, right?"
And she'd planned what to do after revealing this risqué attempt to him.
But actually walking the streets cloaked only in nudity made her heart pound wildly.
Cool breezes slipping under the cape heightened awareness of her bare skin.
Every tickle of the soft wool revived the heat from his caresses.
What if someone noticed?
What if a tiny slip exposed her to others? Her heart thundered.
It took resolve worthy of earning a shred of respect from her rival, Sharon Evergreen.
"Si-woo."
"Yeah?"
"It's nothing..."
The issues didn't end there.
Where and when to reveal the event was another problem.
More people lingered on the streets than expected, and unlike Tarot Town, the Malkuth Gallery's streetlamps everywhere made it poor for secret trysts.
Just strolling home would waste her preparations.
Gazing at her feet as they walked, Amelia suddenly looked around.
The scenery had shifted slightly.
"You seem tired, so..."
At the intersection of the main gallery avenue and a side alley—looking like a crossroads corner—stood a café.
A charming outdoor spot serving drinks, wine, and light fare.
Si-woo had steered them there for her sake.
"I've been here before; it's nice. Let's rest a bit."
Amelia, primly dressed, would have nodded eagerly.
But with few all-nighters open, witches dotted the place.
And her low-defense outfit risked exposure with the slightest error.
This event was for Si-woo's eyes only—getting caught would make her faint.
"Uh...? Si-woo..."
"Welcome. It's an honor to have you."
Before she could stop him, a polite waitress led them to a quiet table.
Suddenly seated in just her cape, Amelia sweated bullets, glancing around furtively.
With more leisure, she might realize teasing glimpses of skin in public aroused men more...
But that was too advanced for Amelia.
"This and this, please. Anything for you, Amelia?"
"Oh, anything's fine."
The waitress took Si-woo's order politely, checked something suitable for Amelia like a pro, and left.
"If you were tired, you should've said so."
"I wasn't tired..."
"Really? Your face looked off..."
"No, it's fine. Thanks for worrying."
Not ideal, but fortunate—the café was dimly lit.
Tables were spaced widely, so no accidents seemed likely.
Night menu focused on simple prep, so food arrived quickly.
Lamb liver pâté thinly spread on bread, olive pickles, and two glasses of wine.
Amelia wet her parched lips with wine.
"Opening tomorrow?"
"Yeah, main extractions are done. Thanks to your help, Si-woo, it wrapped up fast."
"You'll be busy for a while."
As initial tension eased with alcohol and chatter began...
Clack-clack.
Footsteps approached with a savory baking scent, and a voice chimed in.
"Well, if it isn't the cutie pie?"
Navy-blue hair and eyes.
Tall and curvaceous, draped in a dress that flaunted her figure, teetering on sky-high heels—a witch.
Periwinkle.
"Periwinkle, what brings you here?"
"I drop by for air now and then."
Amelia startled twice.
First, the intrusion into their private spot.
Second, Periwinkle kissing Si-woo's cheek boldly, despite seeing Amelia.
Cheek kisses were standard greetings in Gehenna.
But actual lip-to-cheek contact was for the truly close.
Especially across genders.
"So, when are you repaying that favor? You rascal."
Poking Si-woo's side playfully with her fingertips, beaming brightly— it screamed intimacy.
Come to think of it, Si-woo had mentioned it.
When in peril, battling the Witch of Desire, he'd gotten major aid from the Witch of Luck.
So, what was their relationship?
"Amelia, this is Periwinkle—she's helped me out in all sorts of ways. And this is my..."
"Lover. Amelia Merigold."
Amelia staked her claim, unease fueling her words.
"Oh? On a date, are we?"
Periwinkle blinked not once, eyeing Amelia like she'd just noticed her.