If the Lady is Happy, This Much Hardship is Nothing
A week had passed since we returned from our vacation. Peaceful days slipped by without any particular incidents. Demon hunting had been put on hold due to the emergence of the demon kings, so...
There wasn't much to do, leaving me stuck in the cabin.
"Miss, what are you up to?"
Rita approached after finishing the dishes, as I sat in the chair staring blankly into space.
"...We just got back from vacation, but I can't help wondering if it's okay to just sit around doing nothing."
"What's wrong with a little rest? You've been working nonstop for over ten years without a break."
"I guess..."
"It's not even been two weeks yet. Considering all you've done, you deserve this much."
Rita smiled faintly, came around behind me, and stroked my hair. Then she draped her arms around my neck and pulled me into a tight embrace.
"No need to worry about anything. No one's here to complain if you take a break."
"I just worry that I'm making you do all the work."
"It's fine. If you're happy, Miss, this much hardship is nothing at all."
It hit me anew how lucky I was to have Rita by my side. If I'd left the mansion without her—someone with zero talent for housework—I'd have starved to death by now, or ended up in some brothel, earning money by taking other people's cum.
"Rita."
"Yes?"
"Thank you for staying by my side. I think I said it yesterday too."
A deeper smile curved Rita's lips at my words.
"I'm grateful too. For letting me stay by your side, past and present, without change."
"Well, you're good at your job, and..."
"Is that the only reason?"
"......I like you."
Heat rushed to my face. As always, putting my feelings into words was mortifyingly embarrassing—especially in everyday moments, not during sex.
"I like you too, Miss. A lot."
Her response made it all worthwhile, embarrassment be damned. I had to say it.
"Y-yeah, I know..."
"Puhuhu. The way you blush is just too cute."
She leaned down and planted a kiss on my forehead. Mwah.
"Ughhh..."
"This shy, speechless side of you is cute too."
"Stop with the compliments... My heart's gonna burst..."
I meant it. Every word, every praise from her sounded so good. My heart raced like it was about to overload.
"What if I don't want to stop?"
"...No more affection from me."
"Oh dear. That sounds a bit sad."
Her words said sad, but a playful smile danced on her lips.
"I-I'm serious... No more kisses, no more making out..."
"Pfft. Such cute rebellion."
Rita gently cupped my chin, tilting it up to meet her gaze. Then she parted her lips.
"Your body can't resist me anyway."
"Th-that's..."
"If you won't give it, I'll just take it."
Before I could respond, Rita's lips covered mine. She softly sucked my lower lip, then slipped her tongue between to tangle thickly with mine.
"Mmmph...♡"
She passed the saliva pooled in her mouth down my throat. I swallowed her sweet saliva, but with breath running short, I had no choice but to break the kiss.
"Haa... Rita...♡"
As I gasped her name, she met my eyes. Her hand settled on the nape of my neck.
"Should I choke you a little?"
I nodded faintly. In front of Rita, I became an irredeemable bitch whose defenses crumbled. Even her choking felt good.
"Please..."
"Of course. But since it's morning, I won't go too hard. Too intense, and you might go into heat—ruining the whole day..."
With that, her thumb gradually tightened around my throat. As the pressure built, she leaned in for another kiss.
"Hngh... Smp, haaahp...♡"
One pleasurable act layered on another—pure ecstasy. So much so that the choking kiss alone brought me to a light climax. My panties were soaked through with my juices.
"...Oh dear. Looks like I have to wash your underwear again today, Miss."
Rita pulled back, still smiling, and slowly traced my pussy over the fabric.
"Hngh, ahh...♡"
"So, what now, Miss? Stop here for morning... or head to bed?"
Her voice dripped with temptation. In front of Rita, where I weakened for everything, that tone left only one choice.
"To bed...♡"
"Puhuhu. Knew you'd say that."
"You want it too...? I worry I'm asking too much..."
"Not at all. I'm saying it because I want to."
Rita scooped me from the chair and gently laid me on the bed.
Lying down brought Rita's blue eyes into view. Was this what it meant to make my heart pound with just a look? Her face, brimming with lust, was utterly lovable—speeding my already racing heart even more.
"...I love you, Miss."
"Me too..."
Our confessions exchanged, Rita stripped off my soaked panties and slid her cock into my exposed pussy.
"Nngh, haaaahk!!♡"
Thus began another ordinary morning for Rita and me—with sex, as always.
Lunchtime, after we'd set each other ablaze and fucked for ages. As I rested in bed, Rita stepped out and returned with the mail.
"A letter from Miss Irene again."
"She always sends them around lunchtime..."
"It's the usual break time after lunch. If you're too tired, shall I read it and summarize?"
"Yeah... I have zero energy right now. Please."
Rita pulled a sheet from the envelope and read it.
"Hmhm. Miss Irene's sent something about a rather serious matter."
"What is it?"
"Unusual movements from the demon kings. She's requesting our help as demon hunters."
I took the letter and read it myself. In summary: Sightings of not just Asmodeus, but other demon kings as well. She hoped Rita and I could assist—and compensation regardless of outcome.
"...Risky, but the pay makes it worth it."
A successful 2nd-grade demon subjugation paid around 500 gold. Irene offered 50,000—equivalent to 100 such hunts. Sure, demon kings carried risk, but we weren't going alone. Rita's strength rivaled Lupera, the guild master's.
"So, we'll commit to helping Miss Irene?"
"Yeah. For our ties with her, and the generous pay."
"Got it. I'll write back confirming."
Rita penned a quick reply and slipped it into the mail pouch. The delivery boy would pick it up soon. Mailed at lunch, it'd reach Irene by morning.
"To join Miss Irene, we'll need prep. We slacked on sparring during vacation."
Back at the cabin, Rita handed me a wooden sword from the shed.
"Worried my skills rusted from all the rest."
"Rest might've improved your condition instead."
"...Then, spar today? Until my stamina hits limit."
"If that's what you want, Miss. I could do it forever."
Her sudden heart-fluttering words flushed my face. Where did she learn lines like that...?
"Q-quick, outside. Let's spar."
"Yes. But we have sex tonight, so I'll push just shy of your limit."
"Ugh, got it..."
Around the time Rita and I were deep in sparring...
In the demon realm, one demon king leisurely watched us through a crystal orb: Asmodeus, the Lust of the Seven Deadly Sins.
{The two of them really suit each other.}
Asmodeus gazed at the orb with golden eyes, a pleased smile on her face. Then Amon, the Greed of the Seven Deadly Sins beside her, shot her an exasperated look and grumbled.
{What's so great about those humans that you keep staring?}
{Why, they're adorable.}
{...I just can't understand your tastes at all. What's appealing about a futanari girl and a gender-swapped woman?}
Asmodeus chuckled.
{They look pretty to me.}
{Fine. Enjoy your pretty humans all you want.}
Amon turned to leave the castle, face twisted in resignation. But Asmodeus spoke up.
{Hey, Amon.}
{What.}
{What if this girl turns out to be the one from the prophecy?}
Her smile deepened.
{......I wouldn't wish for that.}
Amon resumed walking, replying indifferently.
{Thinking of a dick-girl joining us as a junior doesn't exactly thrill me.}