Chapter 55 - Klea Secured!
Even though I ran into that noblewoman at the end who soured my mood a bit, coming to the Lord's Castle had been worth it. That lady's face—it wasn't the fearful stares I'd gotten on the streets when I first arrived in Radia. No, it was pure disgust, like she was looking at something utterly repulsive. I'd never gotten a gaze so openly laced with hatred in Radia before... She must be one of those monster-hating types. And even though I'm a Divine Beast of sorts, she didn't hold back on the revulsion. If this weren't the Lord's Castle, I might've just... Hah. Whatever. I'd pocketed 50 gold coins, so I'd suck it up. I'd even scored a promise for shared intel. With rewards that fat, I'd graciously let it slide.
I shook off the annoyance, patted the box of gold, and headed out of the noble district. Things had wrapped up faster than expected, and it was just nearing lunchtime. Ending so early left an awkward gap in my schedule. I wondered if Als and Lizbet might be at the church right now. If I caught them, we could grab lunch together and prep for the dungeon. With that in mind, I turned straight toward the church.
"You just missed them. They left about thirty minutes ago."
That's the disappointing news I got from Baul when I stepped into the church. Damn. If I'd hustled a little faster, we could've linked up. No way was I hunting them down in this massive city, but heading back to the inn empty-handed felt like a waste. What now? As I mulled it over and said goodbye to Baul, he called me back.
"I heard it was a close call this time. Thank you so much for protecting Klea in that dangerous situation."
What, like it's a big deal? Besides, you're a hero too, Baul—you know I'm turning her into my bitch anyway. No need for thanks. I brushed it off with a "I'm fine," and slipped out of the reception room. Oh, right—he didn't seem to know I'd spanked Klea's ass so hard her stockings nearly tore. Guess she kept that to herself... Good. If she knows to be ashamed, that's how it should be.
I stepped into the church courtyard, about to head out, when I spotted Klea emerging from what looked like the nuns' dorm. Perfect timing. This would kill some time nicely. I jogged over and called out to her.
"Hey, Klea. Fancy seeing you again."
"Uh, wha!? S-Sema... sir?"
As I approached, Klea's closed eyes didn't stop her face from draining of color, her body flinching before I even spoke. But once I did, though her expression stayed tinged with fear, the blood returned to her cheeks.
"S-sorry, you startled me... It's your... aura..."
"I get it, I get it. No need to freak out."
"Y-yes... What brings you here today...?"
"I swung by the Lord's Castle, then came to collect my reward from that last quest and meet up with Als and Lizbet, but we crossed paths. You got time right now, Klea?"
"W-well, today is my day off, so..."
Nuns get rotating days off too? Suits me just fine. Perfect.
"Yeah? Remember how I said I'd buy you that drink last time?"
Her body twitched at that.
"Forget the drink—I'll cover it. Let's grab a bite instead. Scored big at the castle today."
Watching her face shift back to wary, I flashed a sly smile.
Half-dragging her along, I took Klea to that fancy restaurant-like place near the noble district I'd scoped out before. She was still wary of me, though improved from last time, and tried to politely decline a few times. But after I insisted, she relented and followed.
The place screamed high-end: ornate decor, upscale vibe. Good thing I'd dressed sharp to meet the lord. Her nun habit worked, but as a half-human, half-beast monster, I'd have looked out of place without it. A middle-aged waiter spotted me, blinked in surprise, then greeted us with a warm smile. Classy joint—handling my look that smoothly.
Asking for a private room to avoid stares during the meal, he got it right away and set us up in a four-seater. Sharp guy. We drew a few glances crossing the dining area but made it to the room. I sat facing Klea, who asked in a tense voice,
"Um, Sema sir... You sure this is okay? This place seems really upscale..."
"Heh heh. No sweat. Cashed in huge at the castle today. Besides..."
I tossed in a little spice to ease her mind.
"Remember when I... spanked your ass last time? I was kinda worked up then, but after, I felt bad about it. Then I said I'd buy you drinks on top."
Conscience? What conscience? Okay, maybe a twinge.
"So I've been thinking I'd treat you to a meal next time we met. Perfect timing on the way back from my payout. Plus, I wanted to try a spot like this myself."
Her cheeks flushed a bit, tension easing into relief. Watching her blindfolded face soften, I suddenly worried about her eyes.
"Oh yeah, Klea—your eyes making eating tough or anything?"
"N-no, it's fine. I can make out colors, and more than that, I sense positions from the faint Esser in food and objects."
I couldn't fathom sensing Esser like that... but pinpointing locations with it? Impressive. As I marveled, a young waiter entered with the menu. I skimmed it—first time, so I asked for recommendations and picked drinks. Then, on the booze list: Layla Desire.
...The stuff that knocked Als out? Nice stock. Real nice. I ordered a bottle of that, let them match the rest to the food, and wrapped it up.
"By the way, Klea—you and Baul seem close. Dating or what? Not big on goddess church rules—curious if romance is allowed."
I'd ordered booze without asking her, then casually probed about Baul. His "want to be lovers" line might've been one-sided wishful thinking. Unrequited love would sting less mentally, but my kink was breaking women with men who loved them—swearing loyalty, becoming my exclusive bitch. If it was just his delusion, it'd sour the thrill. Heart pounding a bit, I waited.
She flustered, face reddening, stammering before answering.
"Priests and nuns can marry or date... Baul and I... we promised our future together recently..."
Jackpot. She's mine now, Klea. Guess he'd proposed in the meantime. Baul, you sly dog—beats Als. I mentally high-fived, eyeing her.
Sure, she'd broken my leg back on Earth—pissed me off. But the Humanization Skill fixed it, Lizbet's affection skyrocketed till she was hooked, all good. Ditching the grudge, Klea was top-tier: veiled golden hair gleaming, translucent blue eyes peeking now and then, porcelain skin radiating subtle allure. Breasts bigger than her head—top three in Radia. Nun habit straining over that spankable ass. Lizbet had fresh, feisty appeal; Klea was ripe, soft, perfectly mature fruit. Her promising the future to priest-hero Baul? Unacceptable.
Musing how to claim her mid-chat, appetizers arrived.
"Eat up," I said. They were restaurant-quality: visually stunning, flavors exploding with umami—like Earth's fine dining.
"...! So good...!"
"Whoa... how do they even make this?"
Then came my order: Layla Desire and glasses. Pouring, I checked,
"You can handle booze, right, Klea? Tried it before—it's good, so I got it."
"Never outside, but I sip wine in mass, so I can manage."
Unknown tolerance, huh? Hope she's not a black-hole drinker. Filled her glass, raised mine: "Cheers." She lifted hers, shy smile.
"S-sorry, Sema sir."
"Huh? For what?"
"Avoiding you, acting reckless alone, putting you in danger... all of it."
Shadow crossing her face, she continued.
"Born with bad eyes, my Esser sense sharpened—I judged people by that alone. Sight so poor dulled my caution too."
Makes sense for near-blind. Color-distinguishing at best—rough life.
"Unknowingly, I sized everyone up that way. Hating someone as kind as you... shameful."
Her remorse melted my lingering grudge.
"Me as saint candidate? Pathetic."
"Nah. Rushing to help others? Saintly as hell. No adventurers died—worked out. No need to beat yourself up."
"...Thank you."
Her first genuine smile—radiant, compassionate. Anyone seeing it would buy "saint" outright. Stirred something primal in me, like an engine revving. We clinked glasses.
Feeding her drinks through the meal, by dessert her vibe flipped—total transformation.
"Ehehe... Sema siiir~ Sooo tasty~"
Sweet, low-alcohol taste—she downed most of two bottles. I subtly favored her pours; she gulped obliviously, calling it "yummy." Over a bottle solo? Drunk as hell. Planned, sure. Now, prim image gone—flirty, swaying Klea. Lizbet held liquor better, but this? Cute. Imagining luring drunk her to my room, juniors stirred eagerly.
Meal over, she wobbled rising. I grabbed her shoulder to steady, pulling close—her massive tits mashed against me as she clung.
"Hng... sooory... "
"Cling tighter—lean on me."
Hand sliding down, she didn't resist—arms around mine, burying my thick forearm in soft cleavage. Lizbet's were huge; Klea's eclipsed. Deadly for tit-lovers—one hug and done.
"Wooow... Sema sir's arms so thiiick... super hard... all bulgy~"
Stroking my arm over clothes while staggering, she marveled. Sober Klea wouldn't dare, even improved. Personality swap booze quirk? Adorable. Paid at the entrance—20 silvers. Cheap? Wait, half a four-person family's monthly living. My spending had ballooned. Fine dining, booze, room—fair, but Essentia prices gaped wide. Street eats ran 1-2 coppers.
Out we went, her gripping my arm, stumbling into me.
"Ehehe... everything's spiiinning~ Esser all wobbly~"
Drunk Esser sense warps? She navigated blind fine sober—now disoriented. Supporting her from the entrance, I caught awkward stares. Right: flashy-dressed half-beast monster, arm-in-arm with flushed, staggering nun. I'd gawk too. Inn was far—tricky. Decided: princess carry, dash back. Better than slow shuffle.
Lifted her—expected flinch, but drunk Klea giggled, groping my chest.
"Wooow~ Sema sir's chest so haaard~ Shoulders suuuper wide~"
Blitzed. Recall tomorrow? Cradling her groping hands, I bolted to the inn.