The Lingering Scent
As soon as I stepped into the room, I understood why the counter had been so confident. The space was vast, with an interior so meticulously designed that it radiated both luxury and warmth. The moment the door opened, a uniquely artistic carpet wrapped my feet in softness. At the center stood an enormous bed that looked like a work of art in its own right. The plush mattress was finished with carefully selected high-end linens, and the abundant pillows were arranged so beautifully that anyone would feel the urge to throw themselves into their embrace.
Beside the head of the bed sat two elegant side tables, each topped with a modern lamp that would provide just the right light during the night. Small ornaments and a clock added a touch of practicality and refinement. Part of the walls featured magically treated glass windows that offered a perfect view of the outside while preventing anyone from looking in. Thick velvet curtains could completely cover them when needed, further emphasizing the room’s opulence. During the day, bright natural light flooded the space; at night, the glow from outside lamps or moonlight would softly illuminate the interior.
In one corner, a luxurious wooden desk and a comfortable swivel chair had been prepared as a workspace. The desk had several small drawers for neatly organizing belongings, and an adjustable stand lamp ensured plenty of brightness for late-night work. Several nameless artworks hung on the walls, each harmonizing with the room’s overall color scheme while adding their own unique charm. In another nook, a large, inviting sofa piled with cushions created a perfect resting area where one could sip coffee or read a book at leisure. The sofa’s generous size and soft fabric promised the ultimate comfort whether sitting or lying down.
Overall, every piece of furniture and decoration had been chosen with painstaking care, creating an atmosphere that was both lavish and deeply relaxing. It was the perfect sanctuary, offering rest and comfort to anyone who stayed here.
“Wow. This is even higher quality than the room we used last time.”
“It really is…”
Thinking once again that money truly was the best, Chloe and Eloise removed the masks they had been wearing.
“Haa… It was more stuffy than I thought.”
Eloise followed suit and took off the mask she had worn all day. The moment she finally cast aside the mask that had clung tightly to her face for hours, an overwhelming sense of liberation washed over her. Fresh air touched her skin the instant she escaped the mask’s oppressive pressure, bringing a rush of pleasure. The sweat and heat trapped beneath it vanished all at once, and the cool air tickled her damp skin, delivering a refreshing chill. The imprint the mask had left on her forehead began to fade, and breathing suddenly felt much easier. Holding the removed mask in one hand, she took a deep breath and savored her newfound freedom.
But when Chloe took off her mask, the strange odor coming from her grew noticeably stronger.
Is it the smell of sweat…?
Eloise fell into deep thought about the peculiar stench she sensed around Chloe. She tried to pinpoint the source of the scent that seemed to linger in Chloe’s wake, but she couldn’t identify it exactly. The stronger the aroma grew with every step, the more confused she became.
Eloise had always stayed close to Chloe, constantly inhaling her scent. Though she could never say it aloud, she had licked and sucked at Chloe’s skin, feet, and hands like a devoted pet, savoring every inch of her body’s fragrance. Yet never once had she encountered an odor like this.
What on earth is causing this smell?
Eloise felt frustrated inside as she pondered it carefully. Chloe had always been meticulous about cleanliness and chose her perfumes with great care. But today, her scent was different—a delicate perfume mixed with something sour and unpleasant.
After long consideration, Eloise reached one possible conclusion.
Could it be that the perfume she used reacted with her sweat?
She imagined Chloe’s sweat interacting with the perfume she had applied, creating this strange smell. The thought eased her mind a little, but she still had no clear answer on how to deal with the stench.
As if sensing Eloise’s dilemma, Chloe spoke up.
“Since we’re finally here, shall we wash up first?”
The smell that hit Eloise as Chloe suddenly stepped closer nearly made her grimace, but she managed to keep her expression under control.
“…Yes, Sister. I’m fine, so you go first.”
“Are you really okay? If you’re not feeling well, we can do it later. Since it’s a special occasion, it only means something if we do it when you’re at your best, right?”
“Ahem! For now… I think I should wash up first and then think about it. My condition really isn’t great today. I’m sorry, Sister.”
“It’s fine.”
When Eloise deliberately coughed to emphasize how unwell she felt, Chloe looked at her with worried eyes. Then she casually sat down on the chair in front of the table and continued.
“No, you look sick. You should shower first.”
“No, I’m really—”
“Enough. Go wash first.”
Chloe cut her off firmly, then smiled again and pointed toward the bathroom. Eloise knew that when Chloe spoke in that decisive tone, she would never change her mind no matter what was said. So she simply nodded.
“…Yes. Thank you.”
Unable to refuse Chloe’s words, Eloise slowly began to undress. It wasn’t the first time she had taken off her clothes in front of Chloe, and Chloe secretly enjoyed the sight, so she removed each garment without hesitation and neatly folded them to one side.
“Hehe, your body is still as beautiful as ever.”
“It’s nothing compared to yours, Sister.”
When Eloise answered with a light smile, Chloe smiled back. As Chloe gazed at her body with an appreciative smile, she walked over to the magic tool that functioned as a refrigerator, opened its door, and looked at the wines and liquors inside. Then she asked Eloise, who was still organizing her clothes.
“Hmm. There are quite a few kinds of alcohol here. Can you recommend something? I don’t see the ones I usually drink.”
“Of course, Sister.”
After all, her family’s territory had built its wealth on wine. Eloise possessed considerable knowledge about alcohol and had often recommended new wines to Chloe. Just as she was about to head to the bathroom, Eloise—still in her underwear—walked over to stand beside Chloe. The cold air flowing from the refrigerator brushed against her bare skin, making her shiver for a moment. She wasn’t exactly comfortable showing herself like this, but since it was only in front of Chloe, she decided not to mind.
“Umm… This one probably won’t suit your taste, Sister… And this might be too sweet… Ah…!”
Recalling Chloe’s preferences from all the time she had spent by her side, Eloise was searching through her memories when a slender finger suddenly traced down her back. A small moan escaped her lips.
“Hngh…! Sister…”
“Eloise, haven’t you been strangely avoiding me since we left the black market?”
“I-I’m sorry…!”
She had thought she was hiding it well, but Chloe had already seen through her completely. Chloe’s thin, cool fingers slithered across Eloise’s lower back like a snake’s tongue, sliding past her side and moving toward her chest. The fingers that had been poking at the underwear over her breasts slowly slipped beneath the bra and touched Eloise’s bare skin.
“S-Sister…! I probably smell really bad from sweat!”
“What does it matter? Besides, I told you I don’t dislike your scent, didn’t I?”
As if savoring Eloise’s body odor, Chloe pressed herself tightly against her. She slipped an arm under Eloise’s armpit and buried her face in the nape of her neck. Seeing that Chloe didn’t mind her smell was certainly arousing, but the foul odor still emanating from Chloe made it absolute torture for Eloise.
Lick—
Chloe’s hot tongue touched Eloise’s skin without noticing her distress. Then—
“…?”
“Ah… uh… I-I’m sorry…!”
Unable to endure the stench and the sensation of insects crawling over her body, Eloise shoved Chloe away.