The Culprits
The rundown house fell quiet.
Rohan's steady breathing, deep in sleep, filled the interior.
Ichinose cracked her eyes open and fixed her gaze on the sleeping Rohan.
No problems here.
Ichinose knew from experience and hearsay.
Even deep in slumber, there was no need to worry about ambushes with him.
Veterans soaked in real combat all shared a trait during proper rest.
They tuned out everything, reacting only sharply to hostility or danger.
To Ichinose, Rohan was already one of them.
Her own father had that instinct, and Noah along with Noah's father were poster children for it—born that way.
Noah's father, the Snow Tiger Emperor Rex Frozenheart, possessed transcendent senses, yet as a child, neither she nor Noah ever woke him with their nearby chatter or romping.
Ichinose herself had racked up plenty of similar experiences thanks to her dad.
Poke.
Ichinose prodded Rohan's cheek with her finger.
Relief washed over her as he stayed asleep.
Hehe, just as I thought.
See? No reaction without attack intent. Sleeping like a rock.
Her hunch was spot on. She had a pretty good read on Rohan by now.
He must be wiped out. Mentally, physically—everything.
She poked the cheek again, its addictive squishiness too tempting. No clue why it was so fun, but stopping was impossible.
Maybe this was how Rohan felt when he'd suddenly groped her own cheek out of nowhere.
Honestly. What kind of skill is that?
Pulling food and water from thin air in a sealed-off spot was knockout enough.
But precious potions too? Subspace storage? Or some costly trade?
Either way, an insane skill.
And Rohan wasn't just skill-bluffing hot air—that alone was a huge mark in his favor.
His combat talent was top-tier too; once word got out, talent scouts would swarm.
He mentioned having plans. Still... maybe recruit him to Cheonoecheon after Orion Academy graduation?
Black suit? Total heartthrob material.
Rohan could nail desk work and bodyguard-secretary duties flawlessly.
Until I officially inherit the company—or even after—if Rohan's there holding things down...
Fantasies bloomed like clouds, crowding the girl's mind.
The inheritance seat, stuffed with gut-wrenching burdens and worries, suddenly felt doable with him beside her.
What if we go on a business trip together?
Rohan driving, both laughing over past academy drama and current chaos.
Not backseat—shotgun.
Then clock out, ditch the chairman-secretary facade for steamy alone time...
"—!"
Ichinose slapped a sleeve over her mouth, muffling the idiotic giggle.
Her fantasy had hit peak clarity.
Almost drooled.
She wiped her lips and exhaled.
Just imagining that taboo dynamic was gourmet bliss. Way too stimulating for her.
Fantasies this wild? Time to cut back on Noah's comics.
"..."
Her gaze returned to Rohan, star of her daydreams.
First time entertaining thoughts like these about a guy.
The girl couldn't dodge her inner truth anymore. Self-reflection was one of her rare talents.
Not mere allure.
Dungeon shaky-bridge effect? No way.
Months of steadily piled emotions had crystallized.
I definitely...
More than fondness for Rohan—crystal clear.
Depth aside, a lifetime first: crushing hard.
She'd denied it flat-out, but reality stared back.
Maybe not so weird.
Replaying time with him made it obvious.
Days kicking off with training—diligent as hell.
Sacrifices for others? No bragging, no tall tales.
Skills skyrocketing? Zero arrogance.
Unthinking respect and kindness in every move, every word? Irresistible.
Kindness equals inner steel.
Listing what drew her in? Endless.
Facing it head-on burst the dam, unleashing a sweet flood.
As she tenderly brushed Rohan's bangs, gaze soft with affection.
Tingly touch? Lingering succubus charm?
Rohan's lower half stirred, stiffening noticeably.
"..."
Ichinose gulped at the sight, unbidden.
Cheeks blazing.
But he stayed asleep—her eyes locked.
...A bludgeon or something?
Pants tenting like he'd stashed a weapon.
"Ahem."
Ichinose fake-coughed, rising casually.
Any other guy? Revulsion. Now? Curiosity exploded.
She moved; Rohan slept on.
Footsteps, presence—no threat, so his rest-mode stayed locked.
Said he had zero girl experience.
Kneeling by his legs, Ichinose kept watching.
No touching, even asleep. Eyes roved hungrily.
"Mmm..."
Rohan sleep-mumbled.
His lower body twitched in response.
"Wha...?"
The incident Sion and Clara endured now hit Ichinose.
Liquid surging, soaking through pants.
Misfortune or luck?
Orion Academy uniform's dense weave blocked the forceful jets.
"Wha, whaa?!?"
Flustered, Ichinose reflexively cupped her hands, catching the spill.
Not perfect, but the gushing mess pooled thick and white in her palms.
"Ngh, uh... huh?"
Cleaning Rohan's pants? Back-burnered by sheer panic.
Wh-what do I do with this...?
Caught it, sure—but disposal?
Scalding hot, like burns. Pungent, heavy scent.
Dump outside? Nixed instantly.
Succubi sniff it out, track us—disaster.
They chow down, power up? Trouble.
Unproven, but the risk nagged.
So, this viscous stuff—how?
"..."
Nose-stinging aroma.
Resolved, Ichinose swallowed hard.
Lying there, Rohan snapped his eyes open.
Ominous vibe hit instantly.
How long was I out?
Ichinose not waking him, natural rouse—off.
Mind razor-sharp, eerily so.
Chills like that day.
Sweet Crime Without Memory - Achievement Achieved
Weakness Infliction debuff chance increased when with perpetrator
Perpetrator's growth speed increased when with Rohan
What the hell?
Woke up to an achievement popped.
A fresh one. Personal exclusive?
No time to savor rewards.
Groiny discomfort matched vague memory.
Fucked.
Rohan craned his neck, scanning for his companion.
Ichinose perched in the corner, cloth-wiping her sword.
Feigning nonchalance, but senses caught her subtle focus this way.
"..."
Rohan rose and headed outside.
Her silence? Grateful, but shame wanted him dead.
Shop water bought; scrubbed first.
Scoured hard. Max clean effort.
Small load? Late mercy, just amplified the trash vibe.
Shit.
Back at the house, door ajar.
Re-entry slammed the thick scent home.
"Rohan. Sorry, mind some water...?"
Throat-scratchy, Ichinose fake-coughed.
Table bottle? Drained.
Ah.
Rohan craved death.
Her tone, averted eyes—knew full well.
Obvious fact, yet that split-second denial hope? Maddening.
"...One sec."
Dazed, Shop-open, handed bottled water.
Snagged floor sheath, bolted out again.
Mind drifting, no anchor.
Dogshit real. The allure's fault?
Deep sigh, refocus.
Pre-wake alert reopened—barely glanced.
Sweet Crime Without Memory - Achievement Achieved
Weakness Infliction debuff chance increased when with perpetrator
Perpetrator's growth speed increased when with Rohan
Conditions unknown, but rewards fire. Perp who? Not a companion...
Flash—arrow below reward pane.
Tap glowing spot.
New panel unfolded.
Sion Testarosa, Clara, Ichinose Yui
"???"
Everything a riddle.