Love Rival (2)
Rasca felt a profound sense of betrayal.
After screwing her over so thoroughly in her dreams, now he was cheating with another woman?
It was utterly unforgivable.
Werewolves were a deeply jealous species.
Rasca could feel her jealousy exploding inside her. If she could, she'd rip out that traitor's throat right then and there.
Something's seriously fucked up here.
With an expression like a golden retriever watching its owner pet another dog, Asmodeus flinched.
"Why the hell are you here?"
"Oh, you knew? Well, yeah, you probably figured it out. I'm working part-time at our shop. Turns out she doesn't just sell sandwiches—she makes killer booze too."
In the midst of her blazing jealousy, Rasca kept pressuring Asmodeus with her sharp glare.
"It's a side gig."
"A side gig? I give you plenty of money already."
"What, you jealous or something? Our Rasca's got some unique tastes. Crushing on a tiny guy like this."
"Shut your fucking mouth?!"
BAM! Rasca slammed her fist down on the table. With her monstrous strength, the thick table splintered into pieces.
"Calm the fuck down? You think I came here to watch this messy lovers' quarrel?"
It was Noxbell who stepped in to sort things out. She fumbled for a cigarette and stuck one in her mouth.
She's a chain smoker, huh.
Asmodeus thought that if he ever targeted Noxbell, he'd make her quit smoking for sure.
"Shut up for a sec—that cocktail your friend's mixing is pretty damn good. Give it a try."
"…."
If Noxbell hadn't been there, Rasca's exploded jealousy would've had her lunging at both of them. It would've turned into total chaos, no mediation possible.
Did I come here for nothing?
Asmodeus felt like he was sitting on a bed of nails. Was it okay for him to even be here…?
"Let's have a drink first, then get to business."
"Your cocktails are ready. For you, Rasca, I mixed your usual favorites."
"Tch."
The three women quickly picked up their freshly mixed cocktails.
Of course, all three glasses were laced with aphrodisiac. Even Noxbell's—he'd spiked it to addict her too.
"…It's good."
"Oh? More honest than I thought."
"I'm the type who admits it when something tastes good, unlike some people."
"Hmmm~ I see."
Even setting aside the aphrodisiac, the cocktails were genuinely delicious. So good that her mood settled a bit, just for a moment.
Rasca downed her glass in one go and held it out for more. Nothing beat good booze for swallowing your anger.
"You know how many complaints I get every time you two fight? And the hush money—that's a problem too."
"Oh? Does the chief actually listen to complaints from regular citizens?"
"Of course not. No way plebs like that have the pull to file complaints. I'm talking about the white-skins."
Dark elves like her hated high elves the most—not beastkin, not vampires.
Those self-righteous pricks with their contrasting pale skin, always acting superior.
Rasca chugged her cocktail and slammed the glass down with a thunk!
"One more."
She had no patience right now for Noxbell's explanations. She was racking her brain on how to deal with this insolent imp.
"You know getting spotted by the white-skins is a headache, right? I can't cover for you."
"Got it. I try to avoid tangling with high elf lords while doing this job."
So the conversation shifted to just Morgana and Noxbell. Meanwhile, Rasca knocked back two glasses, then three, then four, hitting five.
"Alright, if you get it, let's wrap this up quick."
Fortunately, the talk ended fast.
No point dragging it out when she was already on the take with bribes.
Noxbell had come planning to sip her drink and pocket some pocket money in cash bundles—not to yap her mouth off.
"…Why are you hanging with that bitch?"
"Huh?"
"Did that slut give you a huge tip or something?"
"Huh?"
Cocktails tasted like juice and went down easy, but they packed a punch in alcohol content. Sip after sip, and the buzz hit quick.
Especially for Rasca, who was weak to booze—she was totally wasted now, wiping her wet lips with her sleeve as she glared at him.
"You're talking nonsense…."
"Then what is it? Why're you glued to that slut? Huh? After I treated you so good."
"You have treated me well, sure. But I'm an imp who follows the money…."
Asmodeus couldn't believe it. What the hell was this? She wasn't usually this clingy.
I thought she had this cool image. Turns out she's way more jealous than I figured.
Then again, maybe he could use that. Asmodeus smirked inwardly. Looked like he could break her in reality even faster than expected.
"Answer me."
"Hmmm? This is hilarious."
"Hm, who knew Rasca had tastes like that. Don't beastkin usually go for tough males?"
"Guess she fell for his cooking skills."
The other two bitches' chatter didn't reach Rasca's ears.
Her eyes and ears were locked solely on Asmodeus.
Unbeknownst to her, her emotions were spiraling to the extreme.
At the end of that jealousy lay raw insecurity.
I've been stuffing myself silly, so now he's switching to that skinny bitch? Figures—males prefer scrawny twigs over a sturdy girl like me.
As Lunatic's boss, Rasca had lived crushed under heavy responsibilities, never even dreaming of romance.
She wanted more love. Just a little more petting.
She wanted to act cute for this man….
Having finally tasted these feelings, she flailed in an uncontrollable wave of anxiety.
"Looks like Rasca's had enough. I'll take her back to her place."
"Mmm~? But it's getting fun. Just leave her be."
Watching this, Morgana—who was enjoying herself almost as much as Asmodeus—found it amusing.
She kinda wanted to snap a photo to keep.
Ah… for some reason, this feels great. The booze going to my head?
She felt superior as a female. Chosen by a prime male—it elated Morgana, though even she didn't know why.
"Yeah, yeah, take her away. This is why I can't drink with beastkin scum… tch tch, so trashy."
"Oh? So I'm fine then?"
"No need to rank us. You seem just as bad."
"Such harsh words."
Rasca was way bigger and heavier than Asmodeus. But she was drunk, and he could manage supporting her increased weight.
So he hoisted her up. Luckily, she didn't struggle or fight back.
For her, it was unconsciously leaning on the man she adored.
"See ya."
Morgana felt a twinge of annoyance, unlike before. She hated seeing the man she'd picked clinging to another bitch.
"Hey! Let go, we ain't done talking!"
"Calm down, Rasca. You trying to test Noxbell's patience?"
"I! Ugh! Eat with that cop bitch, hit the sauna with her too! You did, didn't you?!"
…Should I just ditch her?
The thought crossed Asmodeus's mind for a second, but her big tits pressing against him changed that.
"I said calm down?"
"Yaaaah! Lemme goooo!"
"She's totally plastered. Jeez… cut it out."
"Who the hell are you calling! You traitor! If you're dumping me, just go now!"
Hm… I'd planned to spend more time breaking her mentally.
But this might let me shatter her even faster.
Submitting to me this much already.
This woman's emotions turning into essence for me to absorb? I leveled up again.
The skill I need most right now is obviously this one.
If the marked target 'consents,' they will show obedience only to you.
Exactly the skill I wanted. Perfect… preparations are complete. The stage is set. Time to scoop up the rice.
"Rasca."
"What!! Why call me?!"
"Attention."
"…What?"
"Attention, I said. You bitch."
Finally, time to advance to the last stage.