But Between Unrelated Girls, It's Okay, Right?
But if it's between women without blood ties, wouldn't that be fine?
The moment we stepped out of that church—or whatever religious building it was—the breeze brushing against the exposed skin of my nape and thighs made me shudder. And then it hit me. If the wind picked up even a little, the cloth draped over my shoulders would flutter, revealing to every passerby that I was tied up. Sure, I still had my clothes on, but wasn't this basically outdoor exposure play?
Not just the wind—Hanbyeol could stumble, too. Being tied, I couldn't even wrap my arms around her shoulders or neck like a normal piggyback rider. A single wobble, and the cloth would billow, exposing the ropes binding me to everyone around. Of course, I hadn't asked for this; they'd tied me up on their own whim. But if people found out I was a woman who enjoyed bondage play...
"Sis, you cold? You keep shivering."
"N-no, I'm fine."
She must have mistaken my desperate efforts to lean forward and stay secure for trembling. More than that, though—weren't these two the ones who'd tied me up? How could they act like it was no big deal? My heart raced at the thought of the ropes being discovered any second, but Hanbyeol and Iris were just scanning the area for a restaurant, carefree as ever.
In the end, while I fretted alone, I reached a conclusion: ropes aren't lewd. Yeah, they're just lines used for tying or hanging things. Even for escorting criminals. It was only because I'd been subjected to them in adult ways that I felt this way. It wasn't shameful at all, right? Was I just scaring myself because of my perverted body? That kind of attitude might even draw suspicion.
Once I thought it through, my mind eased. Own it. I'd look like a priestess being escorted for some crime. But if I didn't cower around Hanbyeol and Iris, maybe the ropes would pass as accessories. Weren't there harnesses over cloth or leather outfits? Pretty niche fashion, sure—I'd never wear them myself—but seeing celebrities or game characters in them never struck me as lewd. Well, female characters were just pretty, so I let it slide.
Anyway, if there was nothing to be ashamed of, I didn't need to hide the ropes or act embarrassed. So I relaxed against Hanbyeol's back. She was smaller than me but carried me without a hint of strain, her soft, squishy chest cushioning me so my bones didn't grind together. It felt nice. After two days of sleep, my fatigue should have been gone, but even that tiny stimulation had my breath quickening already.
With every step she took, the rebound jiggled me slightly, her breasts brushing mine, her hands supporting my thighs. Add in what felt like magical force, and my inner thighs rubbing against her waist... The moment I focused on the sensations, it was like my secret spot was asking permission to get excited. Ah, no. Fine if I got wet just from the stimulation alone, but grinding against someone else's skin? Absolutely not. Especially not Hanbyeol's.
Lusting after my underage little sister? That was the worst. Yet that forbidden thrill made my body quiver faintly. Not here... I desperately clenched my groin to stave off disaster, but hormones don't listen to reason. I could hold in pee, maybe, but love juices? No such control.
My panties growing damp, I subtly shifted my hips back to keep them from touching my robe. My thighs ached and more weight pressed on my chest, but my light body weight made it bearable. Hanbyeol just looked puzzled.
"Sis, you okay? Why do you keep squirming?"
"N-nothing."
"You're not stiffening up 'cause you're scared I'll drop you, right? Don't worry. I'm holding you with magic. See? Even if I let go—"
"Hngh...!"
Invisible pressure cradled my ass and thighs. I'd sensed it faintly before, but now intensified, it felt like giant hands kneading me, sending tremors through my lower belly.
"S-Sis, does it hurt?"
"Nng... Just a bit of a cold..."
Grateful she'd misunderstood as pain, I nodded quickly, planning to blame muscle aches. The even support under my ass eased. But the damage was done. My soaked panties brushed my robe.
I hurriedly cast Purify on myself, but the skill only cleared impurities—not moisture. Instead, with my lower half exposed to air, the damp panties dried, turning chilly. Now my prayers shifted: Please no wind to flip my skirt. Please no stumble to flash my panties.
I wanted to cry, but that would only draw more suspicion from Hanbyeol and Iris. Face burning red, I huddled against Hanbyeol's shoulder.
"Sis, you sure you're not cold? Should've grabbed an outer layer."
"No, your back's just warm."
"Hehe. Lean all you want."
Sweet Hanbyeol didn't suspect a thing. Iris trailed silently behind, expression unreadable. Glancing back anxiously, I caught her eye—she beamed brightly. That unnerved me more. A woman obsessed with my body had no reason to smile like that.
Poking around, we arrived at the tavern Hanbyeol had planned on. The classic fantasy spot where adventures begin—party recruitment, incidents, history unfolding... But at heart, just a place for lodging and meals. Showers, too. And other things with "sh" in them. Washing face, I mean.
"Jimmy-oppa says this place is great."
"Jimmy—the big burly guy with the scary face?"
I didn't memorize male game characters much, but him? Unforgettable. He'd beaten my abuser bloody, even stood up to Daesik playing the villain. A principled thug, in a way—not easy to hate outright.
"Yup. So trust it."
Without touching it, Hanbyeol flung the door open. Was she grand mage level? Seeing magic used so casually sparked envy. If I had telekinesis, I could clean and cook from bed.
The tavern buzzed lively but not menacing. Drunk tables stayed cheerful within bounds—no fantasy novel shoulder-clasps or "bro, one shot!" between strangers. Reality wasn't like that either, unless festivals or sports. Same abroad.
Even a chubby priest casually making a collared slave girl pour drinks while groping her ass felt isolated to their table. Tolerated here, but in our world? Like doodling caricatures on your body pillow and parading it.
Three beauties entering drew glances—men sneaking peeks at our faces and figures, voices lowering—but no aggressive come-ons like "hey ladies, join us?" Maybe my pallor deterred them, or novel thugs just charged in regardless.
Guided to a newly freed corner table, Hanbyeol sat me in the most secluded spot. My damp skirt hem nagged, but relieved no one noticed, I slumped into the chair.
"You look wiped. Should've gotten takeout."
"Nah, first meal in two days—I wanna enjoy it fresh. Better than packaged."
"Eat your fill. I'll cover it."
"I'll pay for Ivy-unnie!"
"I've been rude to you both; this is atonement."
"Fine, whatever. Sis, let's get the priciest stuff!"
Hanbyeol grinned, flipping open the menu the waiter brought. Glancing at Iris, she met my eyes with a soft nod—like approval. Felt off, but repayment was repayment. I picked without checking prices: a safe man's lunch staple, fiery stir-fried pork. Looked like spicy pork stir-fry, cheap compared to others.
Hanbyeol went for the priciest "Sky Island Set," Iris "Warrior's Dawn." Why were fantasy food names so weird? Something straightforward would be nice.
"Sis, wanna drink?"
"Huh? In broad daylight...?"
Surveying, no one shunned booze midday. No one blackout drunk, but faces flushed, laughter flowing. Okay? I started nodding, then eyed Hanbyeol.
"You're still a minor, right?"
"Ehehe, I got my ID!"
"No. Wait 'til you're legal."
"Aww, sis! You'd have snuck some on school trips!"
"Didn't. First sip was after college entrance exams. Dad said I was grown-up now, taught me properly."
"Ugh..."
Her pout was cute and guilt-inducing, but principles were principles. Low-proof wine maybe, but tavern swill? Potent. Inexperienced Hanbyeol wouldn't handle it.
"Fine father you had. But Saintess, why not teach her yourself?"
"Right! Better than chugging clueless later and causing trouble!"
"W-Well...?"
Sounded naggy to refuse, so I relented with a sigh. Iris seemed confident. But I wouldn't get wasted—not with what they might do.
My dish hit expectations: meat, spicy sauce. Bread instead of rice was a minor letdown. Even after two days fasting, my shrunken stomach couldn't take more. I waved off Hanbyeol's spoon.
"Full already?"
"Yeah. Eek?!"
Her free hand poked my belly. Reflex squeak or not, she prodded my side.
"No fat to pinch, and you're full? Eat more!"
"Hanbyeol, I'm not a picky kid. It's good, just stuffed. Can't eat another bite."
"Two days starving."
"This is enough."
Iris looked uneasy too, but it wouldn't go down. Finally dodging the spoon, it went to Hanbyeol's mouth instead. I sipped my strawed drink—water gone from thirst, so booze to rinse. For dungeons or long trips, high-cal snacks like jerky or chocolate? Small capacity meant calorie-dense fuel.
Chatting idly as they ate, I stayed wary of shady Iris but warmed as she seemed normal. I'd note the groping for later, though. Alcohol heated me—not sexually, just feverish. Was this body weak to booze? I slowed my pace, focusing on talk. Nodding blankly at missed bits, forcing droopy eyes open by straightening up. Twisting uncomfortably from my trapped arm.
"Sis, you drunk?"
Hanbyeol's words rang crystal clear. I shook my head, smiling elegantly.
"Naaah. Jus' a liiittle hot."
"Sis is drunk. Heehee."
"Your face is redder."
Dizzy but sober-ish. Slurring? Booze does that. My rule held: no sleeping, stay lucid to get home. Home? Temple or guild house?
"If the chair's uncomfortable, lean on me."
Iris pulled my chair, nestling me against her. Her red robe hid huge breasts—bigger than mine. Mild envy as I wheezed slowly.
"Hilarious. 'Don't drink,' she says—first to pass out."
Hanbyeol mumbled; I nodded vaguely. Eyes heavy.
"She just worries you'll mess up. Like how the Saintess sees her."
"Yeah, that's why I'm chill. Sis threw herself in harm's way for me over and over, no thought for herself. I get it, kinda. We've known each other a bit, but never face-to-face. How do you risk your body for someone like that...?"
"Ivy did too. You two are alike. At the orphanage, when bigger kids bullied short old me, Ivy scolded them. Saved me from injury without hesitation. Now I'm taller, though."
"Orphanage?"
"Yeah. That's where we ended up at the temple. Not blood sisters, but grew up together. Could've joined mercenaries alone at age, but didn't wanna drag Ivy into danger."
"I see... Should we find safer work?"
Hanbyeol downed her drink. Good sis that I was, advice time.
"Hanbyeol, don't gulp like that."
"Sis, we were just talking about you?"
"Huh? About me...?"
Alcohol haze lifted. Talking about me to my face wasn't gossip, right? Nod.
"Yeeah."
"Nope. Sis can't drink. She'd spill bank PINs next."
"Time to wrap up and head back."
Iris's hand stroked my waist to ass. Ticklish chill; I squirmed to escape but forgot why. Hanbyeol laughed at my flailing bewilderment; I mimicked cluelessly.
"Really... Can't let your guard down around the Saintess."
Iris's cryptic words got a gentle forehead-to-breast bump. Soft splat, not thunk. I dazedly breathed her sweet, powdery scent—different from mine, intoxicatingly clear. Despite reluctance, my body burrowed deeper. Felt like Hanbyeol's gaze stabbed me pointedly.