Cultural Differences Are Hard to Grasp
"...Hmm."
Something squirmed in my arms, so I blankly opened my eyes. Golden blonde hair tousled in disarray, Hanbyeol peeked up at me. The moment our eyes met, her beaming smile was so adorable that I gently tapped her forehead with my chin.
"When did you wake up? Aren't you going to be late?"
My voice was still thick with sleep as I forced my mouth open, but Hanbyeol replied brightly, as if she'd been up for a while.
"It's not like we have to commute or anything. Did you sleep well, unnie?"
"Yeah... I think it was the best sleep I've had in ages."
It felt like I'd been passing out and waking up over and over for quite a while. My mind hadn't had a chance to recover from what could only be called sexual torture. Those three days had dragged on forever. Waking up in this warm, fluffy bed made me never want to leave.
"Should we stay in bed a bit longer?"
"Still... we should at least have breakfast."
Out of habit, I cast Purify to skip the hassle of washing my face. Of course, with the cold weather, it might be nice to ask Iris later and head to the public bath. Soaking in hot water would make me hate the idea of going outside even more.
"Making that purify spell seemed really tough. Priests have it easy, huh."
"Really...? It's surprisingly not all-purpose. If I sweat, I still have to dry off the moisture, and I don't really get what qualifies for purification and what doesn't."
"We gotta research the hitboxes like in the game. Like, it works here but not there. Remember? Back at the start of the game, we tested it on random mobs and stuff."
"It was fun when it worked. Buffs would just vanish off them. Though boss mobs were immune, of course."
"Yeah. But if you use it whenever you're bored, you won't break out, right? Gotta be good for your skin."
"Huh, true."
I'd never thought of it that way. Kids really are more creative, huh? Maybe that's why mages lose their talent as they age—their thinking gets rigid. No wonder all those grand archmages in fantasy stories peak young.
Savoring the thrill of lounging in bed on a weekday morning, we stayed there a while longer. I'd gotten plenty of sleep, so I wasn't drowsy, but just lying still like this was valuable time well wasted. Hanbyeol's lemony scent mingled with Laila's rosy one, overpowering my own and subtly filling the air around us. More languid than ever since arriving in this world, I took long, deep breaths in and out.
Hanbyeol's heartbeat was a little faster than mine. Then, a gurgle rumbled from her stomach. Blushing awkwardly, she slowly sat up. Golden strands cascaded over her flat chest. I was relieved it just felt like looking at a cute girl rather than something lewd. If I started seeing Hanbyeol sexually, I'd really be done for.
A fleeting, indifferent thought crossed my mind: She's really turning into a woman now.
"Shall we go grab some brunch?"
"Comb your hair first before we go out."
"Hehe, you too, unnie."
She roughly finger-combed her own hair into a single ponytail, then spent ages carefully brushing mine. She was fussing over how to tie it up, so I nudged her along.
"Aren't you hungry? Just do it quick and let's eat."
"Oh, are you hungry? Okay."
She seemed hungrier than me, but teasing her over a stomach growl wasn't fair. I just nodded. If she was blaming me out of embarrassment, whatever—kids throw tantrums, and as the adult, it was my job to indulge her.
Hanbyeol smoothed my hair down roughly and started dressing me. She'd already swapped her pajamas for mage robes with a snap of magic. It suddenly hit me as unfair that she made me sleep in just panties, but it was too late to complain now... Honestly, it was comfortable anyway. If I sweated, Purify dried the moisture right up.
Without unbinding my arm restraints, Hanbyeol slipped the sleeveless priestess robe up from my legs, secured the shoulder straps, and grinned proudly. No sleeves meant that was it.
"You two dating or something?"
Laila's sullen voice came from the bed. Oh right, she'd slept with us too. I'd kinda forgotten she was there, which made me feel a little guilty... But thinking about it, wasn't I the one who shouldn't get too attached to Laila? I was dragging her around as my attendant on the condition I wouldn't execute her. And if I pushed too far, she might not pamper me in bed anymore, so a little consideration was smart. As a succubus, she was an expert at that stuff—now that I'd tasted her touch, normal stimulation wouldn't cut it.
"Ahaha, no way."
No need to snap at her. Laila probably didn't want to pick a fight with Hanbyeol either. It was just her succubus nature making blunt, startling comments due to cultural differences.
But Hanbyeol hugged me tighter and shot back.
"Why? Can't we?"
"Well, no... If you two like each other, there's no rule against it..."
Laila's suspicious eyes weren't on Hanbyeol—they were on me. Was she worried I'd touch a minor? Wait, was that even a succubus's concern...? Sure, I wouldn't touch a kid, but succubi drain life force from anyone, age be damned. If it tastes good, they eat chicks too in their world.
"Laila, you're not thinking succubus thoughts, are you? I figured you'd be more open-minded."
"Huh?"
Laila's face filled with confusion. Had I jumped topics too abruptly? I extended my leg to Hanbyeol, who was putting on my stockings, and continued to Laila.
"Of course I won't just pounce on Hanbyeol, but succubi don't care about age, right?"
"That's true, but that's not what I meant...?"
"I know. I get that I shouldn't touch Hanbyeol. But a little spoiling's fine, yeah? Call it familial love or maternal instinct, whatever. Point is, I'm not gonna jump her like you think, so don't worry."
"No, that's not—ugh, little mage. Good luck."
Why'd her gaze suddenly shift to Hanbyeol? Even someone clueless would think I'd misunderstood something. But I couldn't see what. No way she mistook casual girl-on-girl skinship for dating. Though morals here might differ from back home.
Realizing that, I chuckled softly.
"Laila, our backgrounds are different, so you must've misunderstood. Girls can get this close sometimes."
"No, usually they don't rub up naked like that?"
"That's just your take... Hanbyeol's from my world. Cultures differ."
"Even so... Ahaha, r-right, sure? Got it!"
She glanced at Hanbyeol and nodded with an awkward laugh, clearly not convinced. Did Hanbyeol make some threatening gesture? Common sense built over a lifetime isn't easy to shake. I could forgive that much. Living together, she'd see I harbored no dirty feelings toward Hanbyeol.
...Though Hanbyeol did pop up in my occasional naughty dreams. Blame the lack of material—her face was just familiar. Can't control the subconscious, right? Stick around here, and my pent-up body would dream of pretty elves or Laila soon enough.
"See? Told you. Unnie sees me purely as a little sister."
Hanbyeol, having slipped on my stockings, hugged me and rubbed her cheek against mine, showing off to Laila. Probably marking territory since Laila slept with me—claiming she was closer.
"Yeah, yeah, got it. Ugh, mages have such long hair."
Laila still looked reluctant, her mind clearly elsewhere. Dressed at last, we left the room for the living room with its attached kitchen. It was a snug two-room setup for four people, but we'd save up and move someday. Would've been comfier without Laila, maybe.
Speaking of, when did she swap from naked to nun habit? Did succubi have outfit-swap magic like Hanbyeol? Why was I the only one changing manually? I was a bit jealous inwardly. Like game avatars with costume slots 1-2-3 for quick swaps. This world had zero conveniences like that—I grumbled to myself.
The living room smelled richly of fresh coffee. Iris sat primly at the table, sipping ahead of us, and greeted us.
"Good morning, everyone. Sleep well?"
She'd said she was in the other room. Even after the Pope's capture, was sticking with me still her duty? Or just protecting her sister's body? Either way, good that she didn't cling till bedtime.
"Slept great! This house you set up feels extra comfy, Iris unnie. Good heating, fluffy bed."
"Hehe, had to fuss a bit since it's where the Saintess sleeps. And with Hanbyeol too."
"What about Hamill oppa?"
"Can't share a room with a guy. He's recovering next door."
Right, Hamill got captured with me—must've endured plenty of torture. Maybe milked dry by female paladins nonstop. If I had to pick, that beat being cum-drenched... Perverted thoughts creeping in front of everyone; I cleared my throat and asked Iris.
"Technically, you got locked up because of me... Is Hamill okay?"
"Monks are tough. A day of rest with some muscle loss is fine. Hanbyeol, the Saintess needs more recovery at home—mind grabbing some food to go? I'll chat with her briefly."
"Sure. Anything you want, Iris unnie?"
"Had breakfast; too early for lunch. I'm good."
Iris lifted her coffee cup slightly before setting it down. Thankfully, it wasn't pink inside. Hanbyeol nodded and waved to me.
"Okay. Be back soon!"
The moment Hanbyeol shut the door, Iris grinned at me. Her smile was almost eerie; I instinctively stepped back. Seated with legs crossed, she pointed to the floor in front of her.
"You know what to do. Come spread 'em."
"...Yes."
Thank Hanbyeol for clearing out? Iris's mercy, I guess. Blushing, I stood before her with legs shoulder-width apart.
Looking up from her chair, Iris raised one eyebrow.
"Can't see like that. Squat down, legs wide open outward."
"But..."
"You did it fine yesterday. Saintess, whatever naughty thoughts you're having, I'm just helping manage your hymen to preserve your healing powers. If you feel it and cum alone, that's on your lewdness."
"No, it's the holy relic..."
I couldn't help whimpering at the unfair accusation. Ivy's body was hypersensitive—got wet from the slightest touch, and the relic reacted, pushing me over the edge. Why blame me? Iris stopped scolding my teary face and soothed me gently.
"It's okay; lewdness isn't a sin. If you control it and release properly, it's just a hobby. Come on, squat and spread."
"Yes..."
Not fully cleared up, but she was trying to understand. I squatted before her, knees splayed outward, face turned away in shame. Iris knelt on one knee in front of me. She slipped a hand into my panties, slowly stroking my mound with middle and ring fingers like yesterday.
"Hngh, why..."
"Gotta loosen you up first or it hurts. You said it did yesterday."
"Y-yes..."
I'd expected a straight probe, but this was considerate? Slow, persistent caresses on my sensitive spots melted my legs; I leaned on her arm. She didn't complain.
"Hic, ah... Aah..."
"Moaning like that before I even insert? What a bitch in heat."
"I'm not... not a bitch..."
"It's fine. It's cute."
"Hk, eek!"
Deeming me wet enough, Iris stopped teasing my clit and slid her fingers deep inside. She smiled satisfied at the slight resistance midway.
"Still nice and taut. Good job guarding it. I'll check tonight too—behave, no letting that demon near."
"I don't want her tail in my blender pussy either..."
"Nyhehe..."
Her hand withdrew after confirming, but my panties, soaked with my juices, writhed inside from the relic. I endured agony briefly. Iris caught my collapsing form, patting my twitching body with a laugh.
"Hehe, every time I see it, the Saintess seems extremely weak to pleasure. Like you've never masturbated before."
Too awkward to answer, I just panted. Careful not to smear her glistening fingers, she stroked me with her other hand.
"But you need to pull yourself together soon. Want Hanbyeol seeing you like this?"
"N-nooo..."
"Good. Let me help. Stand slowly. There. Sit in the chair."
Legs trembling, I leaned on her support to the table. Felt like being trained like a pet, but nah. More unnerving was Laila watching Iris with interest. What if she imitated her in bed later...