Fluffy Tail Bargains and Apprentice Deceptions
Claudia, who had been standing there with her arms crossed and a blank expression, one leg cocked casually, tilted her head and straightened up when our eyes met.
"Huh? Where'd Lord Astalote go, and who's this cute little... missy?"
Her questioning gaze swept over me. Instead of shrinking back, I thrust my chest out proudly and shot back.
Pretending to be a normal girl, ditching the habits I'd had as Asha.
"Didn't Master insist you not call her that?"
"Oh, right, that guy hated it, didn't she? Whatever, she's not here right now~ Anyway, you're her apprentice? That's wild. She always seemed like a total loner with no friends, and now she pops up with a disciple out of nowhere?"
"...It's not that she doesn't have any—it's that she doesn't make them."
"Huh? What'd you say?"
"Nothing. Anyway, the potions are ready, so come on in and take them."
"I wasn't worried anyway—that lady wouldn't half-ass a paid job. But... where'd she run off to? On vacation or something?"
Claudia grinned wickedly and stepped over the threshold. Her tail swished right in front of my eyes. That musky beastkin scent wafted over. Fine, whatever—but then her tail kept brushing against me. She never let anyone touch it usually, so why was she rubbing up against me like this?
"Could you maybe keep your tail away?"
She flashed me a sly smile and thrust her tail right under my nose. Swish, swish. Then, in a voice laced with mischief, she said,
"Wanna touch it?"
"...Is that really okay?"
"Of course, missy."
Why was she doing this...? She'd teared up and sworn she'd paid good money just for one touch before, but now... Honestly, every time I saw Claudia, I'd wanted to pet that tail. How could anyone resist a fluffy, glossy bundle like that?
"...In that case, I won't hold back."
I reached out toward the tail swaying temptingly before me. It felt soft yet slightly stiff, and the deeper I delved, the warmer it got. I stroked the thick fur vigorously. It was addictive—I could've kept going forever. The musky scent filling my nose lifted my spirits. Before I knew it, I'd pulled it into my arms with a pof, and Claudia's cheeks flushed as she pushed my forehead away.
"Missy, that's a bit much..."
"...Sorry. I got carried away."
"Well, if it's you, maybe it's fine..."
"Pardon?"
"Nothing."
Claudia schooled her expression and started moving again. I followed, eyes glued to her swaying tail. I thought maybe I'd get a pet once things stabilized—but I shook my head. Like the saying goes, someone else's cat is always the best. Nothing beat enjoying without responsibility. Though... would Claudia let me touch it again?
Anyway, we inspected the potions together.
"Yep, types and quantities check out."
"Pay up."
"...Not surprised you're just like your master."
...Was I that obvious? Whatever.
Claudia rummaged in the pouch at her waist and pulled out a leather bag jingling with coins. The sound alone cheered me up. Sure, it'd all go right back out the door, but good things were good things.
"Here—this is payment for the potions. Your master didn't say anything else?"
"...She said to ask if you got what she requested."
Claudia grinned evilly.
"Of course... I did."
"Yes!"
I clenched my fist. One material I'd been dying for—that was part of why I'd contracted Claudia. She was an ace adventurer. But her next words made me frown.
"But... it took more effort than expected."
"...Wasn't that the deal?"
"You must be close to your master."
"...Something like that."
It's me, idiot.
"Listen, it wasn't about the money—it was life or death! The info your master gave was off; a whole rank higher monster showed up!"
"That's... regrettable, but isn't that how contracts work? And you, Lady Claudia, could've handled it."
She narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. Her ample breasts jiggled.
"That's cold. After all our years of business, this is about trust! Fine, I'll talk to Lord Astalote myself."
"...That'd be a problem."
"Why? Something wrong?"
Because I'm right here and you still don't recognize me. God, this was infuriating. I'd cheaped out to save money, and now it'd cost even more? Should've seen it coming when they thumped their chests about trust. Never skimping again.
...But first, defuse this. Her face said no payment without seeing "me" or upping the price. Hmm... Claudia. She'd been nice to this form earlier. Maybe exploit that? A bit sleazy, but to save cash, use what you got.
I clasped my hands, gripped my fists tight, gazed up at her with wide, sparkling eyes, and whined pitifully. Nearly gagged, but held it in.
"C-Can't we work something out? This is my first time handling a request from Master, and I wanted to stay within budget... Please? Lady Claudia?"
Pathetic, even to me—but it worked. She scratched her head awkwardly, looking conflicted.
A little more push...
"Please? If it's a free favor, I could do something for you."
"Hmm... yeah?"
Her expression brightened faintly.
"Alright then. One favor from you settles it. Normally I'd say no, but you're cute, so I'll let it slide~"
"Yay! Really?"
"...She really found someone just like her for an apprentice."
"Huh?"
"Nothing."
She shook her head with a chuckle and opened her pouch.
"Here—the alraune petals and honey your master wanted."
"Whoa!"
As she handed over the pouch, Claudia suddenly hoisted it high overhead. My hands swiped empty air. She giggled.
"First, your answer to my favor."
"Huh?"
"Go on a date with me?"
"...Pardon?"
What the hell was this crazy beastkin saying? As if I'd bother with something so—
"It's a free favor, so I'll cover all costs."
"Deal!"
"Straightforward—I like it."
Now that changed things. A date? Fancy meal, park stroll, done. Profit!
I smirked inwardly, but Claudia side-eyed me.
"...Wear proper clothes when we go out."
"...Circumstances."
"Fair enough. Thought your master was too cheap to buy you any."
"...She's not that stingy."
"Whatever—eye candy for me."
Something about her pants looked bulkier, like a guy's erection... But she's a girl, so maybe a pocket knife? Anyway... did she like girls? Shame. I'm a guy inside. But just one date—no biggie. Hope she lets me pet the tail again.
"Anyway, gotta head out. Need to deliver these on time."
"Sure."
"Lemme see... after this delivery? I'll pick you up—clear your schedule?"
"Got it."
By then, I might be back to normal. What then? Whatever, cross that bridge later.
The coin pouch and material pouch dropped into my hands. I barely restrained a victory dance until Claudia left. Humming, I stashed the coins safely in the safe. Most would go to house repairs, but... a little enjoyment first?
Counted every last one, locked it up, then headed to the workshop and gloved up. Treat these rare babies right—they weren't cheap.
Opening the preservation case to store them, something felt off. Yesterday's extract from the girl... ugh, that memory. Anyway, the amount from her seemed weird.
"...Are they breeding on their own? Why's there more?"
The beaker, half-full before, was now at seventy percent. Whatever—research would tell. Time was no issue now! This order was urgent and far-off; others could go to the girl, freeing up lab time. Finally make those dreamed-up potions. Like the breast enlarger... Yeah, that'd be a hit. Test subject ready and waiting.
Grinning, I returned to the room. The girl was rubbing her eyes, sitting up.
"Awake?"
"Yes... Mother—no, Lady Asha."
She greeted me and slid off the bed. Her towering tent pitched high, like a hello bonus.
"It got hard all of a sudden."
Impressive. Blasted so much last night, hard again already?
"...Handle it yourself."
"...Yes."
She paused, then shuffled out. Staring at the empty bed, I thought,
...Nothing suits an erection like Erect.