Waking from a Three-Day Slumber
Can't help it—I snapped back to my senses again at late lunchtime. This time, Claudia was by my side. Dressed in comfortable clothes, she sat in a chair, seriously tinkering with her gear. Every time she moved her hands a bit vigorously, the unconfined fat jiggled enticingly. It was quite the stimulating sight. I couldn't help but squint and sneak a peek.
Then came a chuckle, followed by a warm hand on my forehead.
"If you're awake, say something—why are you lurking like that?"
"…You seemed focused."
…She didn't catch me staring at her chest, right?
Claudia pulled her hand away from my forehead, set aside the weapon she'd been maintaining, and clung to me. Not in that sense, of course—it was to check on my condition. That was definitely her intent, but her breasts kept brushing against me. Warm body heat seeped through. For some reason… my lower belly trembled.
Unlike me, Claudia peered at my face with worry.
"I heard you woke up and passed out again. You okay? Your face is kinda red."
"I-I'm fine…."
I took a deep breath to calm myself.
"You haven't eaten anything for a while, so you must be starving. I'll heat up some soup—hang on a sec."
I dazedly watched Claudia turn away, then shook myself and slid off the bed. I wobbled a little, and she caught me.
…My face buried briefly into her chest.
"Where do you think you're going in that state? Why not just wait here?"
"No… let's go down together. I was fine when I woke up earlier… I think I just moved too fast."
"…Fine, if you insist."
With a sigh, Claudia supported me. I didn't really need it, but if I refused, she'd probably lock me in the room—so I went along with it. As we descended the creaky wooden stairs, I asked her,
"Did I really sleep for three whole days?"
I'd wondered that earlier too… but my body felt way too fine for that. Plus… the experiences from back then were a bit hazy now that I'd woken up. Especially with everyone acting like nothing happened.
Seeing my expression, Claudia gave a complex, bittersweet smile.
"I don't know exactly what went down, but your condition was a mess. Luckily, Veronica and I were here—we whipped up some potions and got you to drink them, so you're somewhat recovered now."
So… the others don't remember properly either…? Still, they seemed to have a vague idea. She was smiling awkwardly and avoiding my gaze.
It felt a little unfair. But on the other hand, I was relieved. Even if I wasn't in my right mind, the fact that no one remembered that side of me.
I barely remembered the middle part myself….
Suddenly, a flash of that sensation hit me, making my body shudder and my foot slip on the step. Claudia caught me just before I tumbled, pulling me into her firm abs and soft chest.
"You okay?"
Her startled, worried voice rang out. Embarrassment washed over me at her concern. I could guess what she was fretting about.
But… unlike what she thought, it wasn't pain wracking me. It was the lingering echo of that rod churning inside me….
My lower parts felt… a little wet.
So I couldn't say I was fine and just mumbled awkwardly. Any other excuse would've been something I couldn't voice myself.
Oblivious, Claudia stroked my forehead with worry-filled hands.
"Your face is red… Maybe you should rest in bed after all?"
"…I'm fine. Just got lost in thought for a sec."
"Hmm…."
In the end, Claudia only set me down once we reached the bottom of the stairs. Leaving her sighing about heading to the workshop for a bit, I made my way there. I fanned my slightly feverish body to cool it off.
Opening the workshop door, I saw Cecil brewing potions and Veronica… apparently handling the ones I was supposed to make.
Cecil was making what I'd assigned her as usual, while Veronica… yeah, covering for my deliveries.
Hearing the door, both widened their eyes and rushed over. Cecil hugged me like she had that morning; Veronica approached more cautiously, fidgeting with her fingers—unlike before.
As I stroked Cecil's head, the silent Veronica finally spoke.
"Y-You okay?"
…She must've been really worried about me collapsing again. Being a big man, I decided to forgive her.
"Yeah. Heard you made potions for me?"
"Uh, yeah. Claudia brought some good materials, so… we made something decent."
"Good… let's call it even. So, what were you brewing?"
Veronica reverted to her usual expression with a sigh.
"What else? The potions you were supposed to make. I even handled the deliveries for the ones you said were due yesterday."
"…You did?"
Thanking the smug Veronica, Cecil—still clinging—whined for head pats too, saying she'd helped. I patted her gently, and she giggled happily.
…My butt suddenly throbbed.
Probably because the memory was so intense…. No one else remembers, so if I just man up and move on, it'll be fine.
Shaking it off inwardly, I asked Veronica. For some reason, she'd been staring at Cecil. She jumped when I spoke.
What was she thinking?
I didn't have the energy or will to pry, so I asked what I actually wanted to know.
"The payment?"
Veronica cleared her throat and pointed up.
"Didn't know the safe code, so I just left it on top."
"Got it."
"Speaking of, where's Claudia? Wasn't she with you?"
I'd told her I wanted to stop by the workshop first before the soup she was heating, and Veronica's face turned… odd.
After watching her expression a moment, I peeled Cecil off and grabbed Veronica's hands. She startled at the sudden contact, her face flushing.
"W-What the hell, suddenly?!"
"Veronica… I need a favor."
"Uh, u-um… yeah?"
Looking at her—who'd covered my deliveries—and the lingering afterimages flashing in my mind, I steeled myself.
Time to start right now.
"…Handle the workshop work for me for a bit."
"Huh?"
I'd need to focus on research to reverse this for the time being. Couldn't abandon accepted commissions, so this was best. No special potions lined up, so Veronica could handle it fine. Couldn't just wait on Master's reply forever either.
I'd thought about visiting her at first… but that seemed tough for now. Crowds with this body… gave me the creeps a bit.
It was urgent, but… not that urgent yet.
Veronica looked reluctant, though. I'd figured she'd be okay since she'd already done deliveries….
"…Can't you just not take new commissions for a while?"
"Can't cancel the ones we've accepted…."
Penalty fees, duh.
Veronica eyed me suspiciously, like she was questioning if that was the real reason.
"V-Veronica, please! You're the only one I can ask…!"
Her pouty face suddenly flushed.
Guess being begged isn't her thing. Makes sense with her personality.
After pondering, she sighed and relented.
"…Just this once. I'll handle the current batch."
It was a reluctant yes. I squeezed her hands in joy.
"Ow…."
"Sorry."
Releasing Veronica's hands and stepping back, it was Cecil's turn.
"Asha-nim… Is there nothing Cecil can help with…?"
She fidgeted, eager to assist. I told her even simple potions would be a huge help, but she still looked wistful, twiddling her fingers.
…Come to think of it, the research I'm starting needs Cecil's help just to begin. Master took all my favors with her.
"…You'll have something soon."
"Understood! Cecil will wait!"
After that, my growling stomach led us to the dining hall. I ate the warm soup Claudia made and saw her off as she said she had to step out for a bit.
But why's she talking like she's living here…?
Figuring it was worry for me, I called Cecil.
…She brought a large beaker. Too cramped for the bathroom, and Veronica might show up, so we went to one of the tidied rooms. Contrary to expectations of mess, it was spotless. They might not remember what they did… but clearly cared enough to clean.
Anyway. Holding the beaker, I told Cecil,
"Um… Cecil, I need a bit of that fluid you produce when you get hard. Okay?"
Cecil replied briskly.
"Of course, Asha-nim!"
With energetic cheer, she hiked up her dress. Seeing her do it so casually heated my face. Gotta tell her not to do that with just anyone later.
Cecil wore those unnecessarily slutty black panties Claudia bought—ones I'd shoved in a corner and forgotten after never wearing them….
Did she have nothing else…?
The sleek, soft-looking abs below contrasted oddly yet erotically with the provocative black panties.
I cleared my throat, held up the beaker, and looked at her—only for Cecil to fidget anxiously.
Why suddenly? When I asked, her awkward reply came.
"Asha-nim… Cecil isn't getting hard."
…She pops one every morning, but won't when I actually need it?
Sighing at her crestfallen face, I approached.
…Helping her get erect should be fine… right? Can't avoid it if I want to get back.