Chapter 474: Ripple Effect
Chapter 474: Ripple Effect
“Hieeek… Haah… Hwaaauuu….”
Well, with her resistance so low, Silvia ended up like this just from playing poker.
This time, I hadn't intentionally made a lot of eye contact or given her bright smiles like before, yet she still ended up in this state.
She’d stare at me blankly, then jolt to her senses with a little ‘Hah!’, only to go back to staring at my face. Then her breathing would gradually quicken, and her body would sink into the sofa as if melting into it.
And so, that final pose was achieved.
How in the world did you survive inside the dungeon?
“…Dinner is ready.”
As I was observing Silvia, who looked like she no longer had the strength to even hold a card, a stiff voice came from my side.
It was, of course, Vanessa.
Vanessa was looking back and forth between me and Silvia, her expression as rigid as ever… no. It was even more rigid than usual.
“I’m telling you, I didn’t do anything.”
“I haven’t said a word.”
No. Your mouth may have been closed, but your expression was screaming with intense scorn.
Whatever. I had something more important to do first.
I grabbed Vanessa’s arm.
Even though Silvia was in that state, you never know. And this wasn't a conversation for others to hear.
“Hk…!”
I pulled Vanessa to a spot where there likely wouldn't be anyone around.
Despite being on high alert and tensing her body, Vanessa was surprisingly easy to pull along.
After confirming we were alone, I turned to face her.
“Vanessa.”
“……What is it.”
“Sorry. I went a little too far.”
“……Yes?”
When I bowed my head slightly and apologized, Vanessa tilted hers in confusion.
For anyone else, it might not have been much, but for Vanessa, that was a pretty big reaction.
But why does she look like she has no idea what I’m talking about?
And here she was, hiding for half the day out of embarrassment.
“No, I was just thinking that saying something like that to a girl was a bit harsh.”
“…A girl…”
“Ah, right. Right. Sorry again. Then… a lady?”
“……”
“Vanessa? Miss Vanessa?”
Why did she freeze up now? Ah, could she be embarrassed? Is that it?
Having become a little better at reading Vanessa’s expressions, it looked to me like she was embarrassed.
Well, I couldn't be certain.
Then again, Vanessa spent every day cooped up in this mansion. And besides me, this place was filled with only women. She probably never had the chance to be called a lady.
In other words, she had no resistance to it.
So even this iron-walled woman had a weak point, a ‘weakness attribute’ as they’d say in a game.
“Sigh… I believe there is no need for you to apologize at all. I was the one who first brought up a matter we had agreed to forget. To speak of my master’s disgraceful behavior in such a place, no less. A thousand apologies would not be enough. I am truly sorry.”
But Vanessa’s freeze was only momentary. She soon bowed at a ninety-degree angle and apologized to me.
“Ah, yeah. Right. It’s fine. No one was around. I forgive you.”
I was so taken aback by her extreme reaction that I didn't even think to tease the embarrassed Vanessa, and ended up reflexively accepting her apology without another thought.
“…Thank you. Then, shall we go? The meal will get cold.”
As soon as I replied, Vanessa, still bowed, spun around and left the spot.
It was an uncharacteristically obvious move for Vanessa, her intentions laid bare.
But Vanessa, even if you don't show me your face, your hair is neatly tied back, so I can clearly see your slightly reddened ears from behind, you know?
Pleased by Vanessa’s rather refreshing behavior, I headed to the dining room.
By the time I arrived, Vanessa’s ears had completely returned to their normal color.
And it was only then that I realized I had made a grave mistake.
…Huh? Wait a minute… was that a golden opportunity to make Vanessa cry?
Daaaaamn it! To think I just let a perfect chance, one that might never come again, slip through my fingers!
“Hmph! There you are!”
In the dining room, a version of Diana who seemed more confident than usual greeted me.
Of course, besides Diana, Sara and Leia were also properly seated.
Judging by that reaction, it seemed Leia had said something to them.
What on earth did she say? It’s not like there’s some secret technique.
“Ah, Guwon. I heard you went to the temple with Matilda in my place. Thank you so much.”
“It’s nothing. I had business there anyway. No need to thank me.”
“Fufu. Still.”
Leia spoke, her tail swishing happily.
From her reaction, it seemed Sara and Diana hadn't done anything too harsh.
No, in fact, she looked even happier than usual.
I was quite curious about what they did, but if I asked, they’d know I was eavesdropping.
Not that it would matter if they found out, but shouldn't I at least wait until tonight?
Diana probably thinks I don't know anything.
I’m already looking forward to seeing the look on Diana’s face—so overflowing with confidence that she’s practically sparkling—slowly turn to despair… Ahem. Anyway.
“By the way, where’s Silvia? Wasn’t she with you?”
Perhaps because her turn was just yesterday, Sara, at least, seemed the same as always.
“She was, but I don’t think she’ll be able to eat.”
“Again?”
“No, this time we were genuinely just playing poker. I didn’t do anything weird. But her resistance has gotten so low lately. Maybe we should try some shock therapy on her sometime.”
“Don’t. What if Silvia dies?”
It seemed even they were aware that Silvia was constantly teetering on the brink of life and death.
Silvia, your reputation as the party’s reliable shield in the vanguard is getting more and more pitiful.
Don’t you think you should build up some resistance, if only to restore your honor?
In any case, we finished our meal without Silvia, making idle chatter like that.
Apparently, after guiding me to the dining room, Vanessa had moved Silvia to her room and brought her a separate meal.
Our super butler is as competent as ever.
She’d be perfect if it weren't for the strange way she sometimes acts toward me.
“Mhmhm. I’ve kept you waiting.”
As I was waiting on the bed in my room after dinner, Diana appeared, having finished her shower in the large bathroom as always.
Her attire, however, was a little different from usual. She had come all the way to the room wearing nothing but a bathrobe.
Don’t tell me this is all she learned from Leia?
But it was hard to dismiss it so easily, as Diana’s appearance was devastatingly effective.
She had changed into her adult version and was wearing the bathrobe.
Moreover, it seemed to be the same bathrobe she wore in her usual form, because the fit was quite precarious.
The top wouldn't close properly over her large breasts, leaving about half of them exposed.
As for the bottom, the hem of the robe came down only far enough to just barely cover her private area.
If she walked calmly, it would remain tantalizingly hidden, but if she so much as jogged a little, her underwear would be completely exposed.
To be honest, it’s incredible, Big Sister Diana.
I could fully understand why she had been so overflowing with confidence at dinner.
With a look like this, how could she not be confident?
What man in the world wouldn't fall for that?
…Except for me, that is.
No, of course, she’s beautiful enough to make me fall for her too. Normally, I would have just gone along with whatever she wanted.
However. I made a resolution this afternoon.
No matter what Diana tried tonight, I would absolutely not lose to her.
And even if it’s a promise to myself, I’m a man who keeps his promises.
I can’t just surrender like this.
I steeled my heart and decided to overcome Diana’s temptation.
“Diana. What’s with that outfit? Don’t tell me your exhibitionism has gotten worse…”
“O-Of course not! What are you talking about! I am not an exhibitionist in the first place!”
My single comment instantly shattered Diana’s seductive expression.
Mm. This is the Diana I know.
No matter how much her appearance is that of a mature woman, in the end, Diana is Diana.
“Ahem. You’re always like this… Ah, I see. You’re embarrassed, aren’t you? You’re just pretending to be nonchalant to hide your embarrassment.”
But it seemed Diana had no intention of giving up yet.
Far from it, she even interpreted my words to her own liking.
In truth, she was half-right about me trying to hide my embarrassment, so I couldn't say anything.
What’s more, the playful way she giggled made her look even more bewitching than usual.
That appearance combined with that outfit is just cheating.
“Fufu. No need to be shy. Come, entrust your entire body to this big sister tonight. I shall send you to heaven.”
Seeing me speechless, Diana smiled as if to say, ‘I knew it.’
She gave me a look that said I was adorable, then slowly approached me, one step at a time. She knelt on the bed and crawled toward me on all fours.
When her face was close enough to touch my chest, Diana placed a hand gently on it and smoothly pushed me down onto the bed.
…This might be dangerous. I decided that no matter what she did tonight, I wouldn't lose.
If this continues, I’ll be completely swept up in Diana’s pace.
But I couldn't see a way to break this mood.
Should I call her out for calling herself a ‘big sister’?
A big sister? You’re a grandm… Hmm. No. That’s not it. That’s not it at all.
I’d rather lose than say something like that.
Damn it. Then what should I do?
Big Sister Leia, you taught her the secret technique too perfectly.
I can’t believe Diana could pull off such an angelic atmosphere so perfectly… Huh? An angelic atmosphere? That’s it!
“Diana, wait.”
As Diana lay me down and got on top of me, I firmly gripped her shoulders with both hands to stop her from proceeding.
“Mm? Fufu. What is it?”
But Diana wasn't flustered. She gently caressed my cheek, her gaze filled with affection.
“I’ve told you before, haven’t I?”
“Mm? What’s that?”
“That I like Diana just the way she is. Why are you trying to imitate Leia so much?”
“Hm? Imitating Leia? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
But my attempt had no effect on Diana whatsoever.
Of course it wouldn't. There was no way it would work when she had the upper hand like this.
Still, this was my only shot.
If this keeps up, I’ll really end up losing to Diana. That can’t happen!
This is an invisible battle between me and Diana.
“You don’t have to play dumb. This isn’t your real personality, is it?”
“What are you saying? This is my true personality. If I didn’t have this much tolerance, all the mages…”
“Sure, maybe in front of other people. But not when you’re with me, right? Sometimes you’re whiny, sometimes you get emotional. I thought the side of you that you show when we’re together was a special side that only I get to see. Was I wrong?”
“Ugh…”
As I spoke with passion, Diana was at a loss for words.
Yes. It worked!
Seeing that, I cheered inwardly.
Hahaha! Diana, you’re still 10 years… no. You’re almost 3,000 years old and you still can’t beat me, so I’d say 3,000 years is too soon! You’re destined to lose to me at night, forever!
“Hah. I see. You’re right. The reason I show that side is because I’m with you.”
In the end, Diana seemed to have given up on acting like Leia.
“Yeah. Yeah. That’s right. Our Diana is cutest when she’s being herself.”
“Fufu. Thank you. Ah, speaking of which.”
“Yeah?”
“It’s about time to reapply the contraception magic.”
“Really? I guess it is, huh?”
“Mm. Wait. I shall cast it for you again.”
Diana nodded once, then lowered a hand and began to gently stroke my Dick.
“…Hey, Diana. Did contraception magic always require so much stroking?”
I’d been through this several times, but I was pretty sure it was always just a touch, cast the spell, and done.
“Of course. You just need to leave everything to this big sister.”
But Diana was still looking down at me with that same, slightly more alluring smile than usual.
Let me correct what I said earlier. This woman hasn't given up at all.