A Deal Sealed with the Succubus Princess
Partner succubi groped my body, their hot breaths tickling my ear. The soft, yielding touch against my arm, the sweet fragrance lingering at the tip of my nose. I couldn't think straight.
······Their outfits are way too revealing.
I had no idea where to look. Dresses with plunging necklines that left their breasts fully exposed, skirts slit up to the thighs. I wasn't some Confucian scholar stuffed with rigid morals, but this was a bit much. Every one of them had sky-high exposure levels, and they were all stunning beauties to boot.
I stiffened up, breaking into a cold sweat, when—
"Girls. Our esteemed guest is uncomfortable. Show some restraint."
Serria chided them in a soft yet dignified voice. The succubi clinging to me jumped back in surprise.
"Yes, Princess!"
"Sorry, we were just so excited to see you······."
Unable to defy Serria's command, they meekly retreated. Only then could I finally breathe.
"My apologies. It's been so long since your last visit; the girls must be excited."
"Ah, no, it's fine. It's nice to be welcomed so enthusiastically."
"Hehe, I'm glad you like it. This way, please."
Serria turned gracefully and led the way. I followed her into the elevator. We arrived at the top floor, the penthouse. The doors opened to a spacious, luxurious reception room filled with high-end furniture.
"Make yourself comfortable. I'll prepare some tea."
Serria gestured to the sofa. I sat and watched her preparations. Pitter-patter. Moments later, a red-hued tea filled the cup. A subtle rose-like aroma tickled my nose.
"Thank you."
I lifted the cup and took a sip. A warm energy spread through my body.
"How have you been? I was worried since I hadn't heard from you."
"I've been busy acquiring a new ghost story."
"Oh? A new ghost story?"
Serria's eyes lit up with curiosity.
"What kind? Something hospital-related like last time?"
"No. This one's a department store ghost story. Do you know what a department store is?"
At my question, Serria puffed out her cheeks in a pout.
"Tch, are you underestimating me? I know about human buildings. It's that big shop where you buy and sell things, right?"
"Haha, sorry. Chasing down that department store ghost story is why I was late contacting you."
"As expected of our esteemed guest. To snag another ghost story in such a short time."
Serria set down her teacup in admiration. As the mood softened, I asked cautiously,
"Any troubles in the meantime? Issues with running the dungeon?"
"Well······."
Serria paused before speaking.
"Lately, a lot of hunters have been invading. The weird part is, they're all below our level. Some weren't even hunters. Are they looking down on us, or is there some shady scheme······."
Her eyes darkened.
"That's why, esteemed guest."
"Yes?"
"That new department store ghost story you got—could you sell it to me?"
Serria gazed at me with pleading eyes.
"I can sell it, but why the sudden need?"
"Well······ The Dungeon Festival is coming up soon."
"Dungeon Festival?"
It was an unfamiliar term.
"It's a game between the gods and archdemons. Entertainment for them, a survival contest for us."
"Entertainment?"
"The gods periodically send revelations to hunters, urging them to raid dungeons. In response, the archdemons have dungeon masters like us block those attacks."
Serria gave a bitter smile.
"The gods use hunters as their pawns, the archdemons use dungeon masters. They enjoy the spectacle and even bet on who wins."
"······."
I was speechless. The gods awakened hunters—not to save humanity, but for their own amusement.
······How entertaining.
"So for this Dungeon Festival, I expect a massive wave of hunters attacking my dungeon."
Serria's voice trembled.
"It's not just the gods' revelations. Someone's deliberately directing high-level hunters my way."
"Deliberately?"
"Yes. Do you know an incubus named Jeon?"
"Jeon······."
The name rang a bell. I racked my brain.
Ah, right.
"The incubus who bragged about his money at the auction house? The obnoxious one."
"Yes, that's him."
Serria bit her lip.
"Those B-rank hunters who invaded last time? That was Jeon's scheme."
"Scheme?"
"Yes. Thanks to you, I survived, but otherwise... I might've ended up dragged off to who-knows-what fate with him."
I see. But one thing didn't add up.
"What's Jeon's connection to those hunters that they'd follow his orders?"
"He didn't command them directly. He hired 'mercenaries' he had prior connections with. Gave them hefty pay, detailed maps of my dungeon, and clearing methods."
Serria's fists trembled faintly.
"Aren't all dungeon masters on the same side?"
Serria shook her head at my question.
"Quite the opposite, often. It's common to leak info to hunters on purpose to kill off rival masters. Sure, some cooperate and get along······."
Her eyes turned icy.
"But not Jeon and me."
Her voice sharpened. I pondered for a moment before speaking.
"Princess, how much gold do you have available right now?"
"I've saved about 10,000 gold."
"10,000 gold······."
"And separately, 4,200 gold from selling the gear of those invading hunters. I'll give you all of it."
"All of it?"
"Yes. We caught them thanks to you."
There was no need to hand over the full proceeds. The math didn't add up. I'd already sold her the weapons fair and square. Catching hunters and looting them was her achievement. Yet yielding 100% of the profit to me?
30% would be generous; 100% is overkill. What's her angle?
Then Serria pulled something from her bosom and offered it. A black card with a glossy sheen.
"And take this."
"What's this?"
"A Demon Realm Trading Company black card. I've loaded it with the savings I've accumulated."
Serria placed the card in my hand and added,
"You can use it at any Montelli branch. Much handier than lugging around heavy gold pouches. If you need more money or something urgent, feel free to use it."
"······."
I got it. This wasn't kindness. It was an investment. A bribe to solidly pull me to her side.
With Jeon as an enemy and the Dungeon Festival looming.
From her position, I was her only lifeline. Not a bad deal. I needed a reliable ally for Montelli activities anyway.
"I'll gladly accept."
I pocketed the card. But a bitter taste lingered. Outside the annual Montelli auction, where could I even spend this in Montelli? Maybe a few potions from a peddler at best. It always left me wanting—only the 'trade' rewards from selling ghost stories convert to lifespan.
Then a good idea struck. I held the black card back toward Serria.
"Princess, keep the card."
"Pardon? But······."
"I prefer cash from ghost story sales. And this one's a high-grade item, so a lump sum might burden you. How about an 'installment plan'?"
"Installment plan?"
"Paying in parts instead of all at once. Like buying on credit."
"In parts?"
"Yes. No big upfront payment, so more breathing room for dungeon ops. Steady income for me. Win-win, right?"
Serria's face brightened.
"That's great! So, what's the price?"
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation. I ran the numbers in my head. I'd set a list price before coming, based on Montelli auction averages.
D-grade: 3,000 gold, C-grade: 30,000 gold.
The department store ghost story equated to A-grade hunter gear in value. At least 30,000 gold. Not cheap, but fair for the performance.
"10 months installment. Neat 3,000 gold monthly, total 30,000 gold. Sound good?"
"30,000 gold······."
Serria's pupils wavered.
He'savier reaction than expected.
A-grade items fetched up to 40,000 at Montelli auctions, but that was hype-inflated. This was direct trade, no auction. Considering her finances, it might be too much.
Lowering the price felt like shortening my lifespan—wasteful. Then inspiration hit. A way to keep the price while easing her burden.
I broached it slyly.
"If payment's tough, there's another option."
"Another way?"
"How about a 'friendly contract' with me?"
"Friendly contract?"
Serria's eyes widened. I pulled a parchment scroll from my bosom, bought from the system shop days ago.
We shall not betray each other.
We shall not harm each other.
It cost ten hours of lifespan.
"This."
I unrolled the scroll. The terms were simple.
"A safeguard so we can't betray each other. Break it, and you die."
Serria scanned the contract and nodded.
"It's just like guild contracts used in Demon Realm."
"Guilds?"
"Yes, the Demon Realm has guilds too."
Serria explained.
"Not all dungeon masters operate solo. Like-minded ones band together, pool strength, share info, supply weapons."
No need for my merchant contract then. Same function—better save my item. It cost lifespan too.
"Do you have a guild contract handy?"
"Oh, not using yours?"
"It's precious; I'd rather save it."
"Hehe, got it. One moment."
Serria reached into the air, and a luxurious parchment materialized in red light. Clutching the contract, she drew close. Sweet fragrance wafted over.
"But esteemed guest."
"Yes."
"Are you really thinking of forming a guild with me? Does that mean you trust me that much?"
Her eyes rippled with expectation. The proximity was intense. I leaned back slightly.
"Sure, why not······ Having an ally is good."
"I'm thrilled! Teaming up with you!"
Serria looked genuinely delighted.
Now the succubus princess is solidly on my side.
I don't care for empty "trust" talk. But a contract-bound alliance? I could trust my back to that.
Then another connection crossed my mind.
Mandy.
The shrewd lizardman merchant from Montelli's markets. A bit low-tier, no combat skills, just a peddler. But he had one solid strength.
Sharp with numbers.
Running around the Demon Realm myself for info and sales was inefficient. I barely had time for collecting ghost stories in the real world. Couldn't handle Demon Realm busywork too.
Have Mandy handle operations for the guild I make.
Demon Realm info broker and treasurer. A hunting dog to grow money and fetch intel.
Table it for now.
Not solid yet—think later. I cleared my mind and looked at Serria.
"Let's contract."
"Yes, esteemed guest."
Serria signed with a quill. I added my name beside it.
Fwaah—.
The parchment glowed red, sinking into our bodies. The contract was sealed.
Serria clapped happily.
"We're family now. Looking forward to working with you, esteemed guest."
"Likewise."
We shook hands lightly.
"You must be tired. Rest up. I've prepared the best room."
"Thank you."
A succubus maid guided me to the VIP suite. It was like a hotel suite transplanted whole. I sank into the plush bed and stared blankly at the ceiling.
How should I plan next?