SOMEWHERE INSIDE A BROTHEL IN QUALTNOK
"Lilith-sama... ahh... Lilith-sama..."
"Fufufu~... sweet dreams, my little plaything. And stay lost in me forever, will you?"
I can't help but giggle again as I gaze down at the dazed young demon sprawled across the sheets. His eyes are unfocused, his chest rising and falling in slow, shallow breaths, his mind somewhere deliciously far away.
"Fufufu~... it's always so fun to dry out a man like this. They never last long... but they always beg for more."
Then, knock knock.
"Lilith? Can I come in?"
A familiar voice, low and gruff, just outside the door.
"Mmm~ yes, yes. Give me just a moment~."
Still bare, I glide across the room, the cool air brushing against my skin. I take my time getting dressed, and then my fingers reach for the nightstand.
"Ah, there they are."
My glasses.
With an exaggerated sigh, I slip them on and adjust them with a practiced touch.
"All right, you may enter."
The door creaks open, and in steps a broad-shouldered demon clad in tailored black. He glances from me to the young man still limp on the bed and lets out a deep sigh.
"Huuhh... you're doing it again, aren't you?"
"Fufufu~ but of course. Isn't that what a succubus does, manager? We simply don't feel satisfied until our prey is nice and thoroughly... drained."
As I walk past him, he asks me flatly.
"And where are you going this time?"
"Nowhere new, manager… just out for the usual."
And he sighs again in surrender.
"Huuhh... fine. Go ahead. You're the only exception here anyway."
"Mmm~ thank you, manager. You always know how to treat me right."
I step through the brothel's front curtain and into the crowd. I adjust my glasses absently as I walk... until something strange snags the corner of my vision.
"Wait..."
I stop as I scan the group that just rounded the corner. Wolfkin, pantherkin, elf, and that one is an automaton, no question.
But the next one... a creature from Oserin?
Merfolk?
No, her aura is deeper and older. Kraken, possibly.
And beside her... is that the Crimson Dragon of Nomah?
I can't believe what I'm seeing. But what really catches my attention is the man leading them. Just a plain, soft-looking human man with a pilus follis on top of his head, and yet, the mana rolling off him.
I can feel how delicious it is. My mouth curls slowly into a smile, and I lick my lips already.
"Ohh… you'll be delightful to ensnare~..."
MOMENTS EARLIER
AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE SUBTERRANEAN NATION OF QUALTNOK
**********
"We've arrived, sir and madams."
After three hours of travel, the carriage stops, and the chauffeur opens the door for Motegi and the girls, and he bows at them when they step out.
"Thank you for the ride."
"You're welcome, sir."
A moment later, the griffin lifts off again and soars back into the sky. Within seconds, both rider and monster become dots in the clouds. Then, his brow furrows as he looks at his surroundings.
"Is this just a... wasteland?"
All around them stretches a barren, cracked landscape, dry and vast. But then, just ahead, something stands out, which is a lone building in the middle of nowhere like an abandoned pub.
Motegi tilts his head.
"Is that… the entrance?"
And Yomogi, Chantal, Kimberly, Pinna, Salacia, and Manas seemed to be agreeing.
"Hmm... I think so, Motegi-chan."
"Yeah, that has to be it, right?"
"It… does resemble a… resting lodge… though its presence… feels very old…"
"Structural decay is evident, but orientation and placement indicate a valid waypoint."
"There's something from there... I can feel it, darling..."
"Aye. Tis surely not built for idle drinking. Mine instincts find truth in thy claim."
Atop Motegi's head, Puck chirps brightly.
"Kyuu!"
With no better lead, the group walks together toward the weather-worn structure. As Motegi gently pushes open the door, a cheerful young demon waitress beams at them.
"Welcome to the Origin Pub!"
Motegi offers a polite smile.
"Excuse me, is this the entrance to Qualtnok?"
She nods brightly.
"Yes! It sure is."
"Great. We'd like to enter, then."
"Wonderful!"
Then, she gestures toward the far end of the counter.
"You'll need to show your identity cards to the woman over there. She'll take care of your entry."
"Understood."
Motegi turns towards the direction where a female arachne stands at the bar and polishes a mug absentmindedly. She has massive spider legs folded beneath her, and her upper body is humanoid in shape but marked by six calm, unblinking eyes. Then, he slides his identity card across the counter, and the girls follow suit.
Like Salacia, Manas now also has her own identity card issued by the same adventurer guild, sharing the same status with the kraken as "Special Companion."
The arachne doesn't reach for the cards as she simply casts a quick glance over each one and asks Motegi.
"Purpose of visit?"
"We're here to find gloss silk... and do a bit of traveling."
"You may proceed."
"Thank you."
Then, the arachne points one of her legs toward the waitress.
"Return to her. She will guide you further."
"Understood."
They head back to the demon waitress, where she now stands before a large elevator door built into the wall and gestures them to enter.
"Alright, please enter here, everyone..."
The group steps inside the elevator, and the waitress follows. Once everyone is in, the door is closed and the elevator descends.
Moments later, the elevator stops and the doors open. He and the girls step out into another pub, but it's completely empty. The demon waitress remains in the elevator, smiling gently.
"Qualtnok is just beyond the front door..."
Then, she bows gracefully as Motegi thanks her.
"I hope you enjoy your visit."
"Thank you."
"Then, if you'll excuse me…"
As she vanishes upwards, Motegi turns to the girls.
"Ready?"
"Yes!"
"Kyuu!"
With that, they all reach for the front door of the bar. Once they all step outside, they all stop in their tracks as Motegi speaks first in amusement.
"This is amazing..."
Before them stretches a breathtaking underground world that looks nothing like a cavern. The "sky" overhead glows with soft, impossibly natural daylight, mimicking a true sunlit surface.
The streets are even more astonishing. Row after row of luxurious beauty parlors, fragrant perfume emporiums, and high-end boutiques line the avenues.
And right beside the boutiques, with no shame or specialized red-light district, stand elegant brothels. The mix creates an atmosphere that feels like a dazzling sin city... not frightening, but lively, bold, and playfully wicked.
Demons stroll past in every shape — from sleek succubi to tall vampires to little imps — with graceful arachnes gliding smoothly.
Yomogi murmurs under her breath.
"So this is a demon country… it's beautiful, Motegi-chan…"
Chantal is equally amazed.
"This is way nicer than I imagined. Kinda classy, actually."
Kimberly's eyes wander in awe.
"This is my… first time here… I can't even… put it into... words…"
Pinna scans the surroundings.
"Environmental density: high. Commerce-driven. Architectural pattern: maximalist. Olfactory saturation: extreme. Visual stimulus overload… yet oddly cohesive. Further exploration is recommended."
Salacia beams every time she witnesses demons passing by.
"There are sooo many demons here~! And arachnes too~! I've never seen them before crowds... I'm so happy~!"
Meanwhile, Manas folds her arms, surveying the bustling streets with narrowed eyes.
"Hmph. The aura is… somewhat unsettling, as mine expectations foretold… yet these demons resemble not the wicked fiends I once smote millennia past. Their spirits lack the vile taint of old."
Motegi chuckles.
"Well, let's find a hotel now, shall we?"
"Yes!"
"Kyuu!"
They disperse briefly, asking nearby locals for directions. Motegi approaches a bespectacled demoness leaning beside a perfume stall.
"Excuse me, do you know the best hotel around here?"
"Of course!"
The woman chirps, pointing down a glowing avenue.
"It's a little far from here, but… here you go."
She suddenly hands him a small folded note, flashing a bright, helpful smile.
"Follow the directions on this. You'll love it."
"Thank you, miss!"
The moment Motegi turns away, the woman bites her lower lip and lets out a giggle, low and wicked.
"Fufufu~… what an easy prey~..."
Meanwhile, as Motegi heads towards the girls, he feels something smooth and greasy smudge under his finger.
"Huh?"
He curiously flips the note and sees a glossy lipstick kiss mark on the back, deep red and perfectly shaped. Under it, looping handwriting reads:
"I know what you desire.
Come to my place tonight, follow the second address.
Lilith 💋"
Motegi blinks and frowns his eyebrows, shrugging it off quickly.
"Huh, okay."
He folds the note and announces his discovery to the girls, and their faces brighten instantly.
"Got the hotel."
"Yes!"
"Kyuu!"
Following the first set of directions, they arrive at an elegant establishment. Inside, another graceful demoness at the front desk greets them.
"Welcome to Veiled Mirage. How long will you be staying?"
"Three nights."
"Yes. The price is one gold coin for one night. So for five nights, it will be three gold coins in total, sir."
"Here you go."
"Thank you, sir. Here's your key."
"Thank you."
"Please enjoy your stay."
With that, they head to their suite. And the moment the door opens, the girls explode into motion.
Chantal shouts.
"Woaaah!! This is my first time in a room like this, Motegi-kun!"
Yomogi giggles as she sniffs the air.
"Fufufu... it smells sinful already, Motegi-chan…"
Kimberly presses a hand to her cheek.
"Demons… truly do have... a particular... taste…"
Pinna scans the surroundings.
"Material density: optimal. Structural reinforcement: sufficient. Aesthetic composition: unconventional but not impractical. Room quality: satisfactory."
Manas surveys the enormous space, unimpressed but truthful.
"Hmph. 'Tis indeed grander than the hotel in Nomah…"
Salacia spins around.
"It's as big as the resort in Oserin~! I love it already, darling~!"
Puck chirps, hopping onto the plush sofa.
"Kyuu!"
Motegi watches them with a warm smile, but then his fingers brush the folded note again, glancing at Lilith's message as he mutters under his breath.
"Well... I think I should visit her."
NIGHTTIME
After dinner and a long, relaxing bath, Motegi and the girls gather together on the floor cushions as he strokes Puck on his lap.
Then, Motegi begins to speak.
"I think I'll head out for a bit tonight."
The girls glance up, and Manas immediately narrows her eyes.
"Thou venturest into a land of demons. Tread carefully, mine king… for not all pleasures wear gentle smiles."
"I'll be careful, Manas."
But suddenly, Chantal grins and lets out a short laugh.
"Oi, don't be so strict, Manas. Let Motegi-kun have a little fun with demons, will you?"
And Chantal shoots him a sly glance as Salacia giggles approvingly.
"Just don't come back too soon, okay?"
"Mmm~… I wouldn't mind if you brought a demon girl home, darling~."
Motegi laughs awkwardly.
"Ahaha... what are you talking about…?"
Yomogi and Kimberly just smile warmly as Pinna gives a confident thumbs-up.
"It's fine, Motegi-chan."
"Go ahead… Motegi-sama…"
"Assessment: authorized. Proceed, Master."
"Thank you, everyone."
Motegi rises and shifts Puck into Yomogi's lap, tapping the creature's little nose.
"You be good while I'm gone, okay?"
"Kyuu!"
And he turns to the girls.
"Take care of Puck, okay?"
"Yes!"
With that, Motegi steps out of the suite, descending into the glowing, decadent "night." He follows the directions from Lilith's note… until he stops in front of a brothel.
Still, he doesn't hesitate to enter. Behind the front desk, a tall, broad-shouldered demon glances up.
"Welcome to the House of Crimson Silk."
"Yes, I'm here to see Lilith."
The manager exhales with a sigh, already resigned.
"Figures. Wait here."
The demon gestures for him to follow. And then, they stop at a door as the demon opens it for him.
"She'll be with you shortly."
"Thank you."
Once Motegi steps inside, the door closes behind him, and he takes a seat on the edge of the plush bed.
**********
Knock knock.
"Lilith, there's a human man waiting for you."
A slow, pleased smile spreads across my lips as my ever-stoic manager steps inside.
"Mmm… how delightful. I'll be ready in just a few minutes."
"Room thirty-four. And please, don't go too far this time."
"No promises, manager~...."
"Huhhh..."
He exhales another one of his sighs and closes the door behind him.
I rise from my chaise and begin to change to my usual work outfit: a black strapless dress, sculpted tight to my curves. Next come the thigh-high stockings, followed by the matching elbow-length gloves. And this ensemble is all made of the gloss silk, giving the fabric its signature sheen and second-skin smoothness.
Once every piece is perfectly in place, I adjust my glasses.
"Hmm... perfect..."
I step out into the hall with a confident sway in my hips, and when I reach the door, I knock lightly. A moment passes before I hear his voice from within.
"Come in."
"Excuse me~..."
As I step inside, he stands from the bed the moment he sees me... and oh, the look in his eyes. Captivated, silent, and staring like I've pulled the stars down just for him.
I giggle, bringing a hand to my mouth.
"My, my… I can't believe you really came here~..."
"Well, your note did say to come here, right?"
I give him a sly smile and turn my back with a playful shrug.
"You're right."
Then, he asks curiously.
"So, why meet here, of all places?"
I laugh and coo, soft and teasing.
"Fufufu... aren't you a little too eager~?"
I spin back to face him, and ever so slowly, I slide my fingers up the bridge of my nose and remove my glasses, whispering thickly.
"Why don't we... play a little first~?"
There is the moment.
Every succubus like myself brims with natural charm... though where it flows from varies.
Mine?
My eyes.
My gaze alone is not just potent, but it's dangerous. That's why these glasses seal it in. Without them, men drop like flies... and sometimes monsters, too. Take that sweet boy from this morning, for example.
But truth be told, I hate wearing them. They make my eyes ache... and worst of all, they make me look like someone else. Weak like a helpless librarian.
Still, I don't dare take them off in the open. One slip, and all the male population would be dazing in the streets... which, frankly, sounds deliciously wonderful. And I would let it happen someday.
However, I suddenly realize he doesn't falter. He just frowns, blinking at me and not enchanted or dazed.
Just… confused?
It's like he sees something off about me.
What's going on?
Why isn't he falling for me?
That's not how this works. That's never how this works.
What kind of expression is that?
And then, my breath catches as he steps forward. Before I can say a word, he gently takes the glasses from my hand and lifts them back to my face. He slides them on, slow and sure, until they're resting perfectly once again.
Then, he nods, as if something has been made right.
"Yup, now that's better. You look cuter and sexier with them on."
"Eh?"
Something warm and unfamiliar blooms across my cheeks. And before I can even process what's happening...
"I beg you, please don't ever take them off again! Ever! I've never seen a succubus with glasses before, and I'm so grateful to see one, so please keep them on!"
"Ehhh...?!"
He suddenly drops to the floor, kneeling and prostrating himself fully. Forehead pressed to the carpet between clasped hands. I just stare, and I'm stunned as that warmth in my chest grows again, rising to my throat and blooming behind my skin.
Who is this strange human?
My real self, the true Lilith, is the one without the glasses, but he's immune to it. He prefers me with these on, this ridiculous seal. And he begged pathetically, all because… he's never seen a four-eyed demoness?
And why does this strange, fluttering sensation in my chest just never stop?