Chapter 309 - Chapter 309: The Sleepless City and Cruising Once More
The great river snaked around the city of Heilong in a wide arc. From the northern bank, it almost looked like the city had formed in the center of a massive island.
Heading upstream to the west led toward the heart of the Empire. Downstream lay the Demon Kingdom.
It was a vital hub for river traffic. Separate from the walled urban district, the city sprawled along both sides of the river. From the north shore's docks stretched a major entertainment district called Longhorn Street, leading to the dungeon known as Longhorn Trail.
Even after nightfall, that one corner glowed like midday. It had been ages since I'd last been immersed in its bustle.
Me, Fang, and Biers—the three of us men—stood before an especially gaudy building. A rabbit-eared woman at the door flashed a seductive smile.
"Welcome in. Have a good time~"
It wasn't as frigid as the mountains around Fam's village, but nights in the city still brought a chill. Yet the woman brazenly bared her pale arms and legs. Staring intently, I couldn't look away, but she just kept beaming.
"Hey, don't block the way. You're in everyone's way."
Shoulder tapped by Biers, I stepped through the door.
The spacious interior buzzed even louder. Every seat was taken, and even the stand-up tables were packed. Nearly all the patrons were men. Amid the thick, stale haze, a topless waitress glided through with a tray of glasses balanced effortlessly.
Fang took three glasses from a cat-eared girl. Biers paid while groping her chest. His nose was already growing suspiciously long.
One glass was pressed against my chest; I accepted it wordlessly. I took a lick. A searing burn scorched my throat.
After liberating the Crimson Brigade's fortress, we'd planned to cross the mountains and slip into the Demon Kingdom. But that route would've put us chasing the truces Crimson Brigade.
The path was a single trail. We were a small group traveling light with all our gear in storage, so overtaking them was likely. With Jinma's vow to "kill you next time we meet," an encounter would've been more than awkward.
So instead, we'd looped back with Torusa's group toward Migul, then south to Heilong, taking the long way around the mountains. That meant pursuing the Wandering People and Hyakka's crew ahead of us. The nomads had headed overland to the Demon Kingdom, but Levante would go by ship. We'd just arrived today; tomorrow we'd arrange the vessel. Probably a few days' stay.
"Pfft, scared of the Crimson Brigade, huh?"
Biers snickered mockingly, slinging an arm around my shoulders. I elbowed it off.
"Shut up. We had no choice."
My anger toward them hadn't faded. But the explosive rage from when I'd sworn to slaughter them all had cooled. Leaving them be would just let history repeat. It wasn't forgivable just because it was Demon Kingdom territory.
"What's with the sour face in a place like this?"
Biers slapped my back repeatedly.
"You guys... want to end up kneeling again? Fang, you okay getting hated by Mizuki?"
I shot Fang a glare. He flinched for a split second. Dangerous guy. He still seemed hung up on Mizuki. Maybe tonight he'd hunt for girls resembling her again.
He cleared his throat, avoiding my eyes.
"I-It's fine. Nothing like that'll happen tonight."
"What do you mean by that?"
Fang ignored the question and pushed through the heated throng of men. A dimly lit hallway led to stairs. Biers and I followed.
Running into them was pure chance. They were escorting Mateo Trading Company's caravan bound for Richelle. Just the two of them, plus Takemura, Komachi, and Doris—the Nekoko crew. No Claire, but Avea had joined.
"Sheesh, why do we have to get dragged into picking up your bride-to-be...?"
Biers grumbled as we climbed the stairs.
"Petra's not my woman."
In Migul's battle, House Skynorth—one of the four great houses, dwarven clan—had lost its head and all heirs. Petra, who'd apprenticed under Aidan in Richelle, was the sole survivor. Mateo Trading Company took charge of escorting her.
"But it's basically decided, right? Why do you get all the girls? I want one too!"
Biers yelled at the ceiling.
"Quiet."
Fang glanced back with a wink as we headed down the second-floor hall. The wooden corridor felt aged but well-maintained. A sweet incense wafted from somewhere. Doors lined both sides—rooms for the working girls downstairs? Trysting spots? Or both.
Fang stopped at one door. Double doors, more ornate than the rest.
"We're done here."
Fang said.
"Wait, you expect me to go in alone? What about you two?"
Biers tried shoving my back; I braced.
"Don't ask stupid questions. We'll have our own fun!"
The doors swung open. They shoved me inside.
I stumbled in, hitting something soft. My head enveloped, pulled into an embrace.
"Th-this feel of two mountains...!"
Glossy black fabric clung to smooth skin. Beneath the silkiness, firm resilience. I cupped the twin peaks, kneading to confirm their softness. Not huge, but they melted my thoughts, tempting me to knead forever.
"I know this feel. This exact... "
The hardening nipple at the summit confirmed the owner.
"Shizuka..."
I looked up; she gaped at me.
"Correct. Good guess."
"Don't mock me. I forget parents' faces, but never a breast I've groped once."
"Even Shizuka-chan might be turned off by that..."
Shizuka gave a wry smile. Fake bunny ears perched on her head. Black high-leg swimsuit, fishnet stockings, black heels—a full bunny girl getup. Back to whoring? Fight with boyfriend Toratsuna?
I scanned the room. Broad space bathed in pink light—probably magic, like the street's neon. Sweeter than the hall's scent: fresh flowers in vases. Lily-like blooms in each corner, strongly fragrant.
And Shizuka wasn't alone. On the large built-in bed sat Mizuki in matching bunny girl attire. Her face flushed, staring fixedly.
"Mind letting go of my chest soon?"
"Mizuki, what are you wearing...?"
Her words made me realize my hands still lingered. No intention of stopping.
"I-I didn't want to! Shizuka said Mash would love it..."
She averted her eyes, arms crossing over chest and crotch. One bunny ear flopped. Somehow even sexier.
Still kneading Shizuka, I pondered. Did this world even have bunny girl outfits? Given architecture and culture, it seemed off. The swimsuits last time were weird too—my and Mizuki's casual clothes exceeded local norms.
"There's a 'Clothier' job."
Shizuka answered my musing. Had I muttered aloud? Or read my mind through my hand? Either way, like Aidan's alchemist 'Workshop' skill, they could produce near-Earth clothes. Rarity would make them pricey, though.
"If you're bored, Shizuka, try becoming a Clothier?"
"Great idea! I'll make sexy outfits Mash loves!"
Her eyes sparkled.
But not the point now. Mizuki wasn't alone on the bed. Fam, Maira, Mami, even Nefy—all in bunny girl gear.
"Don't even know where to start..."
"If you wanna tsukkomi, stop groping Shizuka's tits first!"
"So your chest is fair game...?"
"N-No, not like that!"
Mizuki scooted back timidly. Good she still had shame, despite igniting so fiercely in the mountain fortress.
Shifting to Nefy. Pointed ears topped with horns, then bunny ears. Odd, but not bad. Black swimsuit hugged sleek lines—toned more than Mizuki.
"Nefy, not embarrassed in that?"
No blush; her usual smile.
"Heard you'd praise me in this."
Lips quirked invitingly. Eyes narrowed, hand reached out seductively. Pink light enhanced her allure. She was playing me. Virgin claim true? Wanted to verify by taking her. Throat tightened.
"No, it's beautiful..."
My words widened her eyes briefly. Cheeks pinkened.
"Muu, praise me too!"
Maira shoved past on all fours, intruding my view.
"No, Maira's boobs are the world's best, I swear."
"Why boobs?!"
No idea why, but wrong size squeezed them tight. Still, they strained to burst free, jiggling mesmerizingly. What was the complaint? Her nape peeked between floppy bunny ears—fresh sight, usually hair-hidden. Smooth back curved to waist with white pom-pom tail. Swimsuit wedged deep, exposing nearly everything despite tights. Size issue again.
"Your ass is gorgeous too."
"Eek! This digs into my butt—embarrassing and weird!"
Maira hid her rear with palms. Perverted priestess. Kept that internal.
Now Fam and Mami. Side by side, watching me. Hiding something behind? Anyway, admired their bunny looks.
"Too soon for you two."
"Boo!"
Cheeks puffed in unison. Flat chests made them seem younger. Distinct dog ears for Fam, pointed elf for Mami—bunny ears clashed.
...We did it for Mash..."
"That's for perverts like Shizuka or Mizuki."
Shot back at Mami. Fine for her, but Fam needed time. Wanted to dress her myself when grown.
"Who's the pervert?!"
Mid-tsukkomi from Mizuki, a shadow toddled from the shadows. Latched onto my waist.
Real bunny ears from a headband—not fake. Matching bunny girl outfit.
"Lini!"
The rabbit-eared girl looked up, eyes misty.
"Lini younger than Fam or Moos, but bunny ears no good? Pervert like Mizuki?"
"No, you're rabbit-eared, so perfect. Mizuki's a pervert, so it fits her!"
"What's that follow-up?!"
Ignored Mizuki's tsukkomi, hugged Lini close. Smelled like sun-dried warm blanket. Hand to her back, touched tail—real, hole in swimsuit for it.
"Nn... nnh..."
Lini let out a sweet moan.
"Hey, Mash! What're you doing to Lini?!"
Mizuki kept tsukkomi-ing to stay sane.
"Gotta teach Lini what wearing this in front of me means."
But I fondled her tail. Fluffy supreme, firm core inside. She buried face in my waist, clutching hem tight. Should stop, but reactions too good.
Then bunny ears poked from behind Fam and Mami. Familiar dog-eared head crawled out. Another bunny girl appeared.
"S-Samaim!"
She awkwardly lined up beside Fam. Chest large, though not Mizuki-sized. I stared, breathless. Fam reached to shield her from my gaze.
"L-Long time no see..."
Samaim bowed slightly. Eyes stayed downcast even after.
Glanced at Shizuka involuntarily.
"Why are you all here?"
"You're asking that now?"
Shizuka burst out laughing.
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