Chapter 48: Instinctual (2)
Instinctual (2)
Baek Ahyeong swiftly dropped her raised eyebrow and slipped into an innocent expression.
"It's alright. I have many team members looking out for me. We've been a team for ages, so our teamwork is great. Speaking of which, how's your dungeon practice team, Hoyeon? Do you get along well?"
Her knack for changing the subject was impressive. After all, in the world of the hunters association, which was often a bit stodgy with the older crowd, Baek Ahyeong was holding her own.
"Honestly, it's difficult. Though we're in the same class, getting along with my current teammates isn't easy. It's like I have to coordinate with people I've just met."
"But still, you're fortunate. Academy days are like a trial run before you dive into the world as a real hunter. Out there, you'll meet people who make you wonder if they've got a secret plan to mess up the the team…"
Baek Ahyeong seemed to have an unpleasant memory resurface as she shook her head.
"Certainly, hearing from the saint who's experienced in the field is quite convincing."
"Agh. Didn't I tell you not to call me that?"
Baek Ahyeong playfully clenched her fist and lightly tapped my shoulder. Needless to say, it didn't hurt at all.
"By the way, people are saying that you're a real jack of all trades, Hoyeon. Your academic grades are good, you're on the student council, your practical scores are impressive, and you even volunteer on the weekends. What's the deal? When I was in the academy, I was so busy studying."
"If you put it that way, I'm thankful. I guess my personality is just wired that way."
"Personality, huh?"
Piquing her interest isn't difficult. The sort of person she's intrigued by is someone who follows their instincts openly. Even better if they're unapologetically driven by their lust and lack self-restraint. And if they've got a solid, muscular physique to boot, that's the cherry on top. In simple terms, she's a perverted woman who wants to submit to a lustful muscle pig.
Sure, my body is good-looking, but these are just well-defined muscles. It's a bit different from the type of body Baek Ahyeong desires. Fortunately, I've got other assets to rely on. I can make up for my less-than-imposing physique with my good looks. This tactic worked in the original game, so it should work here too.
"Yeah, I'm the kind of person who doesn't compromise when it comes to pursuing what I want. I'm determined to achieve my goals no matter what."
"Hmm, why is that? It's alright to have desires that give you a push, but if you bow too much to them, you might turn into a bad adult."
Saying that while secretly wanting to be violated by that kind of adult, and pretending otherwise… It seems she still doesn't believe me completely. I'll have to dig a little deeper.
"But that's the way I've always been since I was little. When life gets hard, you're denied even the simplest desires. I couldn't even enjoy something as basic as having the food I wanted. I was just as young as the kids in this orphanage, so you can likely imagine the sort of hardship I faced."
I end up gulping for no reason. Obviously, I don't remember anything about Lee Hoyeon's past. My childhood was spent growing up in a warm environment with loving parents.
"…"
Luckily, Baek Ahyeong seemed to pick up on the serious mood and patiently waited for me to open up.
"So, as I grew up and started attending the academy, I became someone who believes in pursuing whatever I want and doing whatever I desire."
"R-Right…"
Baek Ahyeong gave me a warm smile and gently held my hand.
The unexpected physical contact… it's surprisingly effective in pulling at heartstrings. But why is her voice suddenly getting softer and more natural?
★ Heroine's Status Window
[Baek Ahyeong]
[Affection: 45]
[Lust: 68]
[Appetite: 60]
[Fatigue: 40]
Current Status: I need to cheer up this sad kid. Maybe I can make a crucial connection…?
Baek Ahyeong's affection has reached 45. That's a considerable jump from the original 30. But why is her lust so high? Did something recently happen to intensify it? Anyway, I need to continue appealing to her emotions and transform from just a sad kid into someone she perceives as a potential ‘attacker.'
"I don't want to miss out on anything academy life offers. I aim to excel in my exams, contribute to the student council, and persistently volunteer. The things I dislike, I want to overcome, while my goals, I want to reach. That's why I confronted the demon."
"Aww, it's okay. Success awaits you now, Hoyeon."
Baek Ahyeong's grasp on my hand tightened, and she met my gaze. Then suddenly, she exclaimed, "Oh my!" and let go of my hand.
"I-I'm sorry, my mistake. I apologize."
"No worries, actually, I enjoyed it. And feel free to speak casually, you're my senior after all."
"R-Really?"
A small smile curved on her lips. She seemed to relish showing her more mature side, enjoying being seen as an adult.
"Yes, absolutely."
"Thank you. Hoyeon, you've got quite a personality than I thought. Quite the rebel."
"Ah, no, I'm just being silly."
For a brief moment, Baek Ahyeong appeared lost in thought.
"Anyway, it's still pretty cool. Honestly, I like that kind of personality… Oh, it's getting a bit hot, isn't it?"
Baek Ahyeong muttered under her breath, "Mmm, it's hot," as she teasingly undid two buttons of her shirt blouse.
Sure, it's March, but the weather wasn't scorching, yet her actions were turning up the heat. I could feel her gaze fixed on my face. Having audaciously unbuttoned not one, but two buttons, it was impossible to miss the alluring hint of her collarbone. Naturally, my eyes drifted in that direction.
I intentionally locked my gaze onto her exposed knockers. I wanted her to feel the intensity of my gaze. After brazenly admiring her collarbone for a few moments, I lifted my head, and our eyes met. As if daring me to ogle her chest or not, Baek Ahyeong continued our conversation as if nothing was amiss.
"With the kind of personality you have, it's pretty remarkable that you still keep a tight rein on yourself. Balancing exams, studying, student council responsibilities, volunteering, and even taking on that demon, all while chasing your desires without losing control, isn't that right?"
Words of truth, indeed. Even though the whole "embracing desires" facade was a charade, there was no escaping it. I had been leading a fairly decent life. Trying to play the role of the villain wasn't as easy as it seemed.
As my gaze lingered on Baek Ahyeong's revealed chest, a fitting explanation came to mind.
"Until now, all my desires have been within the bounds of the law. But what if my next desire happens to be… illegal?"
Engaging in such behavior—openly ogling a woman's chest during a conversation—was undeniably audacious. And yet, I went there.
"I'm not entirely sure about myself either."
"Hehe…"
Baek Ahyeong seemed utterly unfazed by it all. If anything, she appeared to be growing more intrigued by the second.
"Of course, I'm just kidding…"
"Hoyeon, aren't you pushing the boundaries with an adult just a tad? If it were someone else, you'd be in trouble."
Naturally, this kind of overtly impolite behavior was beyond the pale. The very societal walls and legal boundaries that Baek Ahyeong detested—the ethical and logical constraints. Yet paradoxically, she was the one who adhered to these boundaries most diligently.
The scrutiny and respect of others, the mantle of a saint, the weight of expectations placed upon her—all of this drove her to pretend to be more rational and sensible than anyone. In reality, she was a woman lost in the realm of primal desires. Lust, want, and such. The most fundamental instincts. And that's why I intensified my expressions of desire even further. In the absence of prying eyes and in the presence of someone who could sense her instincts, Baek Ahyeong seemed to relish such provocations.
"Today's conversation was quite entertaining, in its own way."
Baek Ahyeong's eyes traced a mischievous curve.
[Quest Complete!]
★ Heroine's Status Window
[Baek Ahyeong]
[Affection: 50]
[Lust: 70]
[Appetite: 60]
[Fatigue: 40]
Current Status: Maybe he's already grown up, more than I realize.
Done and dusted. Turned out, I had quite the knack for playing the emotions game.
***
Alright, alright.
Things are going pretty smoothly. The special quest requires me to take the virginity of three heroines. I've already managed to do that with Lucy and Lumi, so now I just need to figure out how to approach Baek Ahyeong. Thankfully, I've captured her interest. The conversation dragged on a bit longer than necessary, mostly filled with casual chitchat. After talking for a few hours, she mentioned that she should be heading out. I also shared some snacks with the kids before leaving the orphanage.
It's around 5 PM, a bit early for dinner.
"Can I get one order of chicken to go, please?"
Oh, should I order some for Liliana as well? But if she doesn't eat, I might end up devouring two servings. Just to be safe, I ordered an extra piece.
"Excuse me…"
"Yes?"
"Um, you're Lee Hoyeon from the PR team, right? I'm a huge fan…! If it's not too much trouble, could you sign this for me?"
Out of nowhere, a girl appeared and handed me her smartwatch. I quickly scribbled my name along with a "be happy!" before she squealed and disappeared.
It's been quite a while since I was active in the PR department, so it's surprising that people still recognize me. Of course, more people have started recognizing me after the shoot. The student council, which only meets once a month, is making me question my conscience. The PR team involves Alice and Moon Soorin. It's become pretty important with two heroines involved.
"It feels a bit strange, almost like becoming a celebrity."
Wait, did Liliana start streaming today?
I accessed her channel on my smartwatch. As I suspected, she's still maintaining her low profile today.
"This isn't working out. If she's not making money from streaming, she's just freeloading."
If she's not feeling well, she could at least let me know. And if she's feeling fine, she could act like a pet for once. She's not even doing that!
With the takeout chicken in hand, I returned to the dorm.
Ding!
Opening the familiar door, the atmosphere inside remained as quiet as ever. I headed straight to Liliana's room and knocked on the door.
"Liliana! I brought chicken for you."
"Sorry. I'll eat by myself later."
"What's up with you? Come on, tell me. Did you do some gambling?"
"It's not that."
"Sigh… I'm sorry, but as your contractor, I have a responsibility to take care of you."
"I don't want that!"
Why is she behaving like this? Did her rebellious phase finally kick in after 50 years?
"Just open the door!"
Feeling frustrated, I sighed internally, and right then, the door opened.Liliana was wearing a gray t-shirt that extended to her hips and nothing else but underwear underneath—a comfortable home outfit she only wore indoors.
"Huh? Uh, what? What's going on?!"
Bam!
Liliana, appearing flustered by the sudden door swing, promptly slammed it shut again.
"You, you! You ordered me to do that, didn't you?!"
"No, I didn't do a thing. You simply opened up and came out."
"Something just took over my body! You're the pervert here, you bastard!"
Hmm, she's back to her usual self, tossing around curses.
"Why are you being like this? Liliana, open the door."
Bam!
Once more, the gray t-shirt and undies ensemble greeted me.
"You jerk! I-I haven't even put on clothes!"
"Then get dressed and step out."
Bam!
Liliana followed my command and closed the door. Inside, I heard rustling as she got dressed and occasionally muttered curses. It became the backdrop of my contemplation.
Why did the power of the contract become so strong? Then I remember it… The first article of the Hell’s Rascals Summoning Contract.
Article 1. The Contractor may issue weak commands to the Summon, and the Summon is obligated to follow them. However, as the bond with the Summon deepens, the Contractor gains stronger command authority.
I have no idea why my command authority has increased so significantly. There weren't any incidents that should have strengthened the bond, were there? Anyway, it's not a bad thing. With my command authority quite strong, Liliana will likely follow most commands without issue. I have a strong feeling about it. Later, when I confront her, if she's still playing hard to get, I might just have to boss her into listening and unearth what the heck's going on.
Her room's dead silent now. A bit later, Liliana, sporting a tracksuit, strolled out into the living room.
"…"
"Liliana, why the sudden change in behavior? You're not streaming, and not coming out. If something's bothering you, why not just talk about it? Is this still about Lucy? Back then, I didn't have any other options, you know."
"No, it's not like that…"
"Fine. I'll start by checking your room."
Who knows what she might be up to in there. Since she doesn't seem willing to talk, I need to make sure there's nothing suspicious or dangerous in her room.
"Oh no, you can't! Absolutely not! Are you seriously trying to kill me?!"
"Liliana, stay put."
I infused my voice with magic and headed toward her room. I stepped into my room that had transformed into Liliana's. It felt strange being in there after so long. However, the moment I crossed the threshold, a strong odor hit me.
"What's this?"
Especially from the bed. The room was filled with an overwhelming smell, and it felt damp. It seemed like something had spilled on the bed.
"What's going on?"
"W-well, I was just working out and got sweaty! It's not a big deal, so just leave!"
Liliana, who had somehow followed me, grabbed my arm and tried to pull me out while whining.
What the heck was she doing to be this sweaty? I'm starting to worry if she's messing with some strange substance. If her health deteriorates, it's all on me, but I can't let that happen.
"Liliana, before I give any commands, be honest with me. What have you been doing in here?"
"Get out. Please, just leave me alone…"
"Liliana, tell me in detail what you've been doing in this room for the past three days. From start to finish."
I channeled almost half of my magical power into my voice. That should work. I really didn't want to push this far, but it's clear Liliana isn't herself right now. Something unusual is definitely going on.
Under the influence of my command, Liliana's expression turned desperate, and she slowly began to speak.
"W-well, I masturbated by myself… for the past three days… on the first day, I sniffed your school uniform and played with my clitoris, and the next day, I put your underwear in my mouth and sucked on them while touching myself with your uniform… and the day after that, since I couldn't sniff your clothes, I fingered my pussy while thinking about you having sex with Lucy…"
"…?"
What did I just hear? Masturbation? Using my school uniform? Wait, no, really? The influx of utterly incomprehensible information seems to have caused a glitch in my memory. I need to ask again…
"Ugh! Y-You bastard! Drop dead already! Let a frickin' hellish hippo munch you up and croak! Get your ass reamed by an incubus! You perverted scumbag!"
"Umm…"
Liliana shrieked with a face as red as a beet.
I'm at a complete loss for how to respond to this situation. So, she insulted me as a perverted scumbag and then proceeded to confess that she's been indulging herself for three days straight. Do succubi like her actually exist?
"I-I said I, I did masturbation, but, but that's not true! Um… um…"
Liliana was fanning herself with her hand as she spoke, her face red-hot.
"Yeah…"
"Don't you also know…?! Y-You know I hate this kind of thing! Say something dammit!"
"Yeah, I know."
Even as she spoke, Liliana's pupils quivered more and more.
I'm starting to feel a tad sorry for her. Well, in a twisted way, it's a bit of a relief. At least she didn't engage in anything hazardous. Just a little private personal time.
I was about to extend some reassuring words to Liliana and conclude the conversation when…
"I-I misspoke! I-I said it wrong! I'm, I'm not, not like you… Ugh, sniff… it's all your fault! Why are you doing this to me after saying that? Why… why did you summon me, who was living fine, and turn me into this… why, sniff… Aaah!"
Suddenly, Liliana burst into tears.
Huh? Hang on a second. This isn't what I thought.
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