"...There's… the scent of the Elf Queen… in my soul?"
The moment those words left Idiss's lips, Kurose Akira felt his thoughts tangle into a mess.
How could he have imagined that she would be able to detect something like that—from the very depths of his soul?
Besides, everything that had happened with the Elf Queen had taken place within the dream of the World Tree. Logically, there shouldn't have been any trace left behind…
But then again, Idiss was a succubus who possessed the authority of the [Sin of Lust]. When it came to matters like this, perhaps her senses were simply far sharper than anyone else's.
"I can try asking for you," Akira replied after a brief pause. "But whether the Elf Queen is willing to help… that's ultimately her decision."
Right now, the only one he could truly command was the still-forming fusion of the White Elf Queen and the Dark Elf Queen. As for the true Elf Queen—she had never once lowered herself before him.
Hearing his answer, Idiss smiled faintly, a glimmer of light passing through her crimson eyes.
"I believe you'll find a way to persuade her. As for this—consider it your reward in advance."
With a gentle flick of her hand, the crystal pendant that had been resting on the table drifted into the air and landed neatly in Akira's palm.
[Special Quest Acquired: Elves and Succubi!][Quest Description: Idiss wishes to speak with the Elf Queen, Tinas. She requires your assistance.][Quest Reward: Pendant of Lust (Legendary) ×1]
"A… Legendary accessory?"
A hint of surprise flashed across Akira's eyes. Idiss had just handed him a Legendary-grade item without hesitation.
[Pendant of Lust (Legendary): ?]
"…I can't see its effects?"
Frowning slightly, Akira stared at the question mark displayed in the item's description.
He had encountered something like this before—the strange stone that had eventually transformed into Alice's soul weapon. Back then, its effects had also been hidden.
Which meant that even if the description was currently obscured, the item's power certainly existed.
It simply required specific conditions or circumstances to unlock.
"As for revealing its effects… I probably need some kind of appraisal method?"
"I understand," Akira said at last, nodding as he put the pendant away. "I'll see what I can do."
Even if he wasn't certain he could secure the Elf Queen's cooperation, he had to at least try.
But before that—
"There's something I need to know first," he continued, his gaze sharpening slightly. "What exactly is your goal in seeking out the Elf Queen?"
If his involvement ended up bringing harm to the Elven Kingdom or the Elf Queen, then the responsibility would fall squarely on him.
"You needn't worry," Idiss replied calmly, crossing her legs with effortless elegance. The long skirt clung to her curves, outlining her flawless silhouette. "I bear no ill will toward the Elven Kingdom. I simply wish to strike a deal with the Elf Queen."
She continued, her tone smooth and measured:
"The Elven Kingdom is on the brink of destruction. I just so happen to possess the means to save them. All I lack… is an opportunity to speak with her directly."
Akira's expression grew serious.
The brink of destruction?
He had never heard anything of the sort—not even from Fuli or Floro.
And yet… he knew better than to take Idiss's words at face value.
She wasn't doing this out of kindness.
No—she intended to leverage that "means of salvation" as bargaining power. To obtain something she desired.
For a Great Succubus like her, ambition and self-interest would always come first.
"…Alright. I understand."
Akira nodded slowly.
Coincidentally, he also wanted to investigate what kind of crisis could push the Elven Kingdom to the verge of annihilation.
"Then I'll leave it to you," Idiss said, pouring herself another cup of black tea with casual grace.
Akira watched her movements, a thought suddenly crossing his mind.
She really does love black tea, doesn't she?
"Oh, right~"
Idiss took a delicate sip before letting her crimson gaze drift back toward him, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
"There's one more thing I'd like you to agree to."
"What is it?"
"Promise me first. Don't worry—it won't put you in a difficult position."
"…?"
Akira raised a brow, clearly puzzled.
"…Fine. I promise. Now tell me."
Idiss didn't answer immediately. She set down her teacup and rose gracefully to her feet. After a brief pause, she finally spoke:
"When the time comes, I'd like to borrow that little one's power. Don't worry—I won't put her in danger, nor will I require her to fight."
As her words fell, a beam of crimson light silently descended into Akira's palm.
The light condensed, taking shape—
—and finally formed into a strange, blood-red fruit resting quietly in his hand.
[Forbidden Fruit of Lust (?): Grants a unit the 'Taboo of Lust'!]
"Consider it a gift for her," Idiss added.
"…?"
Akira studied the fruit with curiosity.
What exactly was this "Taboo of Lust"?
And more importantly—who was the "little one" she was referring to?
Just as he was lost in thought, Idiss added casually:
"That little one… after being treated so roughly by you, she'll need something to nourish her body. Let her eat this."
"…????"
Akira's brows twitched.
So the "little one" was—
Virola?
Wait.
A sharp glint flashed across his eyes as realization struck.
He fixed his gaze on Idiss.
"…Back in the mental world… that was you, wasn't it?"
Idiss shook her head calmly.
"No."
"You expect me to believe that?"
Akira was absolutely certain now.
The way Ivsha had guided everything in Virola's mental world—the manipulation, the idea of transmitting succubus sigils through the link… none of that felt like Ivsha's doing alone.
She wouldn't have researched something that deeply.
Nor would she have come up with such a precise method.
Which meant—
Idiss had been pulling the strings from behind the scenes.
"…"
After a brief silence, Idiss's lips curved into a mysterious smile.
"I sensed a disturbance in Ivsha's soul and came to take a look," she explained lightly. "I didn't expect that little one's mental world to contain such extraordinary power. That much… truly surprised me."
"…Mental world…"
Akira recalled Ivsha mentioning that Virola might possess power originating from a god.
But now, he wasn't even sure if that had been Ivsha speaking—
—or Idiss guiding things from the shadows.
And honestly?
He was far more inclined to believe the latter.
"Mhm~"
Idiss nodded.
"I still haven't fully uncovered the source of her power. But I'm sure it won't take long. Once I find out, I'll let you know."
Akira remained silent.
He, too, was deeply curious about Virola's mental world.
"As for whether that was me or Ivsha…" Idiss said coldly, her tone shifting ever so slightly, "that's not important."
She looked straight at him.
"You're not qualified to delve into my 'desires' yet. If you don't want to end up a dried corpse… you'd be wise not to set your sights on me."
"…?"
Akira was taken aback by her warning.
And yet—
A strange, rebellious impulse stirred within him.
The more she warned him…
…the more he wanted to see just how far things could go.
Naturally, Idiss saw straight through those thoughts.
Her brows knit slightly.
This man… was even bolder than she had anticipated.
"I'll be waiting for good news," she said at last.
Her figure dissolved into a flurry of rose petals, vanishing without a trace.
Akira stood there for a moment, staring at the petals scattered across the floor.
Then, finally, he turned and headed toward Virola's room.
—
He raised his hand and knocked gently on the door.
"Who is it?"
Virola's soft voice came from inside.
"It's me."
"G–Guild Master!?"
The moment she recognized his voice, her tone turned flustered and shy.
"G-Guild Master… it's so late… is something the matter?"
"Yeah. Open the door."
His voice was calm, but firm.
"Um… I… I was just about to go to sleep…"
She tried to refuse.
But Akira didn't give her the chance.
He simply pushed the door open.
As the guild master, there was nothing in the guild that could truly bar his entry.
The moment the door swung open—
He saw Virola standing right behind it, trembling slightly.
"G-Guild Master…"
Startled, she stumbled backward, clutching her tree branch tightly in her arms. Her small deer tail dropped protectively, guarding her weak point.
"…"
Akira frowned faintly.
It seemed… he hadn't left her with the best impression.
"…Here."
He extended his hand, offering her the crimson fruit.
"What's this?"
Virola blinked curiously, her large green eyes fixed on the fruit.
She stepped closer cautiously, lowering her head to sniff it.
Though it originated from the abyss, she could feel a rich, vibrant life force within it.
It drew her in instinctively.
"Eat it," Akira said with a smile.
But the moment he said those words—
Virola recoiled like a startled fawn, taking several steps back.
Clearly… something unpleasant had just flashed through her mind.
"Cough—"
Akira cleared his throat awkwardly.
"You've got the wrong idea. This time, I really don't mean anything else."
He knew exactly why she reacted that way.
Because last time… he had said something very similar.
And what she had eaten back then was—
"…Oh."
After his explanation, Virola gradually calmed down.
Gathering her courage, she stepped forward again.
Her emerald eyes remained fixed on the fruit in his hand.
After a moment of hesitation—
She took it, lifted it gently…
…and took a small bite.
The instant the fruit broke open—
A rich, intoxicating fragrance filled the air.
At the same time, strands of crimson magic rose like smoke, gathering above them and forming faint, heart-shaped wisps.
"How do you feel?" Akira asked.
"Mmm…"
Virola chewed thoughtfully.
"It's sweet. Really tasty!"
"…That's it?"
Akira frowned.
"No other feeling?"
"Mmm~"
She tilted her head, thinking seriously.
"Doesn't seem like it? Nom nom~"
She took another big bite, chewing happily.
"…?"
Akira felt a wave of confusion wash over him.
Where had things gone wrong?
"Guild Master, I finished it~"
Before he could figure it out, Virola had already eaten the entire fruit.
She wiped the corner of her lips, smiling with innocent satisfaction.
"…Good. Then get some rest."
Akira nodded and turned to leave.
But even as he stepped out of the room, confusion still lingered in his mind.
Why hadn't the fruit produced the effect Idiss described?
"Good night, Guild Master~"
Click.
The door closed.
—
Inside the room—
A vivid flush suddenly spread across Virola's cheeks, like the glow of a sunset.
Her body began to change subtly.
Her four slender deer legs shifted restlessly, stepping in place in quiet disarray.
Even the tree branch in her arms sprouted fresh, vibrant green buds.
"Guild Master… what kind of fruit did he give me…? Why do I feel…"
Her voice trailed off as her body trembled slightly.
A strange heat welled up from deep within her.
"Calm… calm…!"
She quickly adjusted her breathing, trying to steady herself.
Kneeling on her bed, she closed her eyes, attempting to suppress the rising restlessness through sleep.
Gradually, she drifted off.
And as she did—
The soft fur along her deer back slowly took on a deep, crimson hue.
At the same time—
The sigil that had once existed only within the mental world…
Now appeared in reality.
Etched clearly upon her lower abdomen.
Faintly glowing.
—
Meanwhile—
After leaving Virola's room, Akira began attempting to contact the elven princess, Elena.
As the one responsible for the Elf Queen's daily life, she was the necessary intermediary if he wanted an audience.
Before long, Elena responded.
Through mental magic, a connection formed between them.
[You big, nasty, awful man… what do you want with me?]
"…?"
Akira froze for a second.
Her way of addressing him…
…had changed again?
But he didn't dwell on it.
"I want to meet the Elf Queen. Can you arrange it?"
[Of course not~ unless… you agree to one condition…]