Episode 14: The Lowest Perverted Man Who Pretends to Treat and Touches Girls
An autumn breeze slightly chilled my cheeks in the afternoon. I was walking alongside Milfi down the path leading to the outskirts of town.
Once we passed the main street, the number of people dwindled sharply, and the buildings became sparse. The cobblestone road turned to dirt, and the atmosphere around us shifted to a more peaceful one.
"So, about those friends who got hit by that curse... What kind of people are they?"
"Childhood friends from the same village as me. We sometimes explored dungeons together."
"Heh... Wait, but isn't Milfi a solo player?"
I'd never seen her teaming up with anyone at the guild. Given her skills, I figured she didn't need to anyway.
"That's true, but those girls are special. When we challenge high-difficulty dungeons, I occasionally get asked to help out."
"I see, like a bodyguard, huh."
"Well, yeah. But this time, I ended up causing trouble. Getting caught in a trap like that... I let my guard down."
Milfi looked down regretfully. From her profile, I could tell she felt responsible.
But that couldn't be helped. I'd never heard of a curse that only affects beastkin, and those special kinds don't trigger trap detectors easily.
"More importantly, Theo. I know I asked you, but are you really okay with it? That... the treatment thing. You're not forcing yourself, right?"
"Of course. It's Milfi's request, after all. If I can be of help, I'm happy."
The one who gave me confidence was none other than Milfi. If she's in trouble, there's no reason not to help.
Milfi smiled in relief, saying "Thank you." But soon, her expression clouded a bit.
"The rest is... an issue on that girl's side."
"? Is the symptom that severe?"
"That's part of it, but... well, you'll understand when you meet her."
Milfi was uncharacteristically vague with her words. What could it mean...?
"We're here. This is the house."
What stood before us where we stopped was a single house standing alone at the forest entrance. It was a large wooden building, with no other houses around, quietly secluded like a hideaway away from civilization.
Milfi stood in front of the door and knocked—knock knock. But there was no response. "Huh, is she out? I told her we'd come today..."
Even after knocking again, there was still no reaction. "Sorry, Theo. Wait here a sec. I'll check the back door."
"Ah, sure."
I saw her off as she went around to the back of the house, and left alone, I took a sip from the canteen I'd brought while casually looking around.
There were no people or buildings in sight, just the chirping of birds and the rustling of trees. What kind of person could Milfi's friend be, living in a place like this that cuts off contact with others?
(And with that person too... will I have to do the naughty dispelling...?)
Naturally, I recalled my days with Milfi. She came onto me in the middle of the day, teased me outside, and there were plenty of heart-pounding moments.
But all of it together made for pleasurable, unbelievably happy times.
Just thinking about those days coming back made my cheeks loosen up on their own. (Ehehe... man, I'm in trouble.)
I'm a guy too. Most of it is wanting to be useful... but honestly, about half of me is looking forward to it—just a little—no, quite a bit.
(Will she attack me lewdly again...?)
I was thinking such improper thoughts when suddenly, my vision went dark. "Hm?"
When I looked up, a black shadow dropped from the roof. "Die!!"
With a sharp yell, a glint flashed. "Whoa!?"
I twisted my body just in time. Right after, something grazed my chest—Rip!
The fabric tore, and the front of my shirt opened wide. "W-Wha...!?"
The shadow landed silently and slowly stood from its one-knee pose. "...Tch."
With a click of the tongue, it raised its face, revealing its true nature. —It was a girl. She looked about my age.
Her bluish-black hair reached her shoulders, with the back tied high on both sides. Her large eyes, the same color as her hair, were narrowed, glaring straight at me.
And what caught my eye most were—the cat ears sprouting from her head and the long tail bristling straight up. (C-Cat beastkin?)
Shing!
When she raised her right hand, sharp claws extended from her white, smooth fingertips, glinting in the sunlight.
No doubt that was what attacked me earlier. The cat-eared girl showered me with a voice full of murderous intent.
"To think you'd show up so boldly, you scum. Just as you wished, I'll tear you to pieces."
"Eh? W-Wait a minute! Aren't you mistaking me for someone?!"
"Shut up! Die quietly!!"
Without any discussion, the girl lunged at me. Her sharp claws closed in on my face. (What is this? I'm getting attacked for real!)
The moment I instinctively closed my eyes—Grip!!
Right in front of me, that strike was caught. "What are you doing, Eclair!"
Milfi had grabbed the cat-eared girl's wrist, stopping her. "Mil... Sis..."
"How many times do I have to tell you! This kid isn't suspicious at all—he's trustworthy!"
But those words only fueled the girl's anger further. "Don't mess with me! What's trustworthy about him! He's just the lowest perverted man who pretends to treat girls and gropes them!"
...What an outrageous thing to say. (Wait, this girl is Milfi's friend!?)
So, I'm supposed to dispel the curse on this person?
Th-This is way too scary...!
Chapter 2 Start!
New beast-eared girl, Eclair, makes her appearance!