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Chapter 15: I never easily give up on a woman once I have obtained her, you know? Rather, I can't allow it, Ryu-san.**
The tavern "The Hostess of Fertility" in Orario.
Ryu Lion, the elf who lived and worked there, was silently washing dishes in the kitchen.
From time to time, she would smile as if remembering something, then look angry, then blush with embarrassment. Anyone watching would think her emotions were unstable.
But that was only natural.
Ryu had had her long-guarded chastity stolen by a certain man and had been made into a woman.
It began with a sweet kiss, then gentle yet meticulous and somehow bold and forceful caresses. She had surrendered her body while being showered with words of love, and had offered her chastity.
Even when she tried to resist, the man pushed her down without regard and ravaged both her body and heart as he pleased.
Unconsciously, she had lost consciousness at the end. When she woke up, she was in her usual room, greeted by morning.
She wondered if it had been a dream, but on the desk was a neatly written note.
"Good morning. I have already explained everything to Miss Syr. Also, please rest assured — I have taken proper contraceptive measures."
Reading that, Ryu's face turned bright red and she tore the note to pieces.
Later, the two cat people who worked with her bombarded her with persistent questions, but she couldn't possibly answer them.
"Ah..."
While washing dishes absentmindedly, she suddenly realized there were no more dishes left.
It was still a quiet time. Before the busy night began, Ryu decided to finish the shopping. She called out to Syr and left the tavern.
"Ah."
"Oh, Ryu-san."
The moment she stepped out of the tavern, she ran into the man in question — Rick. Ryu's face instantly turned bright red.
"E-Excuse me."
She tried to leave with her head down so he wouldn't see her flushed face, but Rick grabbed her hand.
"What's wrong? Your face is red."
"W-Who's fa——"
She wanted to shout "It's your fault!" at the top of her lungs.
"Ah, you remembered what happened last time?"
Rick spoke with an unchanging smile. The moment he said that, Ryu vividly recalled that night, and her face grew so hot it felt like it might explode.
——T-This man...
He was clearly toying with her reaction.
"Th-That time was..."
"Yes, it was a very good memory. Ah, don't worry. The only ones who know about that precious memory are you and me."
In other words, only the two of them knew they had shared their bodies.
"―――――"
Suddenly pulled forward, Ryu's body leaned in. Rick whispered into her ear.
"We're both busy with work right now, so I'll come pick you up at night."
"!?"
"I'd love it if you could wear that outfit when we meet. Well then, excuse me."
Rick bowed politely and left. Ryu's body felt burning hot.
"Kuh..."
She felt a little frustrated at being handled so easily.
The tavern closed, and when everyone had gone to rest, Ryu quietly slipped out.
In the quiet night streets of Orario, only drunk adventurers wandered about. There was no sign of that man, and she felt a small sense of relief.
"Ryu-san."
"!?"
"Whoa."
When a voice suddenly called from behind, Ryu reflexively attacked, but Rick calmly caught her fist.
"Instead of a passionate punch right after meeting, I'd rather hear your beautiful voice."
Rick released her fist with an unchanging smile. Ryu let out a small breath.
"…You're strong."
"To protect the woman I love, a gentleman must have at least that much strength."
Even so, Rick had casually caught the attack of a Level 4 adventurer. It was clear he was far stronger than her.
"Don't be so tense. Relax more."
"…It's my nature."
"Fufu, don't be so cold. We're not strangers anymore."
Rick offered his hand like a gentleman escorting a lady, but Ryu did not take it. Even so, the smile never left Rick's face.
In fact, it grew brighter.
Rick led Ryu into an alley.
Considering her waitress outfit, he chose routes that avoided people's eyes as much as possible.
Smiling at how seriously Ryu followed his request.
Suddenly, Ryu's feet stopped.
"What's wrong?"
When he tilted his head and asked, Ryu opened her mouth.
"Um... can we forget about what happened last time?"
"…Why?"
"You say you have feelings for me, and I believe there is no lie in those feelings. But I am a person who lives in the shadows. I cannot allow trouble to spread to you because of me."
There was a bounty on Ryu's head.
Just having a safe place like The Hostess of Fertility was already more luck than she deserved. If she wished for more, she would surely cause trouble for those around her.
Especially for someone who had spoken words of love to her.
"Let's forget about last time as thanks for saving my life. You should forget about me too."
With those words, Ryu turned on her heel to return the way she came.
*This is for the best,* she told herself as she tried to return to the place she belonged. At that moment—