Under the moonlight, enveloped in warmth and contentment, Haruhime slowly opened her eyes. Unaware that she had dreamt a shy dream, she mistook it for reality.
"Cranel-sama..."
Like a helpless little creature, Haruhime curled her tail and softly whispered the name of the one she yearned for.
Bell lay beneath the same quilt, gently stroking the fox girl's golden hair. It was as if he were filling an absent moment with tender warmth.
"I haven't told Haruhime about myself yet..." Bell murmured softly. The two drifted together like they were adrift on an ocean, clinging to each other.
"I know everything, you know... Aisha-san told me many things about Cranel-sama..." Haruhime suppressed her shyness and took the youth's right hand in her own. The blush faded, replaced by a different kind of crimson that tinged her cheeks.
"Hmm—then do you know my origins?" After a moment's thought, Bell asked softly.
"I don't know..." All Haruhime knew of the boy was his arrival in Orario, and most of that was hearsay.
"Would you like to hear it?" Bell asked with a light chuckle.
"Yes! Please tell me about Cranel-sama!" Haruhime clasped the boy's right hand tightly, her emerald eyes sparkling with an intoxicating light. Under that pure, innocent gaze, Bell slowly recounted his past.
"I come from the distant mountains north of the city, where the landscapes are serene and the air is filled with the songs of birds."
...
Throughout the boy's narration, Haruhime frequently asked questions. Like a child, she brimmed with curiosity about the outside world. When she heard Bell speak of heroes and harems as his dreams, Haruhime blinked her emerald eyes and insisted the boy would surely succeed. His words radiated effort and experience.
Haruhime would sometimes empathize deeply, tears welling in her eyes. At other times, she'd lift the corners of her mouth, bursting into hearty laughter. Sometimes, her eyes would flutter uncertainly as she swallowed, waiting for the continuation of thrilling adventures. Bell shared every experience he could recount, weaving his tales with care.
Under the moonlight, the warmth of their conversation was known only to the two of them. The topic drew to a close with a light, floating kiss. Haruhime embraced the boy, drifting into dreams. This was her first time since arriving in Orario. No, it was the first time in her entire life. That she slept with unparalleled peace.
...
As the full moon began to set, the Pleasure District grew quieter. Dawn had yet to break, and the pink Magic Stone lamps ceased their glow. Bell and Haruhime walked together through the corridor to the central courtyard.
"I didn't expect it to take so long. I thought that lecherous fox would escape quickly." Aisha-san spoke with a light chuckle.
"Aisha-san..." Haruhime wore a reproachful expression, seemingly displeased with the recent address.
"Aisha-san, have you not slept all night?" Bell inquired.
"For a prostitute, it's no big deal, Bell Cranel. If you're thinking that, I could keep you company until nightfall without a problem." Aisha licked her lips and laughed heartily. Bell could tell she was serious. Due to the combined effects of Falna and the Amazoness race, the stamina of battle prostitutes like Aisha was unimaginable.
"I'm flattered by your invitation, but I must decline..." Bell responded politely. Beyond women like Haruhime, who'd fallen into this life due to tragic circumstances, the brothel also housed special races like Aisha, whose values differed entirely. Bell had heard that if an Amazoness took a liking to you, you'd never escape her grasp. Their understanding of love was limited to bearing offspring with a chosen male—barely different from beasts.
"What? And I thought you were decent." Aisha gave the youth a playful glance, then suddenly remembered something. "But I don't want to snatch a man from a sly fox either... So, how many times have you done it?"
"...?!" Haruhime's tail instantly bristled. Her face flushed crimson, and the fox ears peeking out from beneath her blonde hair turned bright red.
"Aisha-san... Cranel-sama is... very... skilled... we... did it..." Haruhime stammered, unable to continue.
"Eh—" Aisha's expression softened into a relieved smile. Before the appointed day arrived, she genuinely felt that Haruhime's transformation from girl to woman was a heartwarming joy.
"Who'd have thought someone so young could be so capable? Truly worthy of someone aiming to build a harem... ...?!" Aisha-san's words abruptly halted. As if sensing something, she furrowed her brow, bent down, and sniffed at Haruhime's lower body.
"Ah... Aisha-san?!"
Haruhime frantically tugged at her kimono, trying to shield herself from that completely inappropriate advance. Aisha turned and focused her attention on the boy.
"What... what are you doing?! Even I... I've never done such a thing!"
In her panic, Haruhime tried to pull away, but Aisha simply returned to her original position. She flicked her hair back in a grandiose motion and laughed loudly.
"Hahahaha! So this is the choice you've made!"
Aisha truly hadn't expected this; before the beautiful fox girl, the boy managed to resist temptation and stick to his true feelings. It would have been so much easier to simply take the fox girl's purity. Cruel as it may have been, it would have brought immediate relief. But this boy—was he trying to save not just Haruhime's body, but her pure heart as well? To save both?
What a greedy man. And that, in turn, made her even more excited. Aisha's heart raced with anticipation. She genuinely admired the boy, even feeling a bit of envy toward Haruhime, who was so cherished.
"Aisha-san?"
Haruhime, still confused, couldn't understand why the other woman had suddenly burst into laughter.
"You sly fox... do you like him?" Aisha asked quietly.
"Hmm..." Haruhime answered without hesitation. No matter how tragic things might get, the fox girl was certain this fluttering feeling in her heart was the only true thing she had.
"I see..."
Aisha looked at the boy and spoke softly, "Little Rookie, come visit us when you have the chance. I'll take care of all the fees and other tedious matters for you. Please, this child will be so happy."
"Aisha-san... you don't have to go this far for me. Haruhime is already so grateful to have met both of you..."
The fox girl quickly interjected.
"Haruhime-san, I will definitely come. We've made a promise."
Bell understood the hidden meaning behind Aisha's words. He looked at the Amazoness, deliberately stressing the word "promise." She would surely understand—it was a promise about the night of the full moon.
Aisha nodded knowingly, pulling Haruhime into her arms. "Sly fox, it's already morning. How long do you plan to cling to others?"
"Cling...? I would never do such a thing... Cranel-sama, please take care on your journey..."
Haruhime slightly lowered her head, offering her blessings. Under their gaze, Bell left the courtyard.
The brothels of the Pleasure District had their doors tightly shut, and few people wandered the streets. Bell stepped out of the brothel and began his journey home.
In the courtyard, Haruhime offered her sincere prayers. Meanwhile, elsewhere, other girls waited for the young man's return.
A day covered in dark clouds had just begun.
...
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