Benjamin hesitated at the threshold of the chamber Sakura had led him to, the sliding door half-open, soft light and feminine laughter spilling out.
The air inside carried the faint scent of incense and sweet rice cakes; something he felt was traditional and warm.
Before he could step through, the door slid wider from the inside.
Two bunny beastkin emerged, one a mature woman and the other a petite young girl, both carrying a low bamboo basket filled with neatly arranged mochi and dango dusted with kinako powder.
The older bunny woman bowed deeply to Sakura. "Your Majesty. We've just prepared fresh snacks for you and your guest."
The younger one, only just reaching Benjamin's waist, followed with a shy bow, her long silver ears trembling slightly. "W-welcome, honored visitor…"
Benjamin's eyes locked onto the small girl immediately. She was tiny, half his height, delicate and doll-like.
Her short kimono blended traditional Japanese style with fantastical elements: silk fabric in pale lavender, hem cut higher than tradition would normally allow, exposing smooth thighs and ending in soft fur-trimmed boots.
Her silver hair fell in gentle waves, her red eyes large and luminous, with long ears drooping forward in her shy nervousness.
Everything about her portrayed innocent cuteness.
Sakura soon noticed Benjamin's intense stare. Her tail swishing in inspection.
After exchanging polite greetings with the bunny beastkins, Sakura turned to Benjamin with a graceful gesture.
"This is Benjamin Mark, our honored GUEST from afar," she explained, "He is VISITING Shishi-no-su because he is interested in our culture and traditions."
Benjamin narrowed his eyes at Sakura, and huffed as she spoke.
Then the bunny girl's red eyes widened, ears perking straight up at the mention of Benjamin being a foreigner. And the older woman—with the same features as the younger bunny—smiled at him warmly.
"I see your attention is captured, Benjamin Mark." Sakura's gaze slid sideways to Benjamin. "Are you interested in her, perhaps? Private time can be arranged immediately if you so wish."
"N-no! That would be cruel." Benjamin's face flushed crimson. "What if she doesn't want that?"
"Everyone here does their best for the kingdom's growth." Sakura tilted her head, her fan half-covering her smile. "She would consider it an honor."
The bunny girl's cheeks turned pink, her ears twitching nervously, but she didn't look away from him.
Benjamin shook his head firmly.
"No. If I'm ever going to do anything with anyone, I will need their consent first. Not because it's an honor, but because they actually want it."
"…"
The vicinity went quiet for a heartbeat. Sakura's fan stilled, her eyes paused on him.
Then Benjamin's yearning gaze drifted back to those unbelievably long silver ears, his curiosity winning over his embarrassment.
"But…" he admitted, voice softer, "I've never seen ears like that before. Could I… just touch them once? Of course, if it's okay with her."
The bunny girl's face lit up like sunrise.
Then she stepped forward, her voice tiny and sweet. "My name is Usagi-chan. And if it would make Benjamin Mark-sama pleased … I'd be happy to help!"
She stood on tiptoes, her ears lifting slightly toward him in invitation.
Benjamin reached out slowly, almost worshipfully. His fingers brushed the soft silver fur first; it was velvety and warm, like the finest silk that'd been brushed with down.
He moved to wrap his hand gently around the base of one ear, then the other, feeling the delicate cartilage beneath.
He began to knead them lightly, like dough; making slow orbits with his thumbs, then gentle squeezes along the edges.
"Ahn~" Usagi-chan gasped.
The sound was small at first, a soft mumble, but then it deepened.
Her body trembled, knees buckling slightly. Saliva gathered at the corner of her lips, a thin sliver of it dripping as her mouth fell open.
Tears welled in her red eyes, not from pain of being squeezed, but of pure, overwhelming pleasure of his fingers.
Benjamin, lost in the softness, didn't even notice at all.
He was in heaven; to him, right there, those ears were perfect. But far sensitive in ways he hadn't expected; they were responding to every tiny movement of his fingers.
He slid his thumbs lightly into the inner folds, exploring the delicate skin and fur there.
"Ahn!! B-Benjamin Mark-sama!" Usagi-chan's entire body shook.
Her breathing turned ragged, little whimpers escaping. Her thighs pressed together as her tail quivered violently.
Sakura and the older bunny woman watched wide-eyed, faces slowly turning crimson from the performance.
Then Usagi-chan cried out— "C-CUMMING!!"—a high, desperate sound. Her legs gave way completely.
Then the system voice pinged in Benjamin's head.
[Notice—Partial Bond Established: Usagi (Bunny Beastkin) – Ear Stimulation]
[Minor sensory enhancement: Super Leap]
Usagi collapsed forward against Benjamin's groin, clinging to him for support, her body shuddering in long, rolling waves.
Her breath came in labored pants against his cock.
Benjamin jerked, suddenly yanked back to reality. "Eh?! Wh-What's wrong?! Did I press you too hard?!"
Usagi-chan shook her head frantically against him, still trembling. "N-no… it just felt… soooo good…"
"Really? From your ears?"
Sakura recovered first, snapping her fan open to hide her flushed cheeks. "Not bad, Benjamin Mark. Though… I do hope you'll show me those techniques in secret later."
Benjamin's face burned, his eyebrows wrinkled. "No, I'm sorry! I didn't know bunny ears were… like that!"
He then turned to the older bunny woman and Usagi-chan. "I'm really sorry. I had no idea they were so sensitive."
Usagi-chan managed a shaky smile, still clinging. "It's… fine. Thank you very much, Benjamin Mark-sama."
Sakura cleared her throat, her composure mostly restored. "Well. Shall we continue? My sisters are waiting."
"Ah, yes."
They waved away the Bunny Beastkins and turned towards the door.
"That woman was Silverøse," Sakura said, "One of the daughter of my stepsisters, in charge of a portion of Shishi-no-su."
"Eh? She's a princess then." Benjamin replied, "And she's working here like a normal person?"
"Humility in its finest," Sakura answered, "She loves to make snacks and sweets for the entire kingdom, despite her status."
She then pushed the next sliding door open.
The chamber beyond was a haze of silk, candlelight, and low moans.
Eight young fox beastkin women lounged across the space; each one haughty-looking, stunning, and late teens in appearance, unlike Sakura's mature beauty.
They wore variations of revealing kimono, tails rustling as they lounged.
Around them were several men—young and mature, unclothed, some blindfolded, some lightly bound with silk cords, others chained to cushions or low posts.
All of them were very beautiful, but all of them were spent and panting, their bodies marked with lipstick, sweat, and faint scratches.
The moment Sakura entered, the foxes looked up.