[Your Adventurer Ivsha has received enlightenment from you and learned a high-tier magic—Fallen Radiance!]
Huh?
Kurose Akira jolted inwardly. Ivsha had received enlightenment from him?
What enlightenment? When did that happen…?
Oh~.
"Mr. Kurose~ may I ask~ how did it feel?"
Ivsha walked toward him with measured, graceful steps, the corner of her lips curling into a seductive smile.
The other nuns gathered around as well, their eyes filled with expectation, as though all of them were waiting for Akira's answer.
Of course, Akira knew perfectly well that what Ivsha meant by "how did it feel" had absolutely nothing to do with what they were pretending it meant.
"Pretty good~," he replied with a faint smile.
Yet Ivsha's figure still completely occupied his mind.
The nuns' prayers?
They weren't working at all!
Once the prayer session ended, the nuns dispersed, each returning to her own duties.
Akira left the prayer hall looking radiant and energized. The buff provided by the prayers of fifty nuns had pushed his condition to its absolute peak.
Even though Ivsha had secretly "snacked" on him a little, it hadn't caused any serious impact on his body.
Of course, having fifty nuns pray on his behalf came at a cost—twenty silver coins had flown straight out of his pocket.
The buff would last for three days. Hopefully, he could make some meaningful gains during that time.
Back in the church, Akira's gaze swept across the constant flow of people coming and going.
Due to the monster disturbances, the townsfolk had been visiting the church more frequently than usual. If someone could provide financial backing to the church, its shortage of funds could be resolved.
But as long as the monsters remained, the church would never truly be at peace.
"Hm?"
Akira suddenly noticed a familiar figure.
Baron Noda had appeared in the church yet again. His gaze was sharp as a hawk's, scrutinizing every nun inside as if he were searching for a very specific target.
Akira's stare quickly drew Noda's attention.
Noda immediately strode toward him.
Sensing the approach of an enemy, Akira narrowed his eyes slightly, but he didn't retreat. With Loserine present, it wouldn't be easy for the other party to harm him.
"Sir,"
Noda stopped in front of Akira and spoke expressionlessly. "I don't recall seeing you in Silvermoon Town before. Did you arrive only recently?"
"Yeah. Is there something you need?" Akira asked calmly.
"Nothing in particular," Noda said coldly. "As a law-enforcement knight, I'm simply reminding you that Silvermoon Town hasn't been very peaceful lately."
There was a clear note of warning in his tone, as though advising Akira to watch his steps—while simultaneously probing his reaction.
"Understood. I'll be careful," Akira replied with a faint smile, offering nothing more.
Noda didn't press further. He turned and walked away.
But just before leaving, he deliberately cast a glance at Loserine standing behind Akira.
Akira caught the trace of confusion in Baron Noda's expression. It seemed he either recognized Loserine—or found it strange that another law-enforcement knight had appeared in Silvermoon Town.
"Royal knight."
Suddenly, Loserine—who had remained silent the entire time—spoke those four words.
"Royal knight?"
Akira turned to her with curiosity. That sounded like a crucial piece of information.
"Mm."
Loserine nodded and continued, "He's a royal knight who serves the crown directly."
"Serves the crown…?"
Akira narrowed his eyes slightly, doubt rising within him.
Could the people trying to take Ivsha away be connected to the royal family of the Star Kingdom?
Just as confusion filled his thoughts, a nun quietly appeared behind him.
"Mr. Kurose."
Sister Moran's tone was cool as she said, "I have a letter for you."
"A letter?"
Akira looked at her in surprise. He had no idea why she would be holding a letter addressed to him.
"It's from a lady," Moran said flatly, handing the envelope to him without further explanation.
Then she turned and left.
Akira stared at the letter in his hand, puzzled. When he noticed the rose emblem adorning the seal, realization struck instantly—it was from Idis.
He slipped the letter into his backpack, deciding to read it after returning to the guild.
"Mr. Kurose, I've finished up here. Shall we head back to the guild? If there's time before nightfall, I could even perform another private prayer just for you~"
Ivsha walked over, her eyes gleaming with lingering desire.
After all, what had just happened was only within a succubus-created illusion. How could that compare to reality?
"Let's head back first," Akira nodded.
His objectives were very clear now. Beyond solving the church's funding issues, the demonic threat had to be dealt with.
As for Ivsha's hidden quest, he was beginning to realize it might be far more complicated than he'd initially thought.
Perhaps killing Noda would complete the hidden quest.
But determining what came next might require confirmation through certain key figures.
A few minutes later, Akira returned to the guild.
Ivsha's first action upon getting back to the church was heading straight to the baths.
After such a long buildup, she wanted to cleanse herself thoroughly—so she could savor her "meal" in the best possible condition.
Akira, meanwhile, opened the letter.
There was no signature on the page, but the distinctive fragrance alone was enough to bring that woman's image vividly back to his mind.
[Letter:]Young man, due to certain matters, I must return to the royal capital.
Baron Noda, who has come from the capital, serves under one of my rivals. I have already arranged countermeasures to deal with him. You don't need to involve yourself—your only task is to make Ivsha happy.
Additionally, I know you care deeply about the relationship between Ivsha and me.
Unfortunately, I cannot explain everything to you.
But I can give you a hint: Ivsha and I share the same blood.
Lastly, I will teach you a spell capable of unlocking a succubus's true power.
o_o... >_o... ＞皿＜...~!!!
This spell releases the strength hidden deep within a succubus's bloodline. Ivsha has never returned to her kin, so she knows little about this. That means only you can help her.
Remember—take good care of her.
"..."
Akira stared at the contents of the letter, sinking into deep thought.
He didn't know what kind of countermeasures Idis had prepared—but he chose to trust her.
Still…
"Just what is she to Ivsha? The same blood…?"
Idis's identity narrowed to a few possibilities: mother, older sister, younger sister, aunt, grandmother…
Compared to the latter options, Akira found himself leaning more toward mother or sister—at least, that was his instinct.
And then there was the spell Idis had taught him.
The magic meant to unlock a succubus's bloodline power.
Perhaps… he could try it someday and witness a succubus's true strength firsthand?
"Mr. Kurose~ it's time to start praying~"
Just as he was pondering Idis's identity, a sultry, melodious voice sounded from behind him.
At the same time, he felt a heavy, pressing sensation against his back—
—and an overwhelming softness, soft enough to steal his breath.