The smell of blood and burned earth slowly dissipated while Iris's warriors finished off the remaining monsters. Reik, wiping a trace of black blood from his cheek, sighed in annoyance as he looked at the empty crater where Vault had been moments earlier.
"That damn coward has a PhD in escapism," Reik muttered, sheathing his fists.
He turned toward where Olga and Chloe were descending from the wall. His decision was already made; there was no reason to stay in this world now that the main danger had been dispelled, at least for the moment.
"Well, the boss escaped, so my job here is done," Reik said, stretching his arms. He looked directly at Olga and Chloe. "I'm going back to my world. Olga, Chloe, if anything happens or if Celestine finds out where that bastard ran off to, message me on the group chat and I'll come running."
However, Olga stepped forward and stared at him with her imposing dark eyes. "You're not getting rid of me that easily, human. I'm coming with you."
Reik blinked, slightly surprised by the dark elf's words. He thought about it for a few seconds, weighing the pros and cons. In the end, he shrugged.
After all, it wouldn't be a problem to bring Olga with him. In the best-case scenario, he could keep her at his house, and if they went out, he could always say she was doing cosplay. Besides, it would be better for him to have her close; that way their relationship could develop faster.
"Alright, I don't mind having good company," Reik agreed with a smile.
Chloe, seeing the interaction, frowned with evident displeasure. The idea of Olga leaving alone with that strange human didn't sit well with her at all, so she made a decision on the spot.
"If Lady Olga is going, then I'm going too," she declared firmly. "I'm not leaving her unprotected."
"Wait a moment!" a firm, melodic voice interjected.
Alicia Arcturus approached them quickly, her armor shining but her face slightly flushed, still processing the absurd display of power Reik had just shown. At her side, Primm followed, her eyes fixed on Reik's exposed chest.
"You have saved our city from certain destruction," Alicia declared, trying to maintain her regal demeanor. "We cannot allow the hero of this battle to leave like this. Stay tonight. We will celebrate a victory worthy of the Seven Princesses in your honor."
Reik made a face. Formal parties weren't his thing. "I appreciate it, Knight Princess, but I really prefer to go back and rest."
"I insist," Alicia cut in, stepping closer, allowing Reik to notice the subtle aroma she gave off. "It would be an insult to Iris's hospitality for you to leave with an empty stomach after such a feat."
Olga looked at Alicia with suspicion, sensing the elf's true intentions, but Reik, feeling the adrenaline of battle fade and his appetite awaken, ultimately gave in.
"Well… I suppose one night of celebration won't kill anyone. I'll stay."
The great hall of Iris's fortress was lit by hundreds of torches. Food was abundant, and barrels of the city's finest liquor were opened one after another. However, it was all part of a meticulously laid plan by Alicia.
The Knight Princess knew that a man with Reik's power was far too valuable and dangerous to be left wandering freely without a firm leash. And in this world, the strongest leash was forged in bed.
"Have another cup, Reik," Alicia said with an unusually gentle smile, pouring him a high-proof wine that could knock down an ogre. "You've earned it."
Reik, seated at the honor table, accepted the cup. Thanks to his training and the Reiki flowing through his veins, his body had monstrous biological resistance to poisons and alcohol. He could neutralize the effects if he chose to. However, he looked around: Olga was busy arguing with Chloe in a corner, the hall guards were looking at him as if he were the main course, and the warmth of the liquor felt damn good after the battle.
"Whatever… I'll enjoy tonight. Besides, I doubt anything will happen; that guy must be far away, hiding, licking his wounds, so I can relax without problems," Reik thought, consciously deciding to lower his defenses and let himself go to enjoy the night.
By the time midnight arrived, Reik was pretending to slur his words, his head heavily resting on one hand, though deep down he still retained enough lucidity to know exactly where he stood.
Alicia saw his condition and knew it was time to act. She stood up and walked over to him, wrapping an arm around his waist to help him up.
"I think our honored guest has had too much to drink. I'll take him to his private quarters so he can rest."
Primm, who had been watching from the side with completely red cheeks, biting her lower lip, waited for the moment. Alicia, before crossing the door of the hall while dragging Reik's strangely warm and heavy body, glanced at her fellow comrade.
Alicia took Reik to the royal guest room, a luxurious chamber isolated from the noise of the banquet. With effort, she placed the exorcist's body on the soft silk sheets. Reik closed his eyes, pretending perfect unconsciousness, waiting to see what the Knight Princess would do.
However, Alicia fixed her hair, took a deep breath to calm her racing heart, and stepped back toward the door.
"I'll go inform Primm… We won't be long," she murmured to herself, leaving the room to fetch her accomplice.
Click.
The door closed. Reik was left alone in the dimness of the room, internally smiling at the obviousness of the situation. He was waiting to see what that princess intended to do.
From the shadows of the bed canopy, a swift and silent figure slid out without making the slightest sound.
Luu Luu landed on the mattress right beside Reik. Her combat outfit was slightly disheveled, and her feline eyes glowed in the darkness with a mix of mischief and a wild desire she had not been able to contain since seeing him destroy Vault's army.
"Mph!.. The princesses are too slow to hunt," she whispered, kneeling on Reik's chest and trapping his wrists with her clawed hands.
Reik opened his eyes wide, but since it was dark and his vision was slightly blurred due to the alcohol, he couldn't see her face clearly. But it wasn't necessary, as his hormones, amplified by the Hanma effect of his lineage and the warmth of the alcohol, reacted instantly to Luu Luu's contact.
"Hey, Alicia… wait, Luu Luu?" he managed to say before Luu Luu silenced him with a lascivious smile.
"Celestine told me to watch you… and I plan to watch you very, very closely all night," Luu Luu said, leaning her face closer until her breath brushed against Reik's lips.