It takes me less than an hour to arrive at the palace, but I didn’t go straight there. Instead, I took a detour through the alleyways and hid from the guard patrols in a deserted building— everything according to System’s directions, which up to this point have been spot on. The guards almost spotted me twice, but I slinked away. Damn, I was so close to being caught. The last thing I need is to be taken to the dungeon right now. I won't be able to get out of there or complete my task. When I finally make it to the palace, I see the widow just outside the gates. In her spare maid outfit, she appears to be tired and distracted, but I know that look on her face. She has a purpose as her feet start walking in a specific direction.Stalking her like a ghost would be easy, especially with System’s new enhancements, but I want her to trust me, not feel like I'm hunting her down. I hope she’ll let me in on her secrets.“Hey,” I casually greet her as I come up to her. “You look like you coul
Naomi enters the shop. Before I can follow, a young woman dressed in a servant’s outfit comes running out. Her eyes shine with happiness, and I notice she has something in her hand: a small vial.I watch her scurrying away while holding the vial to her chest like it’s a priceless treasure. Shaking my head, I step into the shop to follow the widow. As soon as I enter, the perfume hits me. It’s strong and smells like a chemical store. The far wall is lined with bookcases, but books aren't the only things on display. Nestled among the old volumes are several glass jars filled with colorful liquids. They range from bright red to deep blue to light purple. Each contains an unknown substance; the labels withhold the names, but they tell me enough: Poisonous. Explosive. Dangerous.There are two other women apart from Naomi waiting at the counter. They look at me a tad suspiciously before averting their gazes. From behind a red curtain in the back of the shop, a man comes out with a vial
“So, please, enlighten me, Sensei.”As soon as I utter the words in an obvious mocking tone, George’s eyes blaze like a brazier. “Do you want to see my experiments? You’ll be in for a special treat. I spent the past ten years perfecting my techniques and formulas.”“Maybe. What are they about?” I add more as a playful nudge.“Everything! My studies and experiments have led me to the ultimate discovery: the secret to almost anything you want is in the molecules of women’s fluids, which you can extract and make into potions. The fluid chemistry and pH change according to how she’s feeling at the time. For that, I’ve created a series of experiments with various equipment. I’m afraid, though, Naomi is the only woman around now. Would you lend her to me for a demonstration?”I don’t need to turn to her to know the answer. Her fingers are already hooked into my arm, her nails digging into my skin as she leans against my back. “No, I don’t think Naomi wants to partake in your experiments an
“So I take it that your Elizabeth is also an annoyance to you?” I ask. “I mean, mine is always there to get in the way of everything I do.”“Hah, tell me about it! Mine is always trying to ruin everything! And believe me, I am stuck with her for a lot longer than you. The Goddess hates men and putting a woman inside our heads is her way of punishing us.”I chuckle and nod. “I agree. My system’s presence has surely been a punishment and a form of torture.”[New side task acquired: Fuck George Binge]“Pass!” I scream at the top of my lungs. My voice and George’s ignite at the same time, both of us yelling the same word. “Did you get the same side task?” I ask, trying to shake off the nauseating sensation at the mere thought of doing it with a man. “Possible. Elizabeth wanted me to let you fuck me. Did they just make a peace treaty to mess with us?” [Side task failed. Penalty acquired: the user will not be able to get an erection in the next 48 hours. How's that for a punishment?]Da
Until now, I’ve never laid in the widow’s bed like this, simply staring up at the ceiling and enjoying her warmth. I mindlessly stroke her hair as her head is settled on my shoulder. I feel her breath brushing my collarbone. As I stare up at the ceiling, my attention is captured by the small tip of a nail sticking out. The firelight plays with its shadow, giving a surprisingly pleasing visual effect to my amateurish work.I guess the inherited blacksmith ability doesn’t work so well for this particular task of fixing roofs. Hammering nails in wood appears to be a tougher job description than hammering metal. Not measuring the length of the nails and having them protruding on the inside is a testimony of the level of my skills. I was proud of my work at first. Not anymore. Maybe this hut is not so well maintained, but surely Naomi deserved better than this. Her hand slips beneath my shirt and rests on my stomach. Her palm is warm and smooth as her fingers circle around my navel.
After an entire day laying low at the widow’s house, I make my way to the city after nightfall. It’s not good to make a princess wait for you on the first date.System, prepare the safest route to The Traveler’s Oasis. [Route set]I don’t dare think of my system’s real name, not even in my head. Who knows what else she can do if she finds out? And I need tonight’s meeting to go well. My entire plan depends on it.I walk through the city streets, taking care not to draw too much attention to myself. I move from one alley to the next, avoiding the busy areas. System’s directional arrows help me get to The Traveler’s Oasis two hours before midnight, giving me plenty of time to find a suitable spot to enjoy myself as I wait. And by ‘suitable spot’, I mean a place where I can have a good view of the women around.Its sign still sits crooked above the doorway, boasting of its great food and drink. Now, a big drawing depicting a man sitting on a donkey holding a jug of wine, his legs dangl
The floorboards creak under our weight, and we walk in silence through the empty corridor until we reach a door at the end. Leah knocks once, waits for permission to enter, then opens the door with a flourish of the wrist.I use the moment to gulp down the Potion of Endless Fucking, hopefully counteracting the effects of the penalty. It tastes like shit, but the side effects George mentioned are what I'm most worried about. I need to be careful and watch out for anything weird. Leah steps inside and motions for me to go before her. I do so, and she closes the door behind me. The room is small and neat, with only a double bed covered in black sheets and a large wardrobe made of dark wood. And there, standing in front of the wardrobe, is Princess Kaya. Her long blonde hair and white dress contrast with the surroundings. She has a mischievous smile and a twinkle in her eye. The rich, ruby-red hue of her lipstick perfectly accentuates her full lips, giving her a majestic air that makes
“Is that so?” Kaya raises an eyebrow. “Why would I be interested in you? Why would you be better than the crown prince? You seem to like games and want to manipulate me. So, would that be a real choice?"“Let’s see…” I take a step forward, closing the distance between us and invading her personal space. “Would Theodore Zhen let you and Leah be together? I would.” Smirking, I continue, “Well, maybe with a little condition, like letting me watch. I loved the way she touched you and how she took care of your needs. I’d be willing to help too if you’d allow it.”“You’re trying to control and manipulate me with power and sexual fantasies. How’s that any different? At least with Theodore, I share a vision for our kingdoms. You’ll never understand what that means because you seem like a selfish prick, and all you care about is yourself and your voyeuristic fetish.”I take a step back. "I apologize if I came across as controlling or manipulative. That wasn't my intention. I just want to offer