Chapter 296: I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [296]
When the succubus shopkeeper and Samiri hurried into the main hall, they were greeted by the sight of a flustered succubus being joyfully embraced by Nero.
"As expected of succubi! Every single one of you is a perfect match for my tastes—ah, such soft, delicate skin. I could easily take one home, gaze at her every day, and feel utterly content."
"C-Customer… no, m-ma'am, you're making this very awkward…"
The succubus in Nero's arms was in a complete panic. When she saw the shopkeeper enter, she immediately shot a pleading look for help.
If Nero had been a man, the succubus might not have been so flustered. But the one holding her now was a stunningly beautiful woman—so beautiful, in fact, that even she was left in awe.
Moreover, Nero's enthusiasm made the situation all the more difficult to handle.
What in the world is going on? Most women despise succubi—why is this one completely breaking the mold?
"Excuse me, ma'am, could you please let go of my employee? Your… enthusiasm is scaring her," the shopkeeper said, stepping forward with a friendly smile.
Initially, the shopkeeper had been deeply alarmed that a woman had discovered their establishment. But after observing Nero's behavior, she began to think the shop might still be safe.
She decided to take a chance.
"Hm?"
Nero turned toward the voice, and when her gaze fell on the shopkeeper, her emerald eyes sparkled with admiration.
"So you're the shopkeeper here? Hm! As expected, you're a beauty worthy of the phrase 'a face that could sink nations.'"
Nero stepped forward, bent slightly, and gallantly took the shopkeeper's hand.
"I must thank you for gracing me with your presence and bringing such radiance to my surroundings."
"Oh my, oh my, you have such a sweet tongue, ma'am. Even a humble woman like me can't help but feel her heart flutter," the shopkeeper replied, a blush coloring her cheeks as she raised a hand to her lips. "What a shame. If you were a man, your honeyed words might have stolen my heart entirely."
"Hm! To call my words honeyed feels like an insult. I assure you, every word I've spoken is the absolute truth. After all, indulging in lies too often could irreparably damage my dignity—something I take great care to avoid."
The grace and confidence in Nero's demeanor left the shopkeeper with an unmistakable impression: this was no ordinary individual.
A royal, perhaps? If not a queen, then at least a high-ranking noble.
After a brief conversation, the shopkeeper detected no hostility from Nero. Taking a deep breath, she decided to address the matter that concerned her most.
"So, ma'am, may I ask what brings you to our humble establishment today?"
"Hm! About that…"
Nero blinked her gem-like eyes and smiled brightly.
"I was merely curious. I had a feeling I'd find something interesting here, so I came in. And lo and behold, I've discovered so many enchanting maidens! Damn it, why is such a wonderful shop hidden away in some alley? If I'd known about this place sooner, I would've come ages ago! Someone should have told me!"
Her words were filled with such genuine regret that it was almost comical, as if she'd missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The enthusiasm Nero displayed toward the succubi brought a spark of hope to the shopkeeper. Seizing the chance, she delicately explained the importance of keeping the shop's existence a secret.
She emphasized the potential dangers: not only would the shop be shut down if its existence became public, but the succubi working there could also be hunted by fanatical adventurers.
"I, too, would hate to see such beautiful flowers wither while they're in full bloom. Rest assured, I will keep this place a secret. No one will hear about it from me," Nero replied with a resolute nod.
Relieved, the shopkeeper offered Nero a deep bow of gratitude.
"On behalf of everyone here, thank you for your understanding."
"No, no! It's I who should thank you. If not for you, I wouldn't have been able to witness so many stunning maidens today. Hm! I'm thoroughly satisfied!"
Despite her many years of life, the shopkeeper found Nero utterly fascinating.
Here was a rare beauty, yet instead of being attracted to handsome men, she seemed utterly enamored with other beautiful women.
Moreover, Nero's self-confidence and charisma were uniquely captivating.
"What a pity… such an attractive and charming individual, yet she's a woman," the shopkeeper murmured, gently stroking her cheek.
She could sense that beneath Nero's petite frame lay an extraordinary power.
For succubi, the quality of life energy they absorbed was directly linked to the strength of their source. If Nero were a man… the potential of her life energy would be unimaginable.
The thought brought a glimmer of desire to the shopkeeper's eyes as she licked her lips with a coy smile.
Changing the subject, she began explaining the shop's services, including its customizable dream experiences.
"Although our services are tailored for men… if you're interested, Nero, we could certainly arrange something for you. And as a gesture of gratitude for your discretion, I'd personally oversee your session, ensuring your complete satisfaction," the shopkeeper added, her voice languid and alluring.
Her tone alone was enough to fill the room with an intoxicating atmosphere.
As expected of a shopkeeper, Nero thought, momentarily reminded of Sesshōin Kiara.
Kiara's sheer voice alone could mesmerize and corrupt even the most steadfast hearts, plunging them into an ocean of hedonistic bliss.
Of course, the shopkeeper's abilities couldn't compare to Kiara's—they were worlds apart.
At the very least, the shopkeeper couldn't sway Nero's iron will. But Kiara? She could shatter the resolve of even the mightiest Servants in a heartbeat.
"No need," Nero said, waving a hand dismissively. "I prefer to take what I desire directly from reality. Why rely on the illusions of dreams?"
With that, Nero did something that caught the shopkeeper completely off guard—she gently tilted the shopkeeper's chin upward.
"Besides… the most beautiful person is standing right in front of me. Why look elsewhere when the treasure is so close?"
For a moment, the shopkeeper was speechless. Then she broke into a sultry smile that could make the strongest hearts falter.
"My, my, you truly are something, ma'am…"
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T/N: ....i want nero to fawn over me
no mo updates wednsedasadya