[337] Fall From Grace
With Crimvael's "fall from grace," the town was filled with newfound joy.
Crimvael, a naturally shy individual, had become entangled with Stunk, who took him around to visit the succubus shop every day. Before long, the pure angel had begun his descent into debauchery, spiraling further down the path of temptation.
"August, I've suddenly noticed that your collection of exotic beauties is quite impressive," Stunk remarked.
"What do you mean?"
"Look, there's Mia from the snake tribe, Sandra from the centaur clan, Lachnela from the Alacriny tribe, Lily from the cow tribe (thanks to Lucini), and Melro from the winged folk."
"Well, it's not that many," August replied nonchalantly.
"Not many? We're supposed to be exotic reviewers, but you, my friend, are a collector of exotic beauties!"
"Hey, what can I say? It's hard not to attract attention when you're handsome, influential, and wealthy."
"Honestly, I want to punch you."
Watching August show off yet again, Stunk was filled with a desire to take him down. But August merely ignored his remark, having had this banter countless times before.
"Melro-san~"
Just then, from a nearby table, three tiny fairies no bigger than a person's hand called out to Melro.
"I'm here! What do you need?"
"Three more cups of honey beer, please."
"Got it, coming right up."
Stunk, Zel, and Crimvael exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with mischief. August could easily guess that the three were plotting something concerning the fairies.
Interestingly enough, this scene was reminiscent of a pivotal moment from the original storyline, which allowed Crimvael to reveal his "strengths."
"We haven't had enough fun with fairies yet, have we?"
"Not at all."
"How about we head to the fairy's succubus shop tonight?"
"Great idea."
With their plans settled, Crimvael floated over at just that moment.
"Hey, Crimvael~"
"Huh? Are we ordering more food?"
"No, this is your share from the last review."
As he spoke, August tossed a bag of gold coins to Crimvael.
Seeing the large sum, Crimvael's thoughts began to drift, and the shattered halo above his head started spinning in circles.
August chuckled at the sight. The angel had already been led astray and was now deeply entrenched in the abyss known as the "succubus shop."
"By the way, Crimvael, you're joining us for work later."
"Work?"
"Yes, work! We're creating new exotic reviews."
"Uh…"
Crimvael's face was a mix of confusion and excitement. This little angel had truly been corrupted.
"August, are you coming?"
"I think I'll pass."
"Huh? Have you finally become henpecked?"
"Of course not! I just have my own fairies at home. Why spend money going out?"
"Ah~ The wicked wealthy! Even with so many beauties, you still have fairies hidden away!"
August glanced at Stunk, wanting to explain that the fairies were merely for viewing pleasure; he couldn't actually "consume" them due to the incompatibility of their... physical attributes.
Besides, all these fairies had been introduced by Lucini and now served as the caretakers of the vegetation in his little world. They were responsible for sowing and planting many of the plants. Despite their small size, they were quite diligent.
However, August had no intention of revealing the details of what they were preparing for that night. This was Crimvael's "Divine Battle," and if he found out, it could ruin everything.
Currently, Crimvael was quite popular in the town. With his adorable clothing and cherubic face, many older women were enamored with him. If word got out about his "size," he would become a sensation.
"Damn it, Zel, Crimvael, let's get out of here."
Stunk pulled Crimvael away from the tavern, looking every bit the defeated man.
"Huh? Stunk took Crimvael away again? With so many guests, do I have to handle everything by myself?"
At that moment, Melro approached, her gaze falling on the now-empty table and the missing Crimvael. Anger surged within her.
This was not the first time. After finally finding someone to share the workload, Stunk had whisked him away, leaving her to fend for herself once more.
"I told you before, I'm taking care of you. Why do you have to come here to work?"
"Hmph! The owner has been good to me; she took me in. Until I find someone to replace me, I won't abandon my post."
"But that tree fairy doesn't seem interested in hiring anyone."
"Then I won't leave."
"You're just making excuses for not wanting to go."
"That's right~"
"Ugh~ Well, as long as you're happy."
August had lost count of how many times he'd said this, but Melro's resolve had never wavered.
He wasn't foolish; he could tell that her mention of the owner was just a pretext. She didn't want to be a mere decoration, a "pet" to August.
At his side were Mia, Lachnela, Sandra, and Melro, all standing like trophies on a shelf. Even Sandra, the so-called "knight," was just another object to satisfy August's twisted desires and possessiveness.
She didn't want to become one of those trophies; thus, she refused to give up her job.
"Wait, August, you haven't gone to the succubus shop with Stunk recently, have you?"
"What do you mean? Wouldn't you want me to?"
"No, it's just that I find it strange."
"It's not that I don't want to go; it's that the shops he goes to aren't interesting."
"Why's that?"
"They're visiting the fairy's succubus shop."
"Fairies~"
Instinctively, Melro looked over at the three fairies not far away, enjoying fruits and sipping honey beer.
"Hey, they're not... "
"Yes, it's precisely because I saw them."
"Then why don't you go?"
"Because the sizes don't match. You know my situation... compare it to a fairy's."
"Sizes don't match?"
Melro pondered for a moment before realizing why, her face flushing bright red.
"You bastard, how dare you say that in public!"
"Hey, this is what you wanted to know. Besides, we know each other well enough, don't we?"
"You..."
Looking at August, Melro found herself at a loss for words, for they indeed knew each other very well.
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