[306] Succubi

At this moment, August had become the object of envy and admiration for every man in the room.

Women who worked in succubus establishments were often known for their flirtatious behavior, not necessarily immoral, but far from modest. This was largely influenced by the customs of the world they lived in.

Yet, for a succubus cowgirl to seek out a man in broad daylight—especially to thank him for a wonderful night—was a tremendous honor.

Every patron in the tavern, save for a few exceptions, had undoubtedly visited a succubus shop at least once. After all, in this world, the nightlife was rather lacking in excitement.

However, it was unheard of for a succubus to be attracted to a customer. Usually, it was the customers who were enchanted by the succubi.

August had set a new precedent. As a man, he had managed to captivate a cowgirl succubus, to the point that she sought him out in broad daylight. This was an extraordinary achievement.

Crack!

Nearby, Meidri, who hadn't left yet, suddenly erupted in anger, crushing the tray she held in her hands.

"Hey, Miss Succubus, this is a tavern, not a succubus house. If you're looking for a man, please take your business elsewhere," Meidri said coldly.

"Who are you?" Lucine asked, puzzled as she looked at Meidri. They had never crossed paths before, after all. While the town wasn't exactly large, it wasn't that small either.

"I'm a waitress at this tavern, Miss Succubus."

"Oh, so you're just a server. I see," Lucine responded, casting Meidri a glance that implied they were equals.

To Lucine, both of them "served" men, though in different capacities. This condescending look irritated Meidri. It wasn't that she despised succubi or women who worked in succubus houses—just this overly familiar cowgirl standing before her.

"Alright, Lucine, let go of me," August said firmly.

"No way! I've been searching for you all morning. I'm not letting you go that easily," she replied playfully.

"We're not that close. We only just met yesterday."

"But you've already been inside me! We're close enough," she countered.

"That was Stunk's idea. Besides, it was just a transaction—you were willing, and so was I. Why are you clinging to me now?" August responded, feeling annoyed. No one who frequented succubus houses wanted to be followed around afterward. It was supposed to be a no-strings-attached, consensual exchange of money and pleasure.

Stunk, Zel, and Kanchal looked on with envy. They couldn't believe how obsessed Lucine was with August. Just how impressive had he been in that regard?

"Who would've thought you'd be so popular with the ladies? Enjoy it while you can," Meidri remarked before turning away, clearly upset. It was obvious to anyone watching that she was furious.

August frowned. He had some interest in the winged waitress, after all. Lucine, by comparison, had been nothing more than a fleeting encounter, a momentary indulgence.

"Let go. I won't say it again," August's voice turned cold, and Lucine shivered at the sudden change in his tone. Reluctantly, she released him.

Stunk, Zel, and Kanchal, sitting closest to August, could feel the shift in his demeanor. A moment ago, he had been laid-back, but in an instant, he had transformed into someone as intimidating as a demon lord, as if he could kill without a second thought.

"Lucine, there's nothing between us. It was just a business deal."

"But I—"

"That's your issue. I might spend money on you in the future, but I would never choose a succubus as a partner," August interrupted her, his words cutting deep.

His response was harsh, but not out of the ordinary.

Most men loved visiting succubus houses, but none would ever marry a succubus. No one wanted their home to become a hub of international relations, and no man wanted to end up raising someone else's children, so to speak.

For women who worked in that trade, there was no going back. Years of entertaining clients inevitably changed them.

"Hey, August, that's a bit harsh," Stunk interjected, feeling some sympathy for Lucine, who now looked crestfallen. After all, she was still a beautiful woman.

August reined in his aura, reverting to the calm demeanor he had displayed moments earlier. As he looked at Lucine, whose head hung low, almost on the verge of tears, he felt a twinge of sympathy. The cowgirl race was truly unique—possessing an exaggerated figure, yet paired with an innocent, angelic face.

"I can keep visiting you, but I'll never accept you as anything more than that. Do you understand?" August said, his tone softening.

"As long as you keep coming to see me, I'll be fine with whatever," Lucine replied, smiling again. She didn't love August; she was simply hooked, overwhelmed by the satisfaction she had experienced with him.

It was like an addiction—once you got a taste, it was hard to let go. For a seasoned smoker, quitting was torture, and even after managing to do so, one slip-up could pull them right back in.

With that, Lucine left, completely content, leaving Stunk, Zel, and Kanchal utterly speechless.

"Hey, did we just get played?" Stunk asked, still bewildered.

"You actually thought she was a good girl, didn't you, Stunk?" August chuckled.

"Wait, you saw through her from the start?" Stunk asked, realization dawning on him.

"Think about it—why do you think she came looking for me?"

"Because of last night..." Stunk trailed off, finally understanding. It was all a well-laid trap, and they had fallen for it completely.

With that incident behind them, the group now had a clearer understanding: appearances could be deceiving, and they couldn't judge people based solely on their looks.

"Stunk, you guys go ahead and eat. I'll be back in a bit," August said, standing up.

"Alright~" Stunk replied, waving him off.

August headed deeper into the tavern, making his way to the back. He had been to Meidri's room before, so he knew exactly where to go.

As soon as August left, the three men at the table exchanged knowing glances, grins spreading across their faces.

"He's definitely going to see Meidri."

"Of course. No doubt about it."

"She left earlier because she was jealous, so August is definitely going to explain things to her."

At that moment, Stunk, Zel, and Kanchal were ablaze with gossip. In a world so devoid of entertainment, drinking, bragging, and chatting were the primary ways to pass the time. After all, it wasn't exactly appropriate to visit the succubus houses in broad daylight.

Given all the chaos August had stirred up, he had naturally become the prime subject of their discussions. And the fact that the beautiful and famous Meidri—often referred to as the tavern's own flower—was involved only fueled their curiosity and gossip even more.

Meanwhile, August ascended the stairs, arriving at Meidri's door on the second floor. His heightened senses told him that she was inside.

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