Axel, a small town, has all the charming qualities one would expect. Its cobblestone streets, where carts are rarely seen, and brightly colored buildings blend residential areas with shops selling a variety of goods, including bright flowers, soft baked goods, and high-quality armor and weapons.
Everyone knew each other and happily waved, smiled, and stopped for spontaneous conversations.
No one waved or smiled at Raka. Of course, he understood why—he was a newcomer, and people didn't know him yet.
As he walked along the busier streets, most people whispered behind their hands. With his sharp hearing, Raka knew they were talking about Dust beside him.
Dust's reputation was particularly bad among women, who avoided him as if afraid of being harassed.
'This guy's skin is so thick, he ignores the women's disgusted gaze.'
Raka silently gave a thumbs-up to Dust's mental fortitude. If it were him, he wouldn't dare show his face in public.
"Dust, you're not taking me to a gambling den, are you? Just so you know, I'm not a gambler."
"Even if I wanted to take you to a gambling den, I don't have any money. Rest assured, it's a paradise for men in Axel."
"Sounds suspicious..."
Dust's silly smile made Raka even more uncertain. Suddenly, he stopped, raised his hand, and caught white drops falling from the sky in his palm.
"Could it be... Snow?"
"Oh, it's almost winter, and snow is starting to fall. Haiz, staying in the stables during winter is really tough. Hm? What's up, Mikazuki, why are you spacing out?"
After complaining about how hard life was, Dust wondered why Raka was standing still.
"This is the first time I've seen snow in my life."
Raka lifted his head and enjoyed the cold snowflakes falling on his face.
Indonesia is a tropical country with two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. If Indonesia people want to experience real snow, they have to travel abroad or visit large malls with snow playgrounds.
As an ordinary person from a middle-class family, Raka couldn't afford to travel abroad, and the malls in his city didn't have snow playgrounds.
"Seriously? How remote is your hometown? This is the first time I've heard of a place that never gets snow."
Dust didn't think the other person was lying after seeing such a sincere expression.
"Dust? What are you doing here?"
Hearing his name called, without turning around, he already knew who was speaking behind him. With a stiff movement, Dust turned around.
It was a young, attractive girl with a very childish face, bright green eyes, and long, straight brown hair tied into a ponytail. She had a tanuki tail and breasts that were quite small for a girl her age.
She was Rin, a party member and Dust's guardian.
"Yo, Rin! Your chest is as small as ever."
"💢"
*BAM*
Even though she was used to Dust teasing her chest, Rin was still angry. Without hesitation, she hit his head.
"Hmph! I don't want to talk to you."
Seeing Rin leave, Dust smiled thinly. He had purposely teased her chest to make her angry and leave.
"You're sly, Dust."
Guessing Dust's intention from his expression, Raka was speechless.
How daring to mock a woman's chest size directly in front of her.
"Just a small matter. Rather than that, let's hurry before Rin comes back."
Then, Dust led Raka to a café located in an alley.
"A café? Do you still want to eat, Dust? I remind you, I'm not paying for your food again."
"Mikazuki, I'm bringing you here even though we just met because you're a good person. Can you promise to keep this a secret once you know?"
Dust held Raka's shoulders and asked with a serious expression.
"... Alright." Raka nodded.
"This isn't an ordinary café; its true nature is a secret among men in Axel. It's also the reason why many veteran adventurers stay in Axel, and it's the main reason why male adventurers are so willing to protect the town."
"This café is run by a group of Succubus who give men sweet dreams in exchange for a small amount of Vitality. Rest assured, it's safe and guaranteed."
"..."
It was impossible for Raka not to be tempted after hearing Dust's explanation. After all, he was a 26-year-old virgin. In the real world, he was reluctant to hire prostitutes for fear of contracting sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea, Hepatitis B, syphilis, etc.
He was a medical university graduate, knowing more about health than ordinary people.
Several times he thought about using the MiChat app, a place for women offering prostitution services at affordable prices. But Raka didn't dare take the risk.
'If it's just a dream... It should be fine, right?'
The clash between lust and faith was won by lust.
"Then what are you waiting for, let's go in."
"You seem more excited than I am."
Dust shook his head, and together they entered the café.
During the day, the café functioned as a regular restaurant, where waiters served food. Only at night did the café reveal its true nature.
"Onee-san, I'd like the special package." Dust said, winking at the waitress.
It was a code for the main service of the Succubus Café.
"Please follow me."
The beautiful waitress guided them further into the café, the sweet and spicy aroma making one's head dizzy. The lighting was dim, but the soft red and gold lights matched the intimate atmosphere where whispering voices were barely audible.
Raka saw people, all men, huddled over tables separated by small privacy screens, eagerly writing on sheets of paper.
Then, two beautiful girls with pale skin, wings, and tails, wearing costumes resembling underwear, which were more embarrassing than being naked, came to lead him and Dust to seats.
'So this is a Succubus... Very sexy!'
Raka's heart pounded as he observed the girl in front of him, trying to stay calm.
"Please wait a moment."
The Succubus bowed and left for a moment.
"Haaahhh..."
Exhaling deeply, Raka's eyes didn't stop staring at the Succubus in the room. He had no choice; their outfits barely covered the important parts.
"Hm? Is that you..."
Looking around, Raka was surprised to see the Rough Guy he had met at the Adventurer's Guild.
"Welcome to the gates of hell. Good luck, brave demon."
"Hehe... I can't wait."
With a wide grin, the Rough Guy stood after filling out the form and left.
Out of curiosity, Raka stood and peeked at the Rough Guy's form on the table.
"So his name is Potemkin the 4th... Wait, is he really related to the legendary noble Potemkin?"
It was a surprise for Raka to see the Potemkin noble family in this world.