"Why are you studying and doing homework again tonight?"
"Aren't university students supposed to study and do homework every day? I've paid so much in tuition and taken on academic loans—if I don't take studying seriously, how will I get my investment back?"
"Wow, impressive. Keep it up!"
"Wait, didn't the wanted notice mention you've been to university too? Why don't you help me with my homework?"
"Didn't you just swear to study diligently and avoid taking shortcuts? Determined to learn properly?"
"Well, some assignments are meaningless, just a chore to earn credits. Come on, help me out—please?"
"Don't get too close. It's hot; I'll start sweating. Let me take a look... Hmm, oh, I see."
"So? Will you help?"
"I'm willing to provide everything except actual assistance."
"What does that mean?"
"It means I don't know how to do it either."
"But you graduated, didn't you? Surely you've done assignments like this before!"
"Do you remember every type of bread you've ever eaten? Why would I remember how I finished assignments back then?"
"Ugh, you're such a useless gray-tier university graduate."
"If you want to be a golden-tier legendary student, just do your homework yourself. For your own good, I'll serve as a shameful example to inspire you."
"(⊙～⊙) You're shameless."
"Axiu—! The shampoo's out—can you grab a new one from the bottom shelf of the cabinet?"
"Surprising. You actually know better than to come out and get it yourself."
"I'm not done showering, and I don't want to dry off just to grab it. Walking out all wet would make a mess of the floor. I have some common sense."
"Wow, so considerate. I'm deeply moved. I hope you gain more common sense—like not sticking half your body out of the bathroom to grab things!"
"(＊￣ー￣) You're so annoying."
"Ah... Hm... Phew—done showering? You took longer than me. Water bills are expensive, you know..."
"Who do you think is to blame for that?"
"You say that like I forced you to shower for so long... Oh! Oh, I get it now! Aww, I'm not shy, so why are you?"
"What?"
"If you need to take care of yourself, there's no need to hide in the bathroom. As long as you don't make a mess everywhere, I don't mind if you do it on my bed. And even though I don't have much suitable for men, I know where to download materials from the network. Plus, I have lubricant—it's way better than water—"
"Stop! I was just showering, nothing else!"
"Then did you handle things during the day when you were home alone? Let me check your browsing history..."
"No! I haven't done anything like that here."
"Seriously? You've been staying here three days... Don't tell me you're into self-denial?"
"Not worth explaining. Move. I need to use the knowledge screen."
"╮(╯▽╰)╭ You're so weird."
"Still awake?"
"Yeah."
"The floor must be uncomfortable. Want to share the bed? I'll make some room for you."
"No thanks. I'm scared of you."
"Aw, that's mean! Honestly, lots of people fear my succubus traits, but many more are drawn to my looks. There are plenty of games I could play with you that would feel great... Want to try?"
"Speaking of which, Freya, why would someone like you, with so many options, prefer spending money at Mud Cafés instead of entertaining admirers at Wine Cafés?"
"Oh, Axiu, have you never been to a Wine Café? Such a novice!"
"Oh, how rich coming from someone who sleeps naked without a blanket. Enlighten me."
"Well, the biggest difference between Wine Cafés and Mud or Tea Cafés is equality."
"Equality isn't a good thing?"
"Equality means both sides serve each other. If I want to feel good, I have to make the other person feel good too. You get what you give. And honestly, I'm not the type to enjoy serving others, so I'd rather pay for Mud Café services."
"That sounds... pretty selfish."
"Plus, Mud Cafés offer more than just 'Mud Worker Services.' There's buffets, baths, saunas, and spa treatments—so many ways for women to unwind and forget their worries. It's incredibly relaxing. Statistics say the average adult woman visits a Mud Café once a month, and some high-level professionals even have permanent rooms in private Mud Cafés, staying overnight to enjoy premium services every evening."
"Oh, I get it now. Queen energy—shine bright!"
"And paying means I can request things regular men wouldn't agree to."
"Hm, that makes sense... Wait, what?"
"Axiu, come here." (She pats the bed.) "If it's you, I wouldn't mind serving you."
"Would you expect something in return afterward? A favor no ordinary man could fulfill?"
"..."
"And by special request, you mean something extraordinary?"
"But you're no ordinary man! Have some guts, Saint of Demons!"
"I'm finding the floor surprisingly comfortable. Goodnight."
"Hmph! (＃￣～￣＃) Such a coward."
"Why are you always wearing those arm and leg sleeves?"
"What sleeves?"
"The fluffy white fur on your arms and legs. Isn't it just something you put on?"
"How rude! That's my natural fur, my succubus charm. All succubi have it—it's our most distinct feature from humans."
"I know a male succubus who doesn't have fur."
"There are no male succubi—only males with some succubus blood. Succubi, by definition, are female. If a succubus has children, daughters are always pure succubi, while sons inherit the father's race."
"Another useless piece of trivia."
"So, do you think my fur is pretty? I like it, but I know some people dislike it, seeing it as a beastly trait. Some even get fur removal surgery to look more human."
"It's beautiful. Can I touch it?"
"Don't you think it looks too animalistic?"
"That's what makes it better."
"Huh? Are you into Moonshadow-types?"
"No, your fur just makes you more unique. It's not the fur itself; it's you. You'd look great even bald."
"Really?! I was thinking of trying a new hairstyle..."
"—But your current style is perfect. No need to change."
"Hehe, I think so too. (o＊￣▽￣＊o) You've got good taste!"
"What's for dinner?"
"Fruit salad, and—"
"No Fiery Lava Fatfish with Fish Roe Rice Bowls?"
"That dish is actually a hassle to make..."
"Oh, okay. Guess I'll head to class."
"But I kind of want it too. I'll swap the steak for the rice bowl."
"(～￣▽￣)～ It's what you want, not me begging for it."
"What's been up with you lately?"
During class, Adela suddenly asked Freya, "You seem really happy these days."
"What? I do?"
"Your lips have been in a perpetual smile. Even watching it tires me out! I think not even getting into the Red Mist Institute would make me as happy as you look right now."
Freya instinctively covered her mouth, then dropped her hand. "No way. I'm always a cheerful little succubus."
"C'mon, spill! What's made you so happy? You can't tell me?"
Freya raised an eyebrow. "Adela, that's... a little intrusive, you know."
Though they were friends, boundaries existed.
They could share hobbies—Adela taking Freya to casinos, Freya introducing Adela to Mud Cafés—but certain topics were taboo.
Freya had recently been struggling with a peculiar, growing feeling, something so overwhelming it clouded her logic.
She wasn't the type to stew in her emotions or attempt to resolve such issues alone. In the Bloodmoon Nation, the standard response to psychological distress was seeking therapy. It was as normal as visiting a doctor for physical ailments.
Adela leaned closer and spoke softly.
"Because right now... you're scared, aren't you?"