Chapter 4 – The Alchemist and the Unfair Contract

Rea​d on Kat​R​ea​ding​Caf​e​

Claudia, who had been standing with arms crossed, an expressionless face, and one foot forward, straightened her posture when our eyes met, tilting her head in confusion.

“Huh? Where is Lord Astarote, and who is this cute… young lady?”

Her questioning gaze swept over me. I responded confidently, pushing out my chest. Pretending to be an ordinary girl, abandoning my habits of speaking as Asha.

“Didn’t my master earnestly ask you not to call him that?”

“Ah, that fellow didn’t like being called that, right? But what does it matter when he’s not here~ So, you’re his disciple? That’s interesting. A person who seemed to have no friends suddenly has a disciple?”

“…It’s not that he doesn’t have any, he just doesn’t make them.”

“Hm? What did you say?”

“Nothing. Anyway, the potions are ready, so please come in and take them.”

“I’m not worried since that fellow wouldn’t be careless about matters involving money. But… did he go on vacation somewhere?”

Claudia grinned as she stepped through the entrance. Her tail swayed gently before my eyes. There was a musky scent. That much was expected, but her tail kept touching my body. Why is she rubbing it against me when she usually wouldn’t even let me touch it?

“Could you please move your tail away?”

In response, she smiled at me and held her tail right in front of my face. Swish, swish.

Then, in a voice that seemed somewhat mischievous, she spoke.

“Want to touch it?”

“…Is that allowed?”

“Of course, little lady.”

Why is she acting like this…? When I used to tearfully beg to touch it just once, offering my hard-earned money, she wouldn’t let me…

Honestly, every time I saw Claudia, I wanted to touch it. How could anyone resist that glossy, soft bundle of fur?

“…Then I won’t hesitate.”

I reached out to the tail that was swaying enticingly before my eyes.

It felt soft yet slightly stiff. The deeper in I went, the warmer it felt. I stroked the lush tail fur vigorously. It was so addictive that I wanted to keep touching it. The musky scent flowing into my nose made me feel good.

Before I knew it, I had hugged it tightly, causing Claudia to blush slightly and push my forehead.

“Young lady, that’s a bit too much…”

“…I’m sorry. I got excited without realizing.”

“Well, it might be okay if it’s you…”

“Pardon?”

“Nothing.”

Claudia composed her expression and moved again. I followed her, watching her swaying tail. I thought about getting a pet when my circumstances improved, but soon shook my head.

Just as they say a neighbor’s cat is the best, I thought it would be most enjoyable when there’s no responsibility. I wasn’t sure if Claudia would let me touch it again, but…

Anyway, I inspected the potions with Claudia.

“Yes, the types and quantities are correct.”

“Give me the money.”

“…You’re definitely that master’s disciple, just the same.”

…Was I too much like myself? Whatever, who cares.

Claudia rummaged through the bag at her waist and pulled out a leather pouch containing money. The jingling sound instantly lifted my spirits. Although the money would soon be spent, it still felt good.

“Here’s the payment for the potions… Did your master say anything else?”

“…He asked me to ask if you found what he requested.”

Claudia smiled wickedly.

“Of course… I found it.”

“Wow.”

I clenched my fist. There was a material I’d been wanting, which was one of the reasons I had contracted with Claudia. She was an excellent adventurer.

But I frowned at what came out of Claudia’s mouth next.

“But… it took more effort than expected.”

“…Wasn’t that the original contract?”

“You seem quite close to your master.”

“…Well, yes.”

I am him, though…

“Listen, it’s not about the money spent, but that my life was at stake. A monster one grade higher than what your master had informed me about appeared, you know?”

“That’s… truly regrettable, but isn’t the contract… such? And I’m sure someone of your caliber, Claudia, could handle it adequately.”

Claudia narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. Her voluptuous chest bounced.

“I’m disappointed you’re taking that stance. After all the years of business between me and your master, this is an issue of trust. This won’t do. I should discuss this with Lord Astarote directly.”

“…That would be difficult.”

“Why? Is there a problem?”

…Well, he’s right in front of you, but you can’t recognize him.

Ah, this is really frustrating. I tried to save money by using a cheap provider, and now I’m about to lose even more! I should have been suspicious when they pounded their chests telling me to just trust them. Never using them again.

…More than that, I need to get through this situation. What should I do? Judging by Claudia’s expression, she won’t give it to me unless I either meet her as myself or pay more.

Hmm… Claudia. She seemed kind to this form earlier… What if I use that? It’s a bit underhanded, but if I want to save money, I should use whatever advantage I can.

I clasped both hands together, clenched my fists, and looked at Claudia with bright eyes, pretending to be downcast as I spoke. I almost retched, but held it back.

“Um… isn’t there any way? This is the first time my master has entrusted me with such a task… I wanted to resolve it within the budget… Could you please help me? Hm? Claudia?”

Even I thought doing this was a bit sleazy, but it seemed to work on Claudia, who scratched her head as if troubled. She looked at me with an expression of contemplation. It seemed like I just needed to push a little more.

“Please? I can grant you a favor that doesn’t cost money.”

“Hmm… really?”

Claudia’s expression brightened subtly.

“Alright then. Let’s say you grant me one favor in exchange. I wouldn’t normally do this, but I’m making an exception because you’re a cute young lady, okay?”

“Yay! Really?”

“…He really did bring in someone just like himself as a disciple.”

“Pardon?”

“Nothing.”

Claudia shook her head and opened her bag with a grin.

“Here, these are the Alraune petals and honey your master requested.”

“Wow!”

Claudia, who was about to hand over the pouch, suddenly held it high above her head. My hands sliced through empty air.

Claudia chuckled and said:

“But first, I need to hear your answer to my favor.”

“Yes?”

“Will you go on a date with me?”

“…What?”

What is this crazy beastfolk saying? Why would I do such a troublesome thing—

“Since you said a favor that doesn’t cost money, I’ll cover the expenses.”

“I’d love to!”

“That’s refreshingly straightforward.”

Well, that’s different. What’s the big deal about a date anyway? Just eat expensive food, walk in the park a bit, and it’s over, right? This is a profitable deal!

As I was snickering inside, I noticed Claudia glancing at me.

“…I’d appreciate it if you wore proper clothes when you come out for the date.”

“…There are some circumstances regarding this.”

“Is that so? That’s a relief. I thought your master was too stingy to buy you clothes.”

“…He’s not that much of a miser.”

“Well, I’m just happy to feast my eyes.”

As Claudia spoke, her pants seemed to bulge slightly. Like an erect male… but since Claudia is a woman… she must have a pocket knife or something in there.

By the way, did she like women? That’s… unfortunate. I’m a man. Well, it’s not like she’s asking me out, just for one date, so it shouldn’t be a problem. I hope she lets me touch her tail again.

“Anyway, I should get going. I need to hurry if I want to deliver these potions on time.”

“Ah, yes.”

“Let’s see… How about after this delivery is done? I’ll come pick you up, so keep your schedule open, okay?”

“Understood.”

By that time, I might have returned to normal, but then what excuse should I make? I don’t know, I’ll figure it out when the time comes.

And so, the money pouch and material pouch landed in my hands. I tried hard to suppress the urge to jump for joy until Claudia left.

Humming a tune, I safely deposited the money pouch in the safe. Most of it would go to paying off the remaining construction costs for the house, but… it’s okay to enjoy it for a moment, right?

I counted each coin one by one, put them all in the safe, and closed the door. Next, I returned to the workshop and put on gloves. Since it was hard to obtain, I should handle it with care. It’s expensive after all.

As I was about to store the materials in the preservation box, I felt something odd. Yesterday’s collection from the girl… ah damn, it comes to mind again. Anyway, the amount of semen extracted from the girl seemed a bit strange.

“…Do the sperm reproduce among themselves? Why does the amount seem to have increased?”

The beaker, which had been half full, was now filled to about 70 percent. Well, I’ll find out when I research it. Now I have plenty of time!

This order came from far away and was urgent, but for others, I can entrust part of the work to the girl, which will give me plenty of time for research. I was excited at the thought of being able to make potions I had only conceived in my mind.

Something like a breast enlargement medicine… This could surely be a hit. With the girl who could serve as a clinical trial subject, it should go smoothly.

Chuckling, I returned to the room to find the girl rubbing her eyes and getting up.

“Are you awake?”

“Yes… Mother… I mean, Lady Asha.”

The girl greeted me and got out of bed. The highly raised tent was a bonus to her greeting. The girl said:

“It suddenly got hard again.”

Impressive, truly impressive. After ejaculating like that yesterday, you’re erect again in the morning?

“…Handle it yourself.”

“…Yes.”

After a brief pause, the girl trudged out of the room. Looking at the empty bed, I thought:

…It seems there’s no name more fitting than “Erection” after all.

KatTL