Author's Notes: Chapter edited and corrected by Scott Fellman.
"Did she really take that challenge seriously and end up going to the red-light district?" I asked playfully as I sat down next to Finn. Finding them was really easy; I had placed a tracking spell on the watches I had given them.
I could tell one of them had separated from the group, so we decided to head to the larger group first. To my surprise, they were in the Entertainment District, inside the Rating Game Arena. Oddly enough, a fight was going on inside.
The Arena was used even when I wasn't participating; otherwise, it would be a waste if it wasn't used when I didn't have a Rating Game, since that only happened once every one or two weeks.
So letting others use it was the easiest solution, not to mention that most people loved Rating Games, so it was fine. We had reached the very end of the Rating Game. I approached the group, ignored their surprised looks, and sat down next to the Loki Familia, who seemed slightly surprised.
I cast a light spell to prevent our conversation from disturbing others. Obviously, the only one missing was Loki, and it was clear her watch was pointed to the Red Light District.
Finn sighed.
"Unfortunately, we were visiting other places, and several of us were curious about what this 'Rating Game' was, so we decided to come and see, but the moment we looked away, Loki was gone." Finn sighed, Riveria sighed wearily.
"Alright, let's go find her once the Rating Game is over. I think you'll enjoy watching the fight." I said, glancing at the arena. To my surprise, Sairaorg was fighting tonight. That was quite a coincidence. It was strange that I hadn't heard about it before.
"I didn't see the need to notify you. I thought you were busy with GLaDOS, and besides, Sairaorg didn't deliver any message for an official meeting between us; our Arena was simply chosen randomly during the selection of his Rating Game." I heard Ravel in my head with an apologetic tone.
"Don't worry," I said simply.
"Do you know him?" Finn asked as he watched Sairaorg enter the Arena. The Rating Game that was taking place was in normal mode, and only Sairaorg's opponent's King remained, so he decided to go out and face his opponent.
"Yes, his name is Sairaorg Bael; he is considered the strongest young devil of our generation." I said with slightly glowing eyes.
"I don't understand this Rating Game thing, but an arena where devils fight each other for sport? This sounds incredible. Is he stronger than you?" Rebecca asked, excited about the fight. I hummed.
"Who knows... so far, we've never faced each other in a Rating Game, although... that will soon change." I said as I watched Sairaorg begin to fight the opposing King.
"He... isn't using magic?" Riveria asked.
"Demonic power, we devils use demonic power." I gently corrected her. "And no, he can't, he was born with... malformations that prevent him from using demonic power, even so, he is considered the strongest young devil." I said with the same gentleness.
Just as I expected, Sairaorg gave his opponent a complete beating, leaving the opponent unable to resist.
"He's stronger than Ottar," Ais murmured.
"Much stronger, his opponent was really weak, Sairaorg didn't even use a tenth of his full strength," I said honestly, just as Sairaorg was announced as the winner, his gaze met mine.
I could see a flicker of surprise on his face. I just smiled slightly, raised my hands, and clapped lightly in his direction. That made Sairaorg smile before he nodded in my direction and began to rejoin his Peerage.
"Are you going to confront him?" Finn asked curiously. I hummed.
"Perhaps there's... a tournament for young devils. Well, actually, it's for important heirs of noble devil families. Sairaorg will participate, and he's the favorite to win."
"Me? I'm just a succubus. I may be close to his age, but I'm still a succubus. Even though I'm engaged to Ravel, whose family is the richest in the underworld, I still don't know if I'll receive an invitation to the tournament. I have... a sort of friendship with the Satans, so it's quite possible." I said honestly.
"Oh! Can I participate!? " Rebecca asked excitedly, and I laughed slightly.
"Yes, but you'll have to train very hard. I don't think your... weapons will be very effective against a trained devil," I said gently.
"I don't care!" Rebecca said with a wild smile.
"We'd better go find Loki," I said finally, and the group nodded.
"Let's go find her before she causes trouble." Riveria sighed wearily. I chuckled. We all quickly left the arena as the crowd parted. When they realized who I was, I just smiled at them and nodded.
"Come on, do you know where she went?" I asked playfully once we were outside.
"I think before we separated, she was talking about... Ruby from Pentagram City? Several people mentioned her multiple times, and I heard Loki," Finn said with a slight hum.
"Oh, she went to see Marion," I said easily.
"Marion?" Riveria asked curiously.
"Marion Lavorre, one of the three leaders of the Succubi, also known as the Ruby of Pentagram City, works as a courtesan at Lavish Chateau, one of the three major brothels in the Red Light District. She likes to put on shows regularly; there must be one of her shows happening." I said easily as I started walking.
"Oh? One of the brothels? Is this where you grew up? " Rebecca asked curiously. I shook my head.
"Nope, I grew up in Verdigris House, run by Fengxian." I said easily.
"Did you say, Lavorre?" Finn asked curiously. I raised an eyebrow in his direction.
"Does the name sound familiar?" I asked curiously. He just nodded.
"We went into a... magic joke shop? It was run by someone named Jester Lavorre," Finn said with a nod.
"Oh yes, Jester's shop. I hope she didn't force you to try any of the pranks." I said playfully.
"Don't worry, Tiona was the only one who suffered." Tione said playfully, and Tiona puffed out her cheeks.
"It wasn't fun! My tongue swelled up so much I thought it was going to explode! " Tiona complained; I could hear several of them laughing.
"A magic joke shop?" Riveria asked curiously. I was about to answer when Lefiya spoke first.
"Yes! It was amazing! There were so many magical sweets and magical objects to play pranks on! Ais ate some of the sweets and roared like a lion!" Lefiya said excitedly. Ais nodded several times. Riveria looked surprised.
"And is a store like that profitable? Wouldn't it cost too much? " Riveria asked, confused. I shook my head.
"No, all the sweets have multiple enchantments. Read the first-year book. A charm is a spell that adds certain properties to an object. Most of what Jester can create is covered in those books. Jester can make hundreds of sweets in just a few hours," I explained, looking at Riveria. Riveria seemed surprised.
"That girl... Jester? Is she talented? " Riveria asked, and I sighed.
"She's a succubus, like me, and not at all." I scoffed playfully, and Riveria looked surprised. "Jester has no talent for normal magic... or at least, for using it in a normal way. The moment she finds a way to use it for some prank or mischief, she'll be able to master it quickly."
"That... sounds weird," Riveria said, surprised. I shrugged.
"Jester is... special, she moves to her own rhythm, in fact, she's one of the few devils to worship a god." I hummed before stopping abruptly. "Tell me they didn't tell her they were from the Loki familia?" I asked quickly. Finn looked surprised, but shook his head.
"No, not really, actually... we hardly had a chance to talk, she... she just kept talking without stopping." Finn said awkwardly, and I snorted amusedly before sighing in relief.
"Well, Jester would have gone berserk if you'd mentioned Loki." I sighed in relief. "Just as I live for magic, Jester lives for jokes and tricks. Mention Loki, the God of mischief? Yeah, she would have gone berserk... even more than she already is."
I mean, it was a blessing that she worshipped Loki and other deities of trickery and mischief since I hadn't heard her talking to The Traveler alone, so I could rule out that particular god from Critical Role.
"Wow, I didn't think anyone worshipped the gods like... real worship. I guess we're used to seeing them constantly, and I mean... worship fades after meeting a real god, especially someone like Loki-sama." Tione said dryly. I could hear the Loki Familia chuckle slightly.
"Even so, I can see you had fun." I said simply, and Finn nodded.
"It was... wonderful, everything is so... different from Orario," Finn said with a smile. "Everyone seemed happy, comfortable, at peace. It really is a beautiful city," Finn added, his eyes sparkling as he looked at me.
"Thank you." I said simply as I nodded.
"It's a shame I couldn't explore it with you," Riveria sighed as she looked around.
"You would have loved it, Riveria-sama! There was a potion shop with hundreds of potions, all with different effects!" Lefiya said happily.
"Oh, they passed by my pharmacy," I said proudly.
"Wait, that potion shop was yours?!" Lefiya asked in surprise.
"Mostly, yes. I make most of the potions for sale myself. Maomao, Sucy, and Sotheby are my apprentices; they work in the shop while they learn to make potions," I said with a smile.
"Oh... that... there were a lot of potions, did you make them all?" Lefiya asked in shock.
"I'm not being arrogant when I say I'm the greatest potion maker in the underworld; it's a fact. Of all the magical disciplines I'm good at, potions is one of the highest on that list," I said honestly.
"Wow... wait, Bella, joined the Miach familia, you... Are you trying to steal their recipes? " Finn asked cautiously, Bella snorted.
"I don't steal. I made a deal with them. I give them a portion of my dungeon earnings to pay off the debt to Dian Cecht and to buy ingredients in exchange for their recipes, with the assurance that they won't be sold in Orario," Bella said easily.
"I suppose Miach accepted," Riveria said gently, and Bella nodded.
"Miach is nice," Bella said with a shrug. "And I get along well with Naaza, so there's nothing wrong with that."
"There are no weapon shops." Bete interrupted with a grimace. I nodded.
"And you wouldn't find it. Pentagram City is full of low-class devils, so finding someone who makes quality weapons will be difficult, especially if they're better than those in Orario. Devils don't need those kinds of weapons very often; there are... other types of weapons that are preferable for devils." I explained vaguely.
Now that I think about it, it was very rare for people in this world to use weapons unless they were some famous weapon, like Excalibur or a renowned cursed sword. After that, they simply relied on their natural abilities, such as Sacred Gears, Clan Traits, or Racial Traits; weapons rarely came into play.
Hmm, maybe I could try to replicate some of the methods of creation in Orario while I was there. Bella had acquired large quantities of metal; I could start selling it to the Nether.
All the weapons in Danmachi, crafted by high-level blacksmiths, were excellent, so it would be quite profitable to start selling them.
I guess I had a plan for my time in Orario.
"Oh, we're about to go in." Tiona pointed ahead of us, where the buildings and the atmosphere were beginning to change noticeably.
"Alright, get ready." I said playfully as I walked into the Red Light District.
"It can't get any worse than Night City," Lucy said casually. I chuckled. Everyone started to keep up with me, but they looked around cautiously.
The first houses were no different from the previous ones, to the point that everyone began to relax, until finally we went far enough in for the Succubi to start appearing.
"Is that... is that a restaurant with sex hours?" Rebecca asked incredulously, pointing to a spot. I snorted as I read the sign for Pooters: All you can have sex.
"That's exactly what it is, I understand it's quite famous." I confirmed with amusement as I continued walking.
The deeper we went, the more shops like that one we kept finding, and more and more succubi, especially those wearing tiny clothes or practically naked, fluttering around without a care in the world.
I even saw several of them having sex in one of the alleys.
Most of them greeted me when they saw me, and I greeted them back; luckily, they noticed the entourage following me and kept going.
"We've arrived at Lavish Chateau," I announced as I looked at the large, majestic building in front of us.
"Oh, thank the gods!" Lefiya squealed, her body flushed bright red.
"Let's go inside before one of you spontaneously explodes," I said jokingly.
"I-it's not funny! I'm sure one of the succubi was drinking a jug of... th - th-th -I'm not going to say it!" Lefiya squealed, nearly fainting. I burst out laughing. I could see the others' faces turning bright red.
Even Rebecca and Lucy seemed surprised by such scenes, without a trace of concern.
"Lady Prince!" One of the guards at the front shouted. "Have you come to see our dear Marion?" The guard asked excitedly. "Her act is just about to begin," he added quickly.
"Oh, nothing that important, just looking for a wayward guest. She heard talk about The Ruby of Pentagram City, and she ran off, ignoring her escorts. I'm just helping to find her." I said casually, and the two guards chuckled slightly.
"Ah, so the usual." One of them added playfully, my eyes sparkling as I nodded.
"That's what our dear Marion causes. Now, if you'll excuse us, I'm sure they wouldn't mind seeing Marion's performance either." I said while nodding, and the guards simply stepped aside.
"Of course, Lady Prince." They said as they bowed. I started walking.
"You really are important to them, aren't you? Even as we were walking here, I saw all the citizens greeting you the moment they recognized you." Finn said gently, and I smiled slightly.
"I'm glad you feel comfortable enough for that," I said simply. We finally entered the brothel's grand hall, an enormous room. There were seats scattered everywhere, and the lights had been dimmed enough to create a subtly erotic atmosphere. I recognized the opening notes of 'Who Will You Be?' immediately.
Take off your jacket
Have a drink, lend an ear
It's time to start the show, oh
Marion's voice filled the entire room and drew everyone's attention. The red-skinned succubus moved slowly and seductively around the room as she toyed with the guests.
Let's put these masks on
There's nothing left to fear
The secrets that you keep from me
No one has to know, oh
Marion stepped onto the stage, and all the spotlights immediately turned on, shining on her; I could see a head of red hair right in front of everything.
"Loki is in the front row," I murmured playfully, startling everyone. They seemed hypnotized by Marion's voice. I smiled slightly.
"That voice…" Riveria said, surprised.
"It's something about succubi; we're good at seducing in any way, some are especially good with their voices," I explained quickly.
No one is watching
Change your name, change your hair
If you want, I'll be your mistress
Let's have an affair
Oh, who will you be
A pauper or a bourgeois?
Who will you be
When you're lost in the reverie?
You're my woman, you're my daddy
What's your fantasy?
I saw Marion stop and reach for something beside her, only to find nothing. I rolled my eyes. I could see Bluud behind the stage; he looked like he was about to come out with something in his arms. I moved my hand, and the holographic artifact began to float. It circled Marion several times and gently landed in her hands. She seemed surprised but quickly moved.
She spun it, activating it, and holograms—copies of Marion in different disguises—began to appear all over the room, approaching each client. I saw Marion, dressed as an angel, approach Loki, who was practically hypnotized by this point.
Baby, who will you
Who will you be?
Who will you be?
Who will you be?
The holograms soared into the sky, exploding into holographic confetti. The entire crowd erupted in cheers, especially Loki at the front, who wasn't even trying to keep a low profile.
"Incredible..." I heard one of them murmur beside me, and the others agreed. I smiled slightly at the effect Marion had on them. There was a reason she was one of the most famous and sought-after succubi.
I saw Marion thank the audience before she even saw me; her eyes widened slightly. I winked at her playfully. Marion nodded, signaled to the other succubi to attend to the customers, and then she came over to me.
"Lady Prince, I hope you enjoyed my show. Thank you for your help." Marion said with a gentle smile as she approached.
"Marion, spectacular as always, or rather, your voice is always a marvel to listen to." I said playfully, Marion laughed slightly.
"Nonsense, you're divine too," Marion said. I hummed along without committing.
"Flatteries aside, I regret to say that I didn't come for a social visit; we came to find someone." I said with a sigh.
"Let me guess, redhead in the front seats?" Marion asked, raising an eyebrow.
"That's the one. How did you know?" I asked curiously. Marion snorted.
"She burst in shouting and, to quote, 'My daughter is engaged to the owner of this city, give me your best seat!'" Marion said, hilariously. I could hear Riveria, in fact, the entire Loki familia, slapping their faces against their palms. I burst out laughing.
"And she's not lying." I said gently to Marion. Marion's eyes widened slightly. "Marion, this is Riveria, my new fiancée." I said, introducing Riveria. Riveria looked surprised.
"It was a pleasure meeting you," Riveria said with a tired smile. "And I'm sorry for her—for her, sometimes she doesn't have a filter." Riveria sighed.
"Oh... so it was true," Marion murmured in surprise. "A pleasure to meet you, My Lady," Marion said, bowing slightly, which surprised Riveria. "I thought she was just joking. I was planning to call you after the show, just in case," she added quickly. I chuckled.
"Don't worry. It's not public yet or anything, it's... something discreet, I suppose you noticed something strange about her." I said, pointing at Loki, who seemed very comfortable with two succubi in her arms.
"Yes, I... I couldn't recognize her race, they usually have that... smell, that distinctive lust." Marion said softly, and I nodded.
"She's a god." I told Marion, and everyone's eyes widened.
"Lady Prince?!" they asked, surprising everyone. I ignored them and looked at Marion.
"And I'd like you to give her... special treatment." I said gently. Marion's gaze hardened with determination, and she nodded.
"Trust me, I'll take those two succubi she has in her arms, I'll make sure to give her the best treatment of her life," Marion said confidently. I nodded as I took out a small cube.
"Here." I carefully handed her the cube. "We don't have much time. This will create a time bubble. Just press this button and the entire room will be enveloped in a time bubble. You'll have two hours inside, and only seconds will pass outside."
"Understood, I'll be right back and make sure she's utterly satisfied," Marion said as she turned and walked confidently towards Loki.
"You actually ordered Loki to sleep with a succubus?! What happened to keeping it a secret? " Riveria asked, surprised. I snorted loudly.
"After seeing all this, do you think Loki will calm down if we take her back to Orario right now? I mean, I don't care, but you'll have to put up with her whining for who knows how long," I said playfully. The entire Loki familia froze in unison.
"We'll wait." They all said immediately. I burst out laughing.
"That's what I thought," I said playfully.
"I'll try the alcohol in the meantime!" Rebecca said, turning and walking towards the bar.
Author's Notes: Perhaps… this was a completely blatant advertisement for The Mighty Nine available on Prime Video… Maybe.
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