It was an ordinary afternoon, and the broad streets of Ragunna bustled with people coming and going.
Phoebe strolled through the familiar cityscape, cherishing these moments of tranquility more than ever.
She loved days like this plain, stable, uneventful. Everything was gently submerged in the flow of the so-called everyday.
So peaceful. So harmonious.
Yet this everyday life was terribly fragile.
Every now and then, a few discordant notes would attempt to shatter that peace.
"You stinking outsider, come to Ragunna to beg, have you?"
"Ragunna is a land blessed by the divine. Anyone is entitled to be here."
"Entitled? That depends on who we're talking about! A heretic like you, who puts Crown Pear on pizza, has no right to set foot in Ragunna! Take your blasphemous Crown Pear pizza and get the hell out, right now!"
"You stubborn, closed-minded fool. Tell me this, which commandment of the Order says you can't put Crown Pear on pizza? You're clearly just looking for trouble!"
"So what if I am?"
"Looks like you need someone to knock some sense into you!"
An absurd conflict erupted without the slightest warning.
The surrounding crowd surged in like the tide, encircling the two men at the center.
Hushed whispers and unabashed jeers rose in a chaotic chorus.
"Why waste more words on him? Just throw a punch already!"
"Yeah! I'm already late for work but I stuck around to watch this, hurry up and fight already!"
"Remember, left hook for high damage, right hook for heavy damage!"
Standing at the edge of the crowd, Phoebe let out a soft sigh.
Yet another peaceful afternoon, shattered by humanity's senseless quarrels.
In the end, she parted the murmuring crowd and walked into the space between the two men, who stood bristling with hostility.
Under the astonished gaze of everyone present, she raised her elegant cane high into the air and then gently tapped it against their foreheads.
"Be still."
Along with her soft whisper, a warm, gentle radiance bloomed from the tip of the cane.
The halo of light rippled outward like rings on water, tenderly enveloping the two quarreling men.
The anger on their faces visibly melted away at a speed the eye could track. Their gazes grew hazy, and then, like two marionettes drained of all their strength, they toppled stiffly backward
"Please don't be alarmed, everyone. They're merely asleep."
Phoebe smiled, offering an explanation to the onlookers.
Almost the very moment her words faded, clergy members from the nearby guard post arrived just in time and began dispersing the crowd with practiced efficiency.
And just like that, the sudden farce was deftly brought to a close.
Phoebe exhaled a soft breath of relief and was just about to turn and leave when a hand landed on her shoulder without the slightest warning.
She gave a tiny, almost imperceptible start and instinctively looked back
The instant her eyes caught that familiar face, her wisteria-hued eyes sparkled with a light like the stars themselves.
The composure befitting a clergy member dissipated in a heartbeat, the girl's delight nearly overflowing. It took every ounce of restraint she possessed not to throw herself into his arms right then and there.
"M-Mr. Ray!"
Her voice carried an undisguisable delight, along with a touch of shyness at having been caught in the middle of her work.
"You were quite impressive back there, Phoebe." Ray wore that familiar smile at the corner of his lips as he took in the girl before him. "So that cane of yours isn't just for decoration after all."
"Th-this... it's just part of my daily duties," Phoebe murmured, instinctively toying with the ends of her hair as a faint blush rose to her cheeks, her voice growing softer and softer.
"I know that, of course." As Ray spoke, his gaze remained fixed on the girl's cane. He suddenly felt as though he'd seen a similar design somewhere before.
Phoebe grew a bit self-conscious under his intent scrutiny. Her wisteria eyes blinked gently. "What's the matter, Mr. Ray?"
"Nothing," he said, pulling his thoughts back. He looked at her and added, "It just suddenly occurred to me, if you were in another world, you'd definitely make a wonderful magical girl."
"Magical... girl?" Phoebe didn't quite understand. She tilted her head slightly to the side, the confusion in her eyes deepening. "What's that?"
"Well, that's..." Ray chuckled lightly and rubbed the tip of his nose. "It's a high-risk profession. Ah, never mind, just pretend I didn't say anything."
"Eh?"
"Oh, right Phoebe, have you had lunch yet?"
Ray glanced at his watch. There was still plenty of time before the concert he'd promised Phrolova. More than enough to while away the afternoon at a leisurely pace.
Phoebe shook her head gently, her hair swaying with the motion. "Not yet. I was just heading back to the Order for the meal."
The moment lunch was brought up, a trace of barely perceptible reluctance flickered through her wisteria eyes. It was fleeting, but it didn't escape Ray's notice.
It wasn't any particularly special reason, just that today's holy meal happened to be Laurel Salad.
That was the one flavor she had never been able to stomach, ever since she was a child.
But if it had been chosen as the holy meal, how could she, as a clergy member, show even the slightest hint of distaste?
Not only would that invite criticism, it would be a grave act of disrespect toward the Sentinel!
Phoebe understood all these principles perfectly well, of course.
The problem was...
It really did taste awful.
"Perfect timing. I haven't eaten yet either," Ray picked up smoothly. "I know a really authentic restaurant nearby. Want to go try it together?"
Phoebe hesitated for a moment. Reason told her that, as a member of the clergy, she ought to abide by the precepts and politely decline the invitation.
But the longing deep in her heart to spend more time with him made it utterly impossible for the girl to voice any refusal.
She lowered her eyes, the words of rejection hovering on her lips for a brief moment, before finally, gently, being pushed aside by that flutter in her heart.
"O-okay then." She lifted her face, still tinged with a faint blush. "If it's with Mr. Ray... I'd be very happy to."
...
...
Perhaps because it was already past the peak lunch hour, there weren't many patrons in the restaurant.
"Um... Mr. Ray," Phoebe gave a gentle tug at his sleeve, "why do we have to take a private room? There are clearly plenty of open tables in the main dining hall."
Ray cleared his throat lightly, his expression perfectly earnest. "Ahem, well... it's about the... ambiance. Yes, ambiance is crucial to the dining experience."
Phoebe blinked, still not quite grasping his meaning. In the end, she simply offered a soft smile. "I may not fully understand what ambiance means, but if it's something Mr. Ray likes, then it's surely fine."
Ray ordered a variety of dishes.
Phoebe had never encountered cuisine like this before.
And as for this restaurant itself, she had only ever heard about it through scattered remarks from others here and there.
"Phoebe, how's the taste?" Ray watched the girl's expression closely with every dish she tried.
Phoebe carefully swallowed the food in her mouth, her eyes brightening faintly. "Mm, it's a very unique flavor... something I've never experienced before. But it's delicious."
As she spoke, a tiny bit of sauce lingered at the corner of her lips, making her look exceptionally adorable.
Ray was just about to reach out and wipe it away for her when Phoebe seemed to suddenly remember something. She lowered her head and began rummaging through her small satchel.
A moment later, she solemnly produced a little cloth pouch and gently pushed it across the table toward Ray.
"Oh, that's right. This is my clergy stipend from the past few days. I haven't used any of it. It's not much, but please accept it. I can't always be receiving Mr. Ray's kindness, even if I can only repay a little, it would put my heart much more at ease."
He stared at the pouch blankly for a moment, then lifted his gaze to the girl's utterly serious expression. He couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Mr. Ray?" Phoebe tilted her head in confusion, having no idea why he was laughing.
"You little fool." Ray reached out and ruffled her hair. "What reason do I need to treat my own girlfriend to a meal? You keep this money safe. Use it to buy some good food for yourself, for Beni and the others, or for the children at the orphanage."
"G-girlfriend?!"
Those three words instantly set the girl's cheeks ablaze.
Even though the two of them had already shared far more intimate contact before, hearing Ray speak those three words aloud still made Phoebe feel as if her heart had skipped a beat, her thoughts grinding to a sluggish halt along with it.
"B-but—"
"Don't worry. My little savings are sturdier than you might imagine." Ray cut off her hesitation with a smile, his fingertips gently brushing against her flushed, warm cheek.
After all, even without the allowance the Young Miss usually gave him, the money he'd saved up over these past few years of working like a dog was hardly a small sum.
His words trailed off, and Ray leaned in a little closer, speaking to the girl in a low voice. "If Phoebe truly feels bad about it... then how about making it up to me in... another way?"
These words made Phoebe freeze. It suddenly dawned on her why Ray had insisted on reserving a private room, even with the main dining hall so empty.
She reflexively covered her burning cheeks with her hands, her voice barely a whisper. "Does Mr. Ray mean... l-like we did before?"
"Yes, but not exactly." Ray leaned in beside her ear and murmured a few quiet words.
"Eh... using... using my feet?! I... I don't understand what you're saying..." Phoebe was so mortified that even the tips of her ears had turned crimson. She flusteredly tried to pull away from the warmth of his breath.
"It's alright." Ray chuckled softly, holding onto her faintly trembling hand. "There's a first time for everything."
"Mmph..." Phoebe hung her head low, her voice so faint it practically dissolved into the air. "I-if Mr. Ray truly... likes it... I... I'll try my very best..."
....
....
The door to the private room clicked shut behind them.
The moment they were alone, Ray pulled Phoebe into his arms and kissed her. It wasn't a gentle kiss this time, it was deep and hungry. Phoebe let out a small, surprised whimper against his lips before shyly parting them, allowing his tongue to slide in. Her hands clutched weakly at the front of his shirt as he kissed her thoroughly, stealing her breath.
When he finally pulled back, a thin strand of saliva connected their lips. Phoebe's face was already flushed deep red. Her large white hat had tilted slightly, and a few strands of her golden hair stuck to her damp lips.
"Mr. Ray…" she breathed, her voice trembling. "W-we're still in the restaurant…"
"I know," Ray murmured against her ear, one hand sliding down to rest on her thigh, just beneath the hem of her dress. "That's why we're in a private room."
He gently pushed her to sit on the long cushioned bench. Phoebe's elegant dress spread out around her, the light fabric and delicate layers making her look even more refined and somehow more lewd because of it.
Ray knelt down in front of her. He carefully removed her shoes, then her socks, revealing her small, delicate feet.
Phoebe's toes curled instinctively the moment the cool air touched them. She looked down at him with wide, embarrassed eyes, her hands gripping the edge of the bench tightly.
Ray lifted one of her feet and pressed a slow kiss to the top of it. Then another. He trailed his lips along her instep before taking her toes into his mouth one by one, sucking lightly. His tongue slid between them, licking slowly.
"Ah—!" Phoebe's body jerked. She quickly covered her mouth with both hands, her face burning. "M-Mr. Ray… that's… that's too much…"
Her voice was muffled and shaky. The contrast between her elegant dress and the lewd act made everything feel even more indecent.
Her short skirt had ridden up slightly, revealing more of her thighs, while Ray continued sucking her toes.
After a while, Ray guided her feet toward his crotch. He had already freed his cock, which stood hard and ready. He placed her bare feet on either side of it.
Phoebe stared at it, her breathing uneven. Her elegant gloves were still on, making the sight of her small hands and feet even more striking against his skin.
"Like this…?" she asked in a tiny voice, her cheeks glowing.
Ray nodded, gently holding her ankles. "Yes. Move them for me, Phoebe."
She bit her lower lip hard and slowly began to move. At first her movements were timid, but she gradually found a rhythm.
She pressed the soft soles of her feet together around his shaft and stroked up and down. The warmth and smoothness of her feet felt incredible.
Ray let out a low groan. "Good girl… just like that."
Phoebe's ears turned crimson at the praise. She kept going, her toes occasionally curling against him. Because of the way she was sitting, her dress had become slightly disheveled, the neckline had slipped a little lower, revealing more of her collarbone and the upper curves of her chest. A few strands of her long blonde hair clung to her flushed face.
Her expression was incredibly lewd.
Her usually clear wisteria eyes had become misty and unfocused. Her lips were parted as she breathed heavily through her mouth, and a thin layer of sweat made her skin glow. Every time she moved her feet, a small, embarrassed sound would escape her throat.
"Mr. Ray…" she whispered, voice hoarse. "This… this feels so embarrassing… but… if it's what you want…"
She tried to move faster, putting in more effort despite how mortified she was. Her elegant dress, combined with her shy, desperate expression and the way she was using her feet on him, created an incredibly erotic sight.
Ray reached down and gently caressed her calf while she continued. He could feel himself getting close.
"Phoebe… I'm about to cum."
Phoebe's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't stop. She pressed her feet together more firmly, stroking him with shaky but determined movements. Her cute face looked even more lewd as she focused on pleasuring him.
With a low groan, Ray came hard. Thick ropes of cum spurted out, landing across her feet, toes, and even splashing lightly onto her calves.
Phoebe froze for a moment, staring at the mess on her skin. Her face was completely red, and her breathing was ragged. A few drops had even landed on the hem of her dress.
She slowly looked up at Ray, her expression a mixture of embarrassment, shyness, and a strange, hazy satisfaction.
"…It's so hot," she mumbled quietly, almost to herself.
Ray leaned forward and kissed her again, slower this time, tasting her flustered state.
"You did well, Phoebe," he whispered against her lips. "Very well."
Phoebe hid her burning face against his shoulder, her voice small and trembling.
"…You're really too much, Mr. Ray…"
.
.
.
.
A/n: I just can't help myself every time I write Phoebe. Is that a me problem?