Re-Examining [Lust]

While Rokuko was out to see the ocean, I reconsidered my plan.

I'd discovered that there was a serious issue regarding the renovation of the dungeon. The possibility that the dungeon's reputation and condition might affect Rokuko.

"I was thinking of making it have a the theme of the seven deadly sins, but considering that… well, it might not be very good for Rokuko… but still…"

However, the deadly sin gimmicks themselves wouldn't have much impact. They were meant to be traps for stopping progress rather than killing. If I didn't explicitly mention their names, they likely wouldn't spread as deadly sin traps.

Still, it may be best to somehow tone down the current [Lust] gimmick. There was a high chance that my reasoning would not hold up. So then I'd prepare gimmicks other than [Lust] to balance it out. Yep, that's the way.

While thinking about the plan at the village chief's residence, Nerune brought me some tea.

"So, what do you intend to do, Master~?"

"Hmm. As for [Lust]… I feel bad for the Succubi, but I guess I'll have to dismantle the Succubus Village and move everyone to the Beddhist Church."

However, the current church didn't have enough space to accommodate everyone, even if we put beds in the underground prison cells.

Ah, that's right, let's also have a Beddhist Church built in Draco. Let's do that.

"Maybe I should write a letter to the neighboring village chief."

"Understood, I'll write it on your behalf."

I dictated what content I wanted Nerune to write—that I wanted to build a Beddhist Church in Draco. Alright. Oh, I also need to say a word to Deputy Village Chief Wozuma. I'm just a figurehead village chief, after all.

I'll deliver the letter to Cid myself since it was about Beddhism and I was the founder of the religion.

"Anyway, do other Dungeon Cores also get affected?"

"Hmm, I'm not sure~. According to what Toy said, it seems so, but Haku-san is called the [White Goddess], you know~."

If the god's children were affected by their dungeons, there's a possibility that when they become a revered existence as a god, that would take precedence or maybe they would no longer be affected? It might be a good idea to check with Haku-san. What Toy said had credibility, but it wasn't necessarily the whole truth.

 

＊ ＊ ＊

 

And here's the email that came back.

[I've never heard about that, nor was I aware of it either. It's known that Dungeon Masters have an influence, but that could also be a factor. If it's the result of research done by the chaos faction, it's a highly credible story. Kehma-san, your speculation might be possible as well. Please share any information like this in the future.]

… So Haku-san didn't know either. Whether it was true or not, Haku-sam was one of the earliest coresfirst series made, so it was certain that she grew up without being conscious of whether it was like that for her or not.

By the way, there was a postscript saying, [Please don't allow strange rumors about Rokuko-chan's dungeon to spread] so it would be better to dismantle the Succubus Village after all.

Fortunately, I also got permission from Cid to build a Beddhist Church in Draco. He said he would prepare the land and carpenters as well. It was very generous and, above all, was great that I didn't have to do any of the work. I'd take advantage of his offer since the wealthy person who could use construction magic was on a trip.

There was also a suggestion to [build one in Paveera as well], but I wouldn't be able to manage overseeing that, so hard pass. The number of sisters might be enough as it is.

That settled, the most likely problem would be the discussion with the Succubus Village.

[So, I apologize for making a unilateral decision, but I have decided to disband this place.]

"Understood."

I conveyed this to Suira, the representative of the Succubi, through a black Message Golem, and she readily agreed.

[I mean, I know I'm the one saying it, but… are you okay with that?]

"We promised to cooperate with the dungeon, right? If you can provide us with a place to live in Draco, there's no problem at all."

[… Do you have any attachment to this village?]

"A little, but the number of adventurers visiting has increased recently."

[Hm? Aren't you happy that the prey is voluntarily coming to you?]

"Well, if it's just once, but there are people who come many times. I don't think it's very good."

Apparently, it's believed that they are a threat that consumes people because they say they visit the Succubi due to being [Charmed] by them. Even when they hide in the entertainment district, if they are exposed as Succubi, they are said to be so and are shunned. Mainly by their peers.

[… Are you actually using [Charm]?]

"Well, during the act of absorbing essence, yes. We are Succubi, so that's natural… But we do our best to release the charm and throw them out! I swear to God, it's true!"

That god being the Chaos God, right? I think so, but the fact is that there's no solid way to prove safety. It wouldn't be surprising if the charm remained from the way they spoke.

[I see, so that's why Succubi are troublesome…]

Also, the discreet support for Beddhism might be because people are naturally [Charmed] by the Succubus sisters and have a higher favor for them than usual. Otherwise, nobody would believe in such a random religion. Hahaha.

"So, should we leave immediately?"

[Ah, no, the new place isn't ready yet. Stay here for a while longer. And if anyone comes, please spread the rumor that [We can't stay here any longer, so we're leaving on a journey].]

"Understood."

It might be a good idea to place a [Lust] gimmick on the site of the former Succubus Village. I didn't plan on it, so I'd have to think about what kind of trap to create.

… Should I ask the opinion of our resident charm experts, the Succubi?

"Do you have any good ideas for a moderately lust-stimulating gimmick to put here instead?"

"How about using our bodily fluids? Since you're placing it in the church, we can provide as much saliva or anything else as you need."

"Do Succubus bodily fluids have such an effect? … Sounds pretty plausible."

"Yes, it's an aphrodisiac, to put it simply. Just filling a sealed space with the scent can be quite potent. However, the effect is weaker on women unless the Succubus it comes from is at my level."

Suira was a high-ranking Succubus, which made sense given she was sort of their leader, and she said hers could be used regardless of gender.

… I see, I could do something to incorporat it as the main feature of the [Lust] gimmick.

Just coating a statue in a closed room with Succubus bodily fluids seemed like a pretty good idea. If I couldn't come up with anything else, I might go with that.

"That was helpful. I think we'll need your help with the bodily fluids as well. Should I offer some kind of gratitude in exchange?"

"Well, if there are people who fall prey to the gimmick, could you let us secretly taste them? … As long as their safety and our confidentiality are ensured, it should be fine, right?"

… Well, I don't know if it'll happen or not, but if the timing works out, that should be fine.