CHAPTER 76: TORTURE FOR LUST, BEGINNING OF THREATS!

The Whale soon ascended after they came aboard. Samantha offered some final advice and stern warnings before heading off to her room.

Mel couldn’t help but notice the absolute stillness as the Whale soared through the sky, admiring the Saintess’s to ensure a steady flight with no seasickness.

"Welcome to the Memorial Whale, Mel!"

The Elven Aria spread her arms in delight, as Mel’s curious eyes scanned around.

At the base of the Saintess’s Archon-ranked summon, the walls and ceilings shimmered with starlight and drifting galaxies. Beneath their feet, the blue floor felt as soft as plush carpet.

"It’d take a day’s trip, but this whale has most of what you need. A large lounge here with some food and tea, and dormitory rooms with beds upstairs, assigned for groups by groups!"

Mel glanced around the vast lounge, her eyes sparkling with interest. To the left stood a wide counter lined with steaming cups of tea and neat stools, while to the right, plush sofas were arranged in cozy clusters.

Seniors and their classmates scattered about, some chatting quietly while others relaxed on plush sofas with the tea in their hands.

Some Holy and Royal Knights patrolled about on the floor, two different crests shimmering under the starlight as they bantered and joked.

’So the two Knightly Bands actually get along.’

[ Of course, Host! Despite the power struggles between the Royals, Nobles, and the Church, the Senior Knights fought together in particular against the Witch of Pride.

[Comradrie, especially under a common enemy, is more quickly built than you could have expected, Mel! ]

Interested in the System’s explanation, Mel inquired further. ’The Senior Knight in particular? Then what about those who didn’t participate in the 5-Year {Unprided Crusade}?’

[ That’s where the differences lie! Despite my efforts, the Royal Armies were not within my sphere of influence, so removing those who instigated troubles would be challenging, especially when the Cult complicated it. ]

’The Cult?’

[ That’s why I’ll need your help tonight, Mel! ]

"Tonight?"

Mel’s curiosity piqued, but Aria’s cheerful voice boomed in her ears before she could inquire further.

"Ah, almost forgot. Here’s the key to your room!"

A little startled, Mel took the key from the brown-haired elf, her eyes narrowing as she tried to decipher the mischievous glint in the elf’s expression.

"Enjoy your stay! Oh, and don’t forget to close the door when you get up to... whatever you two do."

A hiccup escaped Lila, her emerald eyes glaring at the elf, her face flushed.

The Second Aria had already stirred unease about this trip, but this particular Aria annoyed her for reasons she couldn’t quite place.

Hearing Lila’s growl, Mel chuckled and patted her shoulder. "No worries, Aria. Thanks for the advice!"

She pulled Lila toward the stairwell, waving over her shoulder. "Well, see you then!"

"Of course, Mel!"

[ By the way, the room has no restroom, so you might need to compromise by looking under the bed. ]

"Hm?"

Suspicion flickered across Mel’s expression, but she shrugged it off and ascended the stairs with Lila.

Just as she turned the corner, she caught sight of a Knight staring at her from afar.

Frowning slightly, she paused and narrowed her eyes to meet the Knight’s daunting gaze.

Then she shrugged again and continued upstairs toward their rooms, as the System panel briefly flashed in her vision.

[ Don’t worry. I promise there will be no danger. ]

-------------------

As they reached the room, Mel’s eyes widened at the spaciousness.

Aside from the usual star-adorned ceiling and walls, the room featured two wardrobes built into the walls on either side, a linen double bed, and two desks on the left and right, each cluttered with drawers and softly glowing lanterns.

She also observed how Lila’s eyes gleamed, surprised by the grandiose treatment towards them.

"Per-perhaps you were right in how the Saintess wants to promote her policy..."

The Witch of Envy shuddered, her thumb brushing against Mel’s hand in contemplation.

For a moment, she wondered if she should apologise to the Elf Aria.

Then she remembered the Saintess was supposed to be Mel’s enemy, the Witch’s enemy, so her cheeks again bloated into a frustrated pout.

"Alright, alright." Giggling, she poked Lila’s cheek. "Anything wrong? You seem more gloomy than usual."

The Witch of Envy squinted at Mel before nuzzling herself into her arm. "Whose fault do you think it is?"

"Mine? Didn’t I pamper you enough last night?"

"Don’t mention it again to shield yourself...."

Sensing how Lila’s tone had heavied, Mel snaked her arm around her waist gently.

With a wicked sparkle in her eyes, she lifted Lila.

"Wait, Mel!"

Yet the Witch of Lust slammed them into the bed, as Lila’s leg dangled right off the edge.

Mel hovered over her, arms pillar-like as her hair fluttered down and brushed Lila’s cheek.

Their gazes locked, one with a possessive playfulness, the other with an embarrassed flush that crept up Lila’s neck.

"Want to kiss, Lila?"

The Witch of Envy jolted, shifting herself against Mel’s stare.

Alas, she nodded with strength.

"Really?" Mel chuckled. "I thought you would mind the punishment game."

"Don’t be ridiculous."

Lila let out a hushed whisper. "I just don’t want... well, things get too out of hand when the time comes. Besides..."

Her finger cupped her own heated cheek, hesitating before she murmured. "In a way, it is still a reward for me..."

A breath caught in Mel’s throat as she took in Lila’s flushed, vulnerable expression.

Tears bordered on her Emerald eyes, as Lila’s chest heaved and struggled to steady her overflowing feelings.

So cute. A sight that only belonged to her, one that could not be seen even in-game.

A brief surge of hunger stirred Mel, and she leaned down to capture Lila’s lips for a deep kiss.

Lila’s scattered thoughts ran rampant as her mouth was explored, her fingers clutching tightly to the back of Mel’s hair.

But those hands couldn’t hold on for long. Mel had already pulled back, rising to her feet before gently scooping up Lila’s ankles.

Through her hazy vision, Lila caught a glimpse of that heated smirk.

"That makes three, Lila," Mel whispered.

As Mel’s tongue traced along her thighs, Lila’s thoughts melted further into misty steam, indistinct and warm.

It didn’t matter that her hands couldn’t grasp anything now.

As long as Mel possessed her, wanted her...that was enough.

Lila found herself lucky. To have someone so overwhelming... and so loving.

"Ah... Mel..."

Though her Lust could be a little overwhelming. Just a little.

[ Envy Awakening Progression: 36% - 41% ]

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Mel groaned softly, curling into the plush linen sheets, her body aching but content.

She stretched a little in pain, mostly from her restraint of Lust with Lila. She has long decided to use the final line as a punishment game, as the final motivation to push her Lila towards Awakening.

"But this is beyond torture...."

Mel huffed a sigh, sincerely regretting her chosen strategy.

"Well. Never will I do such a thing with other targets again."

She yawned a little, unable to count how long they’d nipped at each other’s bodies.

Though Lila was as submissive as a puppy when she devoured her again, she always prayed there would be a back and forth between them.

"Hey. Lila... sorry for the..."

Expecting a blue bun full of teeth and red marks, Mel tilted her head in confusion.

"Huh." She eyed the empty spot beside her. "That’s a little weird."

Mel didn’t doubt Lila’s stamina, but even she knew how thoroughly exhausted the Witch of Envy had been after their...’work-out’.

She glanced around their room, all furniture perfectly and eerily placed without a single sign of life, as if she were trapped inside a perfect replica.

Without panic, however, she summoned the System. "This is the help you need, Partner?"

The System panel popped out, the words scraping by.

[ Absolutely, Mel!]

Mel’s shoulders loosened, wondering what plan she was roped into now.