Chapter 46: Hooked Like a Gaping Fish

A Chilly Night’s Charm

Night felt colder than day, but Rita paid no mind to the chill urging her to bundle up.

Her heart danced with joy, walking home alongside a beautiful girl.

Wasn’t this a classic setup? A rescued damsel, swayed by the suspension bridge effect, sparking a special bond.

Lost in delight, Rita didn’t suspect the girl beside her was plotting against her life.

Kross hadn’t come to the prison by chance—she had solid intel placing Rita there.

Her goal was to get familiar, feigning gratitude. Whether interrogated or staging a chance meeting, either worked.

The next day, she’d engineer another encounter, deepening their bond, eroding Rita’s defenses, and striking when her guard was down.

True assassination took patience, not haste.

Rita’s offer to escort her was an unexpected boon—perfect for lowering her defenses.

Just wait, your kindness will be your downfall.

Edging closer, Kross let her arm brush Rita’s subtly. “Oh, I’m Kross. What’s your name?”

Caught off guard, Rita allowed the contact. “I’m Rita.”

I know you’re Rita!

Kross feigned thought, then widened her eyes. “The Rita everyone’s talking about? From the Holy Knight exam?”

Was her fame that big? A surge of pride filled Rita. “Yeah, probably me.”

Don’t play coy—you’re thrilled!

“Wow!” Kross’s eyes sparkled. “My savior’s so amazing—it’s unbelievable!”

“Heh, not that amazing.” Rita scratched her head shyly.

Still grinning like an idiot!

Kross bet if Rita had a tail, it’d be wagging sky-high.

This carefree Rita was a stark contrast to last night’s tense sleuth. Was she investigating then?

Whatever you were up to, showing me your defenseless side? Don’t blame me for pouncing!

“You’re incredible! Standing out among so many, and so kind, risking yourself for me! I’ve never met anyone like you!” Kross gushed, shaking her fists, her voice softening, her face falling.

“If only I’d met you sooner…”

Seeing Kross’s sudden sadness, Rita dropped her grin, concerned. “What’s wrong? Got something troubling you?”

You’re hooked!

Such an obvious bait, and you took it!

Having dealt with tough clients, Kross trusted her acting, donning a brave, pained expression. “I… it’s just… never mind.”

Her hesitation only made Rita more anxious. “Come on, what is it? Tell me.”

“Talking won’t change anything.”

“Try me. Maybe I can help.”

“You… won’t judge me?”

“Of course not. You’re safe with me.”

“Okay… I’m… a brothel worker…”

A Sleepless Night

That night, Rita tossed and turned in bed.

Kross’s story was heartbreaking.

Orphaned young, saddled with her parents’ massive debt, she tried working as a maid but was abused by her mistress for allegedly seducing the master. Sold to a brothel to pay off the debt, she faced troublesome clients daily and nearly got assaulted today.

If Rita had left Kross in that alley, she’d be up at midnight slapping herself.

Wait—Kross resembled the bunny girl from last night.

Could it be that coincidental?

Last night, cloaked, Rita looked different from today’s proper attire, so Kross not recognizing her made sense.

If true, maybe Kross knew something about the succubus. She’d have to know where those three victims went, right?

No use overthinking. Tomorrow, Kross invited her out to express gratitude.

With anticipation, Rita hugged her pillow and drifted into sleep.

A Sinister Approval

Meanwhile, in Kross’s room.

“Well done, very well done. I knew you had potential.”

The succubus from the basement stood before Kross, stroking her chin like a pet.

Her eyes held no human regard, treating Kross as a mere plaything.

So close to a demon, memories of that touch resurfaced, stiffening Kross’s muscles like stone, her breath cautious.

“Tomorrow, have a nice date with that white-haired girl. Share your story, listen to hers, or simpler—get on top. She won’t resist.”

The succubus tapped Kross’s hip suggestively, making her yelp, trembling as if expecting an attack.

“Relax, you’ve got a job to do. I won’t touch you yet. Make that date count.”

From her bosom, the succubus produced a finger-sized vial, its pink glow mesmerizing, and set it on the nightstand.

“Fresh succubus essence—priceless to humans. One drop could make countless love potions, turning anyone more alluring than you were. Your final insurance. Go confidently.”

Kross nodded stiffly, trembling.

“Good luck. Before you take her life, bring her to me for a taste.”

The succubus teased Kross’s lips with her heart-shaped tail, then swayed out.

Outside, Mel waited, tense. Seeing the succubus, she demanded, “What did you tell her?”

“Nothing. Your methods are too crude, so I sped things up.” The succubus’s smile carried a taunting edge.

“Relax. By tomorrow, you’ll have what you want.”