Chapter 32: Quite Uncommon, Indeed

Rita’s Tale of Skill

Where did my skills come from?

No formal training—just pure instinct.

Rita’s enhanced physique, a gift of her higher demon nature, granted her speed, strength, and reflexes that outstripped ordinary humans, making her appear formidable in combat.

Without those, she’d be merely a delicate girl capable of snapping a hellhound’s neck with her bare hands.

Telling the truth wasn’t an option.

Instead, Rita spun a story. “A master named Dong Xuelian mentored me. Her style focused on precise targeting and swift retreats.”

“Never heard of her. That name sounds rare, not from our Kingdom, right?” Momoka analyzed with a serious tone.

“Likely not. I met her in Pelopelo Village, my first teacher, which shaped my fighting style.” Shifting the topic, Rita asked, “Where are you all from?”

Johnson answered first. “I’m a Solus City native.”

“The capital,” Promi said next.

Momoka and Alber named unfamiliar places, but Rita had dodged the question successfully.

Bonds Over Drinks

As they ate and chatted, these top young talents felt more approachable to Rita than expected.

Her duel with Momoka sparked plenty of conversation, and they connected easily.

“If you hadn’t tossed your spear, I might’ve lost,” Rita admitted.

“Wins and losses are part of it. I missed that you’re a brawler—that’s on me. Cheers!” Momoka raised her mug.

“Fair enough. Cheers!” Rita clinked back.

Alber and Johnson, bonded through their own fights, dove into lively discussion.

Promi spoke sparingly, but her precise remarks blended seamlessly, avoiding any awkwardness.

Conversation wandered from hometowns and Holy Knight ambitions to random gossip.

Surprisingly, Alber, the calmest-looking, was the biggest gossip. Slightly drunk, he leaned on the table, his gaze hazy, questioning Momoka.

“Momoka, I’m curious. You saw Rita with Johnson and just approached them. Weren’t you worried they had some… hidden deal?”

Leaning back, cheeks flushed, Momoka replied, “Worried? Neither seems the type to date the opposite sex.”

Rita didn’t know Johnson well, but he struck her as someone who’d choose muscles over women.

His respectful demeanor won her over, yet it confirmed he had no ulterior motives toward her.

As for herself, though now a girl, Rita’s orientation remained unchanged.

Girls were wonderful, and she’d always adore them.

In a way, Momoka’s observation held some truth.

“Not about romance.” Alber waved dismissively. “Weren’t you suspicious they had some secret arrangement? That place isn’t one most people visit.”

Speaking so openly showed Alber trusted their character after the gathering brought them closer.

“I bumped into Johnson by chance. Got lost wandering, and he guided me out. Then Momoka spotted us,” Rita explained truthfully, omitting the black market to redirect later if needed.

“That makes sense. I wondered why you two were together. Honestly, I didn’t think much of it!” Momoka raised her mug again.

Trouble in the Shadows

While Rita savored the cheerful gathering, others were far less pleased.

“What’s happening!” Mel slammed a report to the ground, veins throbbing. “Rita’s supposed to be useless! How did she win? And so openly? How does this ruin the Princess? Where’s my opportunity?”

“Please, calm down! I-I don’t know!” Her trembling subordinate tried soothing the enraged woman, with little success.

“How can I stay calm? That person told me to watch this lackey, so I did. And then? What now!” Mel’s voice echoed with frustration.

Pacing the dim room, her heavy footsteps mingled with the torch’s erratic crackles, amplifying her irritation.

“Your approach failed. First, you let them taste pleasure, then stop short of the peak… quite tantalizing. But lose control, and—slurp slurp—they’re in ecstasy,” a sultry voice teased from behind.

A pink mist had slipped into the room, its secrets veiled. The curvaceous silhouette alone made the subordinate gulp loudly.

Mel frowned at the crude words. Though annoyed, she couldn’t afford to antagonize this demon ally. Softening her tone, she asked, “Why are you here?”

“I’ve starved for two days. How much longer?” the voice replied.

“You don’t understand. If I succeed, the Princess’s assassination can be framed as her own scheme or betrayal. Her death means Angus gets removed, and I take his place. Then I can push further—a perfect plan.”

“Your plans mean nothing to me. Have you done your job?” The seductive voice grew sharp, silencing Mel’s protests. “Enough. I’m hunting a cute snack tonight.”

“Don’t…” Mel tried to intervene but sighed heavily. “Fine. Pick anyone from my shop, just don’t stir trouble outside. We can’t afford mistakes. We must tread carefully.”

“Anyone in your shop, my choice?”

“Exactly.”

“Very well, I’ll grudgingly agree.”

With Mel’s consent, the succubus in the mist flashed a cunning smile.

I agreed to pick from the shop, but not just staff, did I?

A Surprising Report

Hours later, Cecilia received a maid’s report, her brows knitting slightly.

Rita… went to a brothel?