"This really is Backlund, the City of Mist. Summer isn't even completely over yet, and it's already shrouded in haze. Some of it forms naturally, and some comes from industrial emissions..."
Walking through the filthy yet bustling streets, Helene occasionally turned her head to admire the City of Cities, which she had previously known only through books and idle conversations among sailors. Even here in the East Borough, its dirtiest and most disorderly district, she could feel a distinctive atmosphere unlike the easygoing freedom of Trier.
But in the instant she looked around, Shermane vanished. Only a faint shadow had been visible ahead of her to begin with, her entire outline concealed by "invisibility."
Wait, where did that Witch go?
Realizing something was wrong, Helene swept her gaze over the street. All she saw was a sea of people, countless passersby in filthy clothes, some fashionable and others old-fashioned. Through the gaps between them, she could find no trace of the figure guiding her.
Instead, her vivid red hair, distinctively beautiful face, fitted shirt, and tight trousers quickly drew other people's attention, making her uncomfortable.
Suddenly, Helene felt a delicate sensation at her wrist, as though someone were breathing beside her. A warm, moist, faintly ticklish current brushed her skin, making her heart flutter for no apparent reason. Even the desires that had accumulated from frequently wearing the Madness Ring were stirred.
This... is a Pleasure Demoness's Invisible Spider Silk!
Having had Tracy caress her body this way many times aboard the Black Death, Helene immediately recognized it. First startled, then enlightened, she tugged her wrist and discovered that the thread had already wrapped around her arm. Its gentle movements pointed her in a particular direction.
*It's that Witch from earlier... no, the Pleasure Demoness, Shermane... she's already advanced to