"Mermaid's" Task

As she spoke, the "Mermaid's" face in the water gradually changed, unexpectedly becoming Luvia's. But her features were even more exquisite, beautiful beyond anything mortal.

She beckoned to Shade and asked with Luvia's voice and a smile:

"Shade, would you like to bathe with me?"

"Lady, that would be quite improper."

Shade spoke with a grave expression. In truth, the impulse rising within him had nearly escaped his control. Simply sharing the same space as Desire put one's own desires at constant risk of spiraling out of control. Even though Shade had experienced this once before, he still could not avoid being affected.

This "Mermaid" was as dangerous as she was beautiful.

"May I ask what exactly you want?"

"No, I do not want anything. This encounter was merely accidental."

She returned to that exquisitely beautiful face that transcended aesthetics, though her eyes remained the same color as Luvia's.

The arm extending from the pool rested on the filthy floor. Once her fair skin was stained by the dirty dust, it somehow became even more alluring:

"Look, I was already here. You were the one who barged in."

That was true enough. The trader in Sin Mansion had also said that the guest in the underground wine cellar had arrived long ago.

"Then... may I leave?"

Shade hesitated before asking.

"Of course. But the door out lies beneath the pool."

She spoke with a beaming smile. Every sound of her breathing forced Shade to confirm that he could still retain his sanity. If this had been a dice game, then every breath she took would have counted as an attack.

"The door is in the pool... Fine. This time, what do I need to do for you to let me leave?"

Judging by her appearance, she did not seem intent