Case 01: The Alraune of the Entertainment District

Case 01:
The Alraune of the
Entertainment District

It was approaching the peak of summer in Lindworm.

The weather was perfect, with clear skies. A bit of swimming and splashing in the water was more than enough to keep most residents cool. Except for the species which were especially sensitive to heat, everyone considered this the most comfortable weather in the region for the entire year.

The peak of summer was also a time when many merchants arrived from the east. This was because trade with that area had expanded. Of course, some trade took place in Lindworm, but traders also traveled through Lindworm, and then farther west. Skadi had worked hard to establish Lindworm as a central trade point between the east and west.

The market bustled with people and goods from the east. Around this time, almost a year after the slave trade mess, Glenn Litbeit, Lindworm’s town doctor, received his brother’s letter.

***

“Doctor, I found something.”

By the time Sapphee came back, clutching rolled-up papers with the tip of her tail, it was already late evening.

“Suiu has actually changed the spelling of her name. There’s someone named Sioux, in the common language—a new patrol team recruit. She’s skilled with a sword.”

“Oh, good. You found her?”

“Yes. Kunai looked into it for me before she headed east.”

Glenn had received a letter from his brother. The letter, express-delivered by Illy, mentioned that Glenn’s sister had contracted a rare disease, left the eastern capital, and headed to Lindworm. In other words, she had run away.

Glenn had immediately asked Sapphee to investigate whether Sioux had registered as a new resident.

“I’m sure the City Council was busy, but it was nice of them to check. I wonder if Skadi already left for the capital.”

“Yes. She went with one of the escort groups. With all the trade expansion, the Draconess must be quite busy as well.”

Skadi, the Draconess, was using trade expansions as an excuse to meet with the eastern authorities. Of course, her bodyguard Kunai would be with her. Cthulhy, the Draconess’s attending physician, would join her as well—just in case. Lindworm would be without two of its leaders.

“I wonder how Sioux got here?”

“She probably walked. Many travelers and tourists are allowed into the city alone. Once the understaffed patrol team saw her skill, I bet they hired her on the spot.”

Glenn’s older brother, Souen, was the ultimate satirist. He had taken over the Litbeit trade business.

Then there was Glenn’s sister, Sioux, civilized and serious. She had all but mastered the military arts, although she hadn’t quite reached the top level.

“Doctor, you are really different from your brother and sister.”

“I know. I don’t have Souen’s business sense or Sioux’s strength. Sioux, in particular… Once she has a thought in her mind, she goes straight for it. She’s been like that since she was a child.”

Sapphee, who had lived in the Litbeit house as a hostage, knew Glenn’s siblings well. She had been especially close to Sioux. As soon as the letter from Glenn’s brother arrived, Sapphee ran straight to the City Council. She must have been very worried about Sioux.

“But after being relieved of her role as a guard, and coming out here to join the patrol team…”

“Judging by Kunai’s report, Sioux was assigned to the Radon Entertainment District.”

“The e-entertainment district?!” Glenn couldn’t help but shout. “Someone as young as her shouldn’t be there!”

“Doctor, have you ever visited the entertainment district?”

“I don’t have time for that,” Glenn answered honestly. Sapphee narrowed her eyes at him.

Lindworm’s prostitutes worked in the Radon Entertainment District. It was located on the town’s south side, its streets lined with brothels. Like a flower vase filled with colorful blooms, it attracted customers like bees gathering pollen.

“There are a lot of problems in the entertainment district. And the patrol team is all women.”

“I don’t know what to make of my sister working there.”

When it came to the sex industry, problems were inevitable. If the Radon Entertainment District wasn’t patrolled, it would become a hotbed of crime. Only licensed prostitutes worked in the district’s brothels, and the City Council strictly monitored operations, in hopes of preventing issues.

“Calm down, Doctor. It’s not as if Sioux became a prostitute.”

“Yes, but the entertainment district is under Aluloona’s jurisdiction, right? I hear she’s a stickler for protecting her people’s personal information. I wonder if I’ll be able to see Sioux.”

Even if Glenn went through the patrol team, there was no guarantee they would know what he was talking about. The entertainment district was complex. Many women there had left terrible men. If a man came looking for a woman working in the district, it would definitely ring alarm bells. Radon protected the women who worked within it, many of whom had no choice but to turn to prostitution. That was Aluloona’s policy as well, since she had her eye on the City Council Representative role for the next term.

“Well… We do receive ingredients from Aluloona regularly, but she might not be receptive to a manhunt, as it were,” Sapphee said.

“I wish we could have talked to Skadi before she left.”

Skadi was the current City Council Representative, and Cthulhy was the hospital’s dean of medicine, as well as Glenn’s supporter. Both had departed from Lindworm. Even if there were no issues with city operations in their absence, the City Council was still intact under Aluloona’s leadership. Thus, no one in power would listen to Glenn’s personal requests.

Glenn wondered if Aluloona, whom he had never met, would even speak with him.

“Kunai is gone, too, right? I feel helpless.”

“There might be another way. I’ve never been to the entertainment district, either. But a friend of mine, who lives nearby, knows it well.”

“A friend? You don’t mean…”

Sapphee didn’t have a whole lot of friends.

“We might have to endure some elaborate scheme, but you don’t mind, right?”

“I don’t really have a choice, do I?”

“Nope.”

Glenn’s sister was somewhere in Lindworm, and knew nothing about the city. Glenn didn’t plan on telling her to go back to human territory, but he at least needed to locate her, so he could notify his parents. He didn’t care what his condescending brother thought.

“Either way, keep in mind that we’re going to the entertainment district to save Sioux. Don’t make me jealous, Doctor.”

“I-I know.” How could he think about that while he was worried about his sister?

Sapphee put her hand to his cheek and sighed uneasily, as if she understood what he was thinking. She was also worried about Sioux, who was just as much her sister as his.

***

“All the women in the entertainment district are working girls. Strictly speaking, there are also apprentices and intermediaries. The point is, if an unknown woman enters the entertainment district, she’s going to set off alarms. The prostitutes will think she’s there to take work away from them.”

“Uhh…”

“You have to wear something like this so you don’t stand out. Got it?”

“I think these women already stand out,” Glenn answered, looking straight ahead.

No matter which way he looked, he was surrounded by sex appeal. There was no place to rest his eyes.

“Doctor, you need to gawk more. Otherwise, you look suspicious.”

“Wh-what is the point of this?”

“What? You got a problem with the dresses we’re wearing?”

“No, it’s not that…”

The guide taking them into the entertainment district was none other than Arahnia. Glenn hadn’t realized the clothing designer lived so near the district. Her proposal for sneaking in was quite the elaborate scheme.

“If we don’t look like prostitutes, we’ll arouse suspicion. So, that means we have to pretend to be prostitutes,” Sapphee explained. “Ugh. Doctor, get closer. Oooh, I can feel your body heat.”

“You can’t just look at Sapphee the whole time. I don’t normally allow walk-ins… But anything for you, Doc,” Arahnia added.

Sapphee wore black, and Arahnia’s sensational dress was a purple number covered with butterflies. Glenn didn’t know how the mysterious garment had been created, but the sheer fabric used throughout the piece made Arahnia look naked, even though it exposed nothing.

Sapphee and Arahnia were posing as prostitutes. Glenn, walking arm-in-arm with them, was their rich young customer.

Other entertainment district prostitutes wore dresses similar to Arahnia’s. They came in a variety of colors, but they all had the butterfly pattern in common, and the designs seemed uniform.

“The prostitutes’ clothes are ordered at Loose Silk Sewing. The outfits we’re wearing are exactly like the real thing.”

“B-but, Arahnia… It seems like you can see a lot through…”

“What a strange thing for a doctor to say. They have to show off something. They are prostitutes, after all.” Arahnia whispered in Glenn’s ear as she bent her leg.

Sapphee squeezed Glenn’s arm tighter, determined not to lose to the arachnid.

Glenn found it hard to move. It wasn’t a state he wanted to be seen in by anyone he knew. Luckily for him, the faces of those people coming and going were impossible to make out in the dark of the night. Plus, both the prostitutes and the customers buying their time made an effort to hide their true forms—probably to prevent rumors about them from spreading outside the district.

“Well, Doctor, now you’ve seen it. This is the flowerbed of the Radon Entertainment District. It’s Lindworm’s underground tourist spot.”

Living up to its name, the Radon Entertainment District boasted multicolored flowers blooming everywhere. A massive flowerbed at its center contained violets, petunias, peach blossoms, marigolds, and ivy. The massive red flowers were probably mandrakes, normally seen only in the monster regions.

“There are a lot of signs…”

“Well, it is an entertainment district, after all. The lantern light is hopeless. Watch your step.”

The lanterns were wrapped with colored paper and gave off pink, purple, or pale blue light. The colors were meant to have aphrodisiac effects.

Prostitutes watched from the brothel windows. One interesting aspect of the Radon Entertainment District was that the workers mostly showed only their faces. One might expect them to reveal their busts, but no. Some monsters flaunted other assets instead. The lamia displayed their tails, the scylla their tentacles, the harpies their wings, and so on.

“Customers who like what they see in the windows negotiate a price with the woman at the entrance. If they come to an agreement, they are allowed to enjoy a room at the inn,” Arahnia explained, even though they hadn’t come to hire a prostitute.

“Heh! Everyone is having a good time! They say customers come here from far away because you can hire prostitutes of just about any species. Did you know that, Doc?”

“I’ve heard.”

Lindworm was a melting pot of species, and its sex industry was no different. That made sense as a selling point. Customers from the continent came to fulfill their fetishes, and the prostitutes felt secure working in Radon, where they enjoyed protection. In that way, although it wasn’t advertised in any guidebook, Radon was an important aspect of Lindworm’s tourism.

“Don’t wander off, Doctor. You might be dragged into a brothel.”

“Hey, Sapphee, you’re pulling him too far that way! It must be hurting him!”

“If you think so, then you can let go, Arahnia. You’re so tall, it’s hard for him to walk.”

“I’m squatting down for him! Doctor, don’t be shy. You can come closer to me.”

The two monster girls were pulling Glenn’s arms in both directions. They certainly weren’t exerting their full strength, but given how short he was compared to them, their grips still hurt. Especially Arahnia’s; she was holding on with all four arms.

Glenn caught a glimpse of white wool out of the corner of his eye. “There’s a sheep.” He didn’t say it just to change the subject.

“Don’t touch it, Doctor.”

“I know.”

“I’ve heard there are a lot of them in the southern part of town. They must appear in the entertainment district, too.”

Although it looked like a sheep, this wasn’t an animal kept for its wool. The sheep that had started appearing in Lindworm were small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. They didn’t graze in grassy fields or live in flocks; they just wandered around.

Still, the City Council was adamant about ordering everyone to keep their hands off the sheep. Anyone who touched them fell into a deep sleep they couldn’t wake up from.

“Is there still no solution for the sheep illness, Doctor?”

“Well, I’m trying to figure something out, but not many people are suffering from the Sheep Sleep. Also, it’s not fatal. Even though they’re unconscious, patients can still move on their own, and eat and drink. Finding a cure may take some time.”

“But there’s no question that the cause is the sheep?”

“I wonder if we could figure something out by catching one.” Glenn looked at the pocket-sized sheep as if it was a lab specimen. He’d heard about the creatures, but this was his first time actually seeing one. The sheep darted out of sight with surprising agility.

“Don’t worry, Doctor. If you catch the Sheep Sleep, I’ll look after you.”

“You’re very aggressive today, Arahnia. What’s wrong?”

“Wrong? Maybe these clothes make me feel more daring.”

Although Arahnia had sewn the clothes, the prostitute costume definitely lent her a charm that was absent when she wore her kimono. She hadn’t made any compromises just because this dress was a disguise. In fact, it seemed as if she’d worked even harder to make sure her figure was displayed beautifully.

Glenn wondered how much it would cost to reserve Arahnia or Sapphee, if they really were prostitutes. He was more than honored to be entwined in the arms of those two. Actually, he’d gone beyond honored, and now just felt awkward.

“Doctor. Come closer.”

“H-hey!”

“Teehee! I get all tingly when we’re this close. What do you say, Doc? We’re already here. The entertainment district has rooms for rent. They say it’s because even prostitutes need vacations, but since we’re already excited, how about…”

“J-just wait a minute, Arahnia! Did you forget why we came here?”

“Why was it again?” Arahnia did seem to have forgotten.

“We have to talk to the patrol team! But, first, we need to speak with Aluloona.”

“You asked me to get you in… I guess I didn’t think about anything beyond that.”

“What?! Are you serious?!” Sapphee exclaimed.

“You look just as happy to cuddle up to the doctor, Sapphee.”

“Well, I’d be happier if it were just the doctor and me—without you!”

Arahnia grinned, clearly taking pleasure in teasing Sapphee.

Glenn was starting to think that Arahnia had just wanted an excuse to wear a prostitute costume. Maybe they should have found someone else to help. No, if they didn’t have Arahnia, they would have been stopped at the entertainment district’s entrance. Disguising themselves wasn’t a bad idea, but…

Just then, a large shadow stopped the trio in their tracks.

They had to look up to see the shadow’s face. A female monster with red skin glared down at Glenn. The white horns protruding from her forehead, combined with her muscular form, left no doubt that she was an ogre. She wore the badge of an entertainment district patrol team captain on one arm.

“Do I spot a lover’s quarrel? No arguing is allowed in the entertainment district. Do I need to take you to the guardroom?”

“N-no, we—” Sapphee started. But she couldn’t tell the ogre that they were from the clinic. She stood there with her mouth hanging open, unable to think of anything to say.

“Save your excuses for Aluloona.”

Monsters and humans alike, all bearing patrol team badges, surrounded Glenn and the women. Glenn searched frantically for any sign of his sister among them, but she wasn’t there. She had to be somewhere in the entertainment district, though, didn’t she?

“What should we do, Dr. Glenn?” Sapphee whispered.

“Let’s just go with them.” Glenn thought this might be a good opportunity to see what kind of monster ruled this pleasure den.

The patrol team escorted them away, following the ogre’s commands. The fragrance of flowers was almost suffocating.

***

Aluloona Loona, an alraune, was second-in-command to Skadi on the City Council. Apparently, Aluloona originally sold real estate in the monster regions, and maintained massive assets. She had a wealth of knowledge on agriculture and education, and was tasked with the production of foodstuffs in Lindworm. She took that opportunity to turn Aluloona Plantation into a large farm, further increasing her holdings.

Glenn had never actually seen her, however. At least, not until today.

“Aluloona, teach me origami.”

“Hmm? Well, you have to fold that into a bag first, then turn it over.”

“Alulooooona, I drew a picture. Look!”

“Wow, great job! Is this me? It’s so good!”

“Miss Alulooooona, someone’s here!”

“Huh?”

A massive, bulbous plant surrounded the children. Its vines wove all around them, folding origami and drawing pictures. The children were of different species; monsters and humans played alongside each other.

“Chief, we’ve brought intruders,” the ogre patrol captain said.

“Why are you interrupting me? I just started playing with these children from the orphanage.”

A flower bud sprouted from the plant’s tip. As the bud’s spiraling petals blossomed, a monster woman with green skin and an alraune’s flower-like characteristics appeared.

“Oh, I know you! Don’t be afraid,” she said, looking at Glenn. “Stand down, captain. These are not intruders. Children, go with the captain back to the orphanage.”

“Okay.”

“Bye bye, Aluloona!”

At Aluloona’s command, the children shuffled out of the room. The ogre patrol captain turned to look at Glenn, Sapphee, and Arahnia.

“The chief—Miss Aluloona—is the most charitable person in Lindworm. You watch yourselves. If anything happens to her, you’ll have to answer to me.”

“You’re too protective of this old lady. Now, off with you!” Aluloona waved her vines, shooing the ogre away and summoning a server with glasses of wine. “Now, what are a pharmacologist and a designer doing here together? I’m guessing that this was Arahnia’s idea? I know you like to play dress-up, but you have no business wearing that costume if you’re not a prostitute.”

“We need to speak with you, Miss Aluloona, and we didn’t think that we could just waltz in,” Glenn explained.

“Hmmm. You’re Cthulhy’s cute apprentice?”

“Y-yes, I’m Glenn. Thank you for continuing to supply us with medicinal ingredients.”

“I’m Aluloona. You don’t need to act so scared. Sapphee knows me well enough.” Aluloona chuckled. “I can take a minute to listen to whatever the clinic head has to say.”

“I thought the patrol team would kick us out of the district before we even had a chance to talk to you.” Sapphee wore a glum expression. She didn’t like being laughed at.

“Well, that certainly was a possibility. Everyone is on edge because of the recent pranks.”

“Pranks?”

“Some jerk has been stomping on the flowerbed. Didn’t you notice what a mess it’s become? The patrol team is frantically trying to find the culprit. That’s why I’m in the guardroom, even though I’m terribly busy with Skadi’s duties.”

“But you have time to play with children.”

“It’s the only chance I have to slow down for a minute. The children are from my orphanage.”

Aluloona rubbed her head. A pink flower bloomed on her left temple. Each time she touched it, something gold and sparkly fluttered from it: pollen. The pollen drifted toward Glenn, carrying a sweet fragrance.

“You never change. You just do whatever you want.”

“Well, I won’t be giving you any more wine, Sapphee.”

“I-I was just kidding. I know how hard you work.” Sapphee put on a fake smile, trying to get back on Aluloona’s good side.

Sapphee was normally very serious, but she had a weakness for alcohol. Aluloona seemed to know that.

Aluloona was an alraune—a plant monster. She was basically a human born from a flower. The bottom of her body looked like a plant bulb, round and large. She could move, but not very far. Below the bulb, roots branched off. Above it, a large, green flower bloomed. Aluloona’s true form was anchored there. She looked as if a massive flower’s pistil had taken human form.

Since the alraune performed photosynthesis, Aluloona’s skin was a deep green. She never wore clothes, but leaf-shaped organs covered her bust and private parts. The flower blooming on the left side of her head made it look as though Aluloona had stuck a gaudy hairpin there. Petals resembling hair covered her head. Her eyes, peeking through the blossoms, were large and black. Her eyeballs had obviously developed differently than those of a mammal.

Aluloona seemed to be in her early twenties. However, since alraune were a long-lived species, her looks were not a reliable indicator of her real age. She might appear a bit sluggish, but her expression was coquettish. Besides, her leaf-covered bust was voluptuous, and her waist was a slender hourglass. Setting aside Aluloona’s old-fashioned way of speaking, her stunning, youthful body would entice anyone.

“Doctor?”

“Doc, don’t fall under her spell!”

“Ah! Ow!” Sapphee and Arahnia pulled Glenn’s arms in opposite directions. It was the first time that the two women seemed to agree with each other.

Glenn was surprised at himself. He’d been charmed by beautiful women before, but he’d never quite lost his breath like that. Normally, he only viewed monsters’ bodies from a physician’s perspective.

Aluloona took out a folding fan and started to flap it. Her flowers fluttered.

“So, what is it? What possessed you to dress like this?”

“Coming from someone completely naked.” Sapphee rolled her eyes.

“Why would a flower wear clothes? We’re already dressed up,” Aluloona replied calmly.

“Well…” Glenn told Aluloona about his brother’s letter, his sister running away, the information from Kunai, and the possibility that Sioux had joined the patrol team.

“Oh, I know Sioux.”

“Really?!”

“Yes, she just started. Whenever I give her fruit, she eats so elegantly. So, she’s a runaway, then? She did seem a bit suspicious.” Aluloona didn’t express any doubt about what Glenn told her. Whatever she’d heard about him from Cthulhy and Skadi must have been enough to earn her trust.

Aluloona clapped her hands. The ogre captain, apparently back from escorting the children home, entered. She and Aluloona whispered to each other for a moment.

“It seems that Sioux is out on patrol right now. She’ll be back soon. Why don’t you girls change while you’re waiting?”

“Oh, thank you.”

“Not at all. Families need to take care of each other. If, by chance, it’s not her, then that will be all.” Aluloona’s face was full of the love you’d expect from someone running an orphanage.

“If that’s all we have to discuss, then I would appreciate you taking off those clothes. The next room is free. You may use it.”

“Th-thank you.” Although Sapphee hadn’t said it outright, Glenn knew she must have been embarrassed to wear such a revealing outfit.

Sapphee hurried into the next room. Arahnia followed, leaving Aluloona and Glenn alone.

Glenn stood to leave. “I’ll just wait outsi—”

“Wait a minute.” Aluloona’s vines slithered, wrapping around him.

He was forced off-balance, but just as he was about to fall, more vines steadied him. Alraune could stretch and contract them individually, as if they were limbs.

“I wanted to talk to you about something else.”

“S-something else?”

The vines moved Glenn into a sitting position in front of Aluloona. She was only slightly taller than Glenn when he was standing. Of course, most of that height consisted of the bulb that made up her body’s lower half. From Glenn’s position, he had a clear view of Aluloona’s beautiful face and voluminous breasts.

“Something I can only ask the town doctor.”

“An examination?”

“I asked Cthulhy before, but she’s with Skadi now, on a business trip. As such, it makes sense to ask her apprentice instead, don’t you think? Don’t be afraid. It’s not like I’m contagious.”

Aluloona was probably too busy to visit the Central Hospital. It made sense that she would ask Glenn, who’d just happened to stop by, to take a look. He hadn’t been expecting such a request, but still, he couldn’t refuse.

“Okay, then. Well… What kind of examination did you have in mind?”

Aluloona certainly didn’t look as though she was sick.

None of her vibrant leaves appeared to be withering, and her skin’s dark green luster meant that she was getting sufficient sunlight. When plant monsters fell sick, you could usually tell right away.

A bee buzzed around the flower on Aluloona’s head, probably attracted to the pollen.

“Ugh. There are so many honeybees this summer. The apiary in the park has far more than usual, too.”

“Wh-what?”

“I gave them free rein to pollinate, so naturally, all my flowers opened up completely.” Aluloona held her breasts together with her hands. “I’ve got so much nectar now that my chest hurts. Please, help me.”

Glenn could smell the thick, sweet scent that attracted the bees. The way Aluloona gestured and licked her lips, however, did not look like a sick patient.

***

The alraune species’ nectar attracted insects and animals. The nectar developed naturally inside their bodies while their flowers were in full bloom. At first glance, an alraune’s voluptuous breasts looked similar to a mammal’s, but their only purpose was to make and store nectar.

“I’ll get started.”

“Yes, please.”

The only way to get rid of excessive nectar was to expel it from the body.

There was no bed nearby, but Aluloona changed the angle of her lower body’s petals to lie down. The alraune were known as “flower spirits,” and they really were that beautiful. The pose naturally emphasized Aluloona’s breasts, which seemed filled to bursting.

“Okay … I’ll start by covering you with a towel.” Glenn figured that would absorb the nectar. Furthermore, even if this was a medical treatment, he wasn’t about to touch Aluloona’s bare breasts. In fact, that was the main reason he covered her.

“Now, I will open your pores.”

“Y-yes, please.” At the mention of pores, Aluloona’s body tensed.

Alraune circulated their breasts’ nectar throughout their bodies. They secreted nectar from their heads, the tips of their vines, and their blooming flowers. They were unlike humans, who fed their children breast milk directly from their nipples. If Glenn used a needle to stick Aluloona’s chest where the nectar had accumulated, it would be expelled from every pore.

“I’m sorry.” Glenn stuck a thin medical needle through the cloth, piercing her.

“Mmmm.” Aluloona quivered in pain.

If Glenn had been more skilled, the procedure wouldn’t have hurt. But perhaps fear, as well, made Aluloona tremble.

“Now your chest… I’m sorry.”

“How can you work if you’re shaking? You’re not a virgin, are you?”

“Uh…”

“Listen to that reaction. Teehee! Did I strike a chord? Don’t worry about it. Keep going.” Aluloona smirked, watching Glenn’s reaction.

Glenn had spent his entire adolescence studying, and then become a busy doctor. He hadn’t had the opportunity to lose his virginity. It was true that he was often surrounded by beautiful women, including Sapphee, but that was different.

“Now… Again, I’m sorry.” He touched Aluloona’s voluptuous breasts.

They were different from human breasts, which contained mostly fat. Aluloona’s were vibrant and firm, like oranges. Glenn started to rub them in a circular motion—gently, so as not to cause pain.

“Mmmm. O-oh, that’s good…”

It started working right away. The liquid seeping out darkened the cloth covering Aluloona.

“I’m going to apply a bit more force.”

“Ahhhh. Y-yes, please.” Aluloona sighed seductively.

Glenn continued to rub her breasts. The scent of nectar was strong and sweet…intoxicating…suffocating, even. The alraune could seduce monsters and humans with their nectar if they wanted, although they normally only used insects and animals for pollination.

“Ahhh. Mmm. Ohhh. I thought you were just an apprentice, but…you…”

“You have a severe nectar build-up. When did it start hurting?”

“About three days ago… Ah-mmm.”

It kept coming out.

Alraune nectar was full of nutrients, and was said to be good for your complexion. Aluloona could easily sell her nectar if she wanted to.

“Ahhhh… Ohhhh…”

Secreting nectar from her pores was apparently very stimulating for Aluloona, who kept crying out. Her voice was so loud it made Glenn blush. When he remembered that they were in the heart of the entertainment district, that only made it worse.

“Does it hurt?”

“St-stop… No, m-more… More…” Aluloona wrapped her vines around Glenn’s wrists.

Well, she was the patient, after all. What could he do but oblige? Glenn stared vacantly into the distance. The treatment shouldn’t have had any effect on him, but he couldn’t focus his thoughts, as if he were under a love spell.

The smell is…pungent…

More nectar gushed out. The cloth he’d placed on Aluloona’s chest was soaked through. Glenn removed it and replaced it with a new one.

“Ahhmm.” Aluloona was enjoying herself.

Enjoying what, though? Glenn didn’t know, but he felt compelled to complete the treatment. He massaged her breasts harder. They still held a lot of tension—proof of just how much nectar they had amassed.

Glenn started to get dizzy. His body was hot, but why?

“Ahhhh… Oooooh… Eeee… That’s good.”

“Aluloona, your voice…”

“N-nooo… I can’t help it… Ahh, that feels good. Ahhh.”

Pumping the nectar out clearly stimulated Aluloona, but why did it make her so flirtatious? If anyone outside was listening, they’d think this was a prostitute’s room.

If Glenn had been more focused, he might have noticed Aluloona’s exuberance. However, the nectar’s smell fogged his mind.

“Uh, ummm… Miss Aluloona…”

“Mmm… What’s wrong?”

“Th-this nectar…”

She giggled.

Aluloona’s shoulders shook from laughing. She was supposed to be the helpless one, but for some reason, Glenn was caught in her grasp.

“It’s nice, right? I’m quite proud of it. Flowers must have nectar. Do you know why?”

“Well, erm… Ummm…”

“It doesn’t do only to possess beauty. A good flower must have good looks, a good scent, and a good flavor. Appealing to the five senses is the proper way to be appreciated.”

Glenn was immersed in Aluloona’s smell. He felt as though she was eating him, starting with his head.

“So, you like this scent? Well then…” Aluloona slowly lifted the cloth covering her chest, beginning to expose herself.

Glenn knew he had to stop her, but he couldn’t take his eyes off Aluloona’s movements.

She was teasing him. Her delicate fingers, which held the cloth; her cleavage, which she slowly revealed; even her breath, which expressed excitement, all left Glenn speechless as the nectar’s scent engulfed him.

“Would you like to suck it directly?”

“Wh-what? No!”

“It’s fine! Rubbing and sucking are pretty much the same. If a venomous bee stung me, you would suck the poison out, right? This is a medical treatment.”

He wanted to point out the flaw in her logic, but Glenn couldn’t get make any sound except a low gurgling. Every time he tried to protest what Aluloona said, he lost the ability to speak.

“What is this? You have a woman begging you, and you do nothing?”

Aluloona’s voice could arouse men with only its sound. It was a lovable and sweet voice that made Glenn want to protect her. Her true intent shone out from the alluring eyes hiding behind her flower-petal bangs. Where was the richest landowner in town? Where was the passionate philanthropist? She was acting like a woman of pleasure. It went against everything he’d heard about her.

The nectar’s scent traveled from Glenn’s nose to his brain, making his movements sluggish. Aluloona took Glenn’s hands, guiding him to remove the cloth that was already about to fall off her, and with it, any sense of reason he retained.

“Ah… Umph…”

The situation had strayed from any semblance of medical treatment.

Aluloona was pulling Glenn in, as if he were the bee and she the flower. Even though he knew that giving in would cross a line a doctor should never cross, Aluloona’s nectar had completely taken over his feelings.

He wanted to suck her nectar, to taste it. It must be delectable.

“Ooooh, ohhh… This…”

Glenn tried to keep himself from peeling away the cloth, but he had no strength left. He buried himself awkwardly in Aluloona’s breasts, nestling against her.

“Teehee! I’ve never fed someone from my teat before, but every man acts like a babe when he’s against a woman’s chest. There, there. Drink as much as you’d like.”

“Miss Aluloona… Why?”

“Oh my. Can you still speak?” Aluloona seemed surprised. “Why, you ask? You didn’t hear about me from Sapphee? I see. She probably didn’t want to talk about the real me. Well, that’s not a problem.”

“Wh-what do you mean?”

“Think about it. I run a farm, and I created the entertainment district. I like children, it’s true. Of course, I also like the act of creating children.”

Glenn was buried in her breasts. The endless flow of nectar had soaked through the terrycloth and now dampened his face. It had a sweet smell. Not sticky-sweet, like honey. No, the rich scent was smooth and thick, and there was nothing vulgar about it. Just one lick made all the color in the world brighter.

“What I like most of all is mating.”

“Th… I… Nnng?”

“Mating. Pollination. Copulation. Sex. Intercourse. Call it whatever you like. You do know that the alraune can mate with both plants and animals, don’t you?”

“Yes…”

Alraune had strange reproductive capabilities. They could mate with plants through pollination. They could mate with animals through fertilization, like humans. They could mate with a host of different species, and produce offspring far removed from anything covered by common biological studies.

“It’s nice to look, but when my flowers bloom, all I can think about is joining with a man. I’m so glad you came to see me, Dr. Glenn. I just love young men…like you.” Aluloona licked her lips.

It was far too late for Glenn. His free will had already melted in the sweet nectar. It was clear now why Cthulhy had been in charge of Aluloona’s treatment up to this point. Glenn was unable to resist her seduction.

“I should warn you, it’s impossible to escape the lure of my nectar with willpower alone. Nectar has…aphrodisiac effects. Now, just relax.”

“Uh… Ugh…”

It wouldn’t be wrong to succumb to Aluloona’s temptation. After all, it was Glenn’s business who he chose to have relations with. Resisting would be harder than any consequences he might suffer as town doctor. But…

“Ummm…”

“Hmm? What is it? Are you finally ready to suck?”

“W-we’re in the middle of treatment. So…”

“Excuse me?”

“If I don’t become a great doctor, then Sapphee… She’ll be angry with me. So…” Those were the only words Glenn could muster. He’d resisted with all his might.

Aluloona just chuckled. She stroked Glenn’s head.

“Ahhh, is that so? I see. You’re totally devoted to Sapphee and Cthulhy. That’s okay with me. I won’t get mad if you say another woman’s name while we’re together. I actually enjoy it.”

“Uhh…”

“Would you prefer to include your friends? I don’t mind an orgy. There are two women changing next door. Why don’t you invite them in?”

“Stop right there!”

Glenn and Aluloona were suddenly pulled apart, as if a spring had expanded between them. Glenn’s mind was still foggy, but he could tell that Arahnia’s voice was echoing through the room.

“What is this about an orgy? Do you know how upset that kind of talk would make Sapphee?”

“Well, you certainly change quickly.”

“I’m here, too, Miss Aluloona.” Sapphee glared at Glenn. “There you are, Doctor. I had a feeling something like this might happen, so I brought you a stimulant.”

“Ugh… Er… Arg?!”

Sapphee forced Glenn to drink a thick, bitter medicine. He thought he might cough it up reflexively, but Sapphee pinched his nose and poured it down his throat.

“Ehh… Ugh…”

Once Glenn drank it all, the fog lifted, and he could think clearly again.

“Ugh… Thank you, Sapphee. You’re always prepared.”

“Of course I am. The moment we decided to visit Aluloona, I expected something like this to happen. She’s not a bad person… But when she sees a man, she seduces him.”

“I wish you had told me.”

“If I did, I thought you might seek her out.”

“I would never do that. That’s what you were worried about?!”

“I suppose you did just barely get my name out. You deserve credit for that.” Sapphee hugged Glenn from behind and stroked his head, as if mimicking what Aluloona had done only moments before. He wondered if Sapphee felt jealous.

Both Arahnia and Sapphee had changed into their normal clothes. It apparently hadn’t taken them long to change, and they’d just been waiting for the right time to jump in.

“Arahnia…”

“Yeah, I’ve already started.”

“Who do you think you’re speaking to?! I still have power!” Aluloona was throwing a tantrum.

However, she was completely caught in Arahnia’s spiderweb. Even her vines, which she could freely stretch and contract, were held firm. The web held both Aluloona’s arms above her head, keeping her from moving even a finger. Glenn wondered whether it was just his imagination that the web bound her in a way that accentuated her breasts.

“Well then, Miss Aluloona. How should we wrap this up?”

“Wh-what?! You can’t keep me from playing with men. I will have the men of Lindworm!”

“Well, I do understand your strong desires, Miss Aluloona.”

“S-so, are you mad that I put my hands on the young lord?”

“I’ll report it to Cthulhy, but I don’t really care.”

“Hmph. Then what?” Aluloona cocked her head to one side. Sapphee smiled, but her eyes were stern.

“You were in the middle of a treatment, correct?”

“What did you say?”

Sapphee approached the immobilized Aluloona. Arahnia moved closer as well.

“As you said, Miss Aluloona, you’re full of nectar, and the best thing to do is suck it out. Alraune nectar stimulates sexual excitement, so it isn’t appropriate for Dr. Glenn to treat you. I’ll do it.”

“W-wait just a second, Sapphee! No way!”

“Why not? I am a pharmacologist, and I am qualified to perform treatment.”

Glenn wondered what expression Sapphee had on her face. He sensed what was about to happen, and averted his eyes, staring into a corner instead.

“Y-you mean you’re going to suck on my breasts?”

“Since I’m here anyway, how about I help, too?” Arahnia suggested. “I hear that alraune nectar’s beauty and health effects are excellent.”

Glenn continued staring vacantly into the corner, entertained by the commotion behind him.

“J-just a minute! I certainly have a taste for women, but right now, I’m only interested in Glenn…”

“This is medical treatment. Now stop your yakking.”

“N-no! Glenn! Glenn, you do it!”

Glenn covered his ears, ignoring Aluloona’s complaints, but he couldn’t shut out everything. He still heard loud sucking sounds.

Sluuuuuurp.

Sluuuuuuuuurp.

“Oh! Heh. It’s still gushing out.” Sapphee smacked her lips.

“Mmm. Leave some for me. Mmm… Ahh… Delicious.” Arahnia did the same.

“Mmm. Ahhh… Both of you at once… Agh…”

The sweet smell wafted through the air again. Glenn knew that Sapphee and Arahnia were engrossed in their task, but he worried that smelling the nectar would put him in a stupor again.

“Slurrrrp… Sllllurp. Mmm… It’s sweet.”

“Teehee! It’s exactly what I imagined, Miss Aluloona. Slurrrp.”

“Y-you! Not so hard! Ahhh. Oooh!”

They were like butterflies devouring nectar. The only sound Glenn could hear was the two women sucking on Aluloona’s chest.

“Slurrrrp. Smack. Slllurp.”

“Mmmm. Ahhhh…”

“Ahh! Ahhhh! Mmmm! I-I can’t take anymore! Arrghhh!”

“Slllurrrp!”

“Mmmm!”

All of a sudden, one voice grew much louder.

When Glenn timidly turned around, he saw Aluloona nestled into the flower that made up her bottom half, completely worn out. Sapphee wiped her mouth with a towel. Next to Sapphee, Arahnia had a nonchalant expression.

“We’re finished, Doctor.”

“Y-yes.”

Glenn turned back to Aluloona, well aware of the fact that he hadn’t helped at all. She might have been exhausted, but her eyes glistened as she gazed at Glenn. When their eyes met, Aluloona gave him a bewitching smile, as if to say she hadn’t had her fill.

Aluloona and Skadi were as different as day and night, but Glenn realized the one thing they had in common: he would never be a match for either of them.

***

Once the nectar extraction was complete, Aluloona laughed, as if nothing had happened. The nectar’s scent lingered, and both Sapphee and Arahnia’s skin glowed. They looked as if they’d molted. Glenn couldn’t hide his surprise at the nectar’s dramatic beautifying effects. However, he’d also just witnessed a darker side to the two women he thought he knew.

When the ogre patrol captain returned, she looked around the room quizzically. Perhaps she noticed the nectar’s sweet smell in the air. Perhaps she realized that something had happened in the room.

“Chief Aluloona, Sioux has returned. Shall I show her inside?”

“Oh, she’s here? Yes, bring her in.”

“Also, chief… Maybe you should cut back a bit on playing around.”

“I’m always serious.”

“I know that.”

The ogre was cool as a cucumber. She said nothing to Glenn and simply bowed to Aluloona.

“Sioux, come greet the chief.”

“Y-yes. Miss Aluloona, I am honored that you summoned me. My name is Sioux Litbeit, and… Aghh?!”

Sioux screamed as the ogre took a step back.

Since the ogre’s massive body hid Glenn, Sioux hadn’t noticed him until that point. He hadn’t looked directly at her, either, but her long black hair and overly polite demeanor were unmistakable.

Glenn hadn’t seen her in years, but there was no doubt in his mind.

“It’s been a while, Sioux.”

“Aaghhh!”

Sioux paled as she stood there, her mouth agape. However, that only lasted a moment. She quickly recovered from her shock and turned to run. She was even more agile than the last time Glenn saw her; she’d clearly been training.

“W-wait, Sioux!”

“B-Brother… No, I don’t think I know you. Sioux is not… I am a… There is no Sioux!”

“Wh-what are you talking about?”

Their brother had always said that Glenn had the brains and Sioux had the brawn. It wasn’t a very nice way to put it, but he was right. When Sioux was flustered, she became incoherent. She screamed out nonsense as she attempted to run away.

Glenn wanted to follow her, but couldn’t match her speed.

“Just a minute. It was I who summoned you,” said Aluloona.

Vines stretched out and caught Sioux by the leg. She fell flat on her face, mid-sprint.

“Ow!”

“You…aren’t very bright, are you?” Aluloona asked.

“She’s always been like that. She’s a wild boar,” said Sapphee.

“Do you mean she’s part orc?”

“No, she’s Dr. Glenn’s sister. Unfortunately, she’s just a human.”

Arahnia and Sapphee didn’t sugarcoat anything about Sioux. The worst part was that they were correct.

Sioux was still flapping around, trying to run despite being entangled in vines. Aluloona’s grip was too strong, though. It was said that alraune vines evolved like tentacles, to catch prey, but Glenn didn’t know if that was true.

“Ugh, er…”

Suddenly, there was a flash of light.

Sioux had drawn a dagger. No matter how strong Aluloona was, her vines weren’t immune to being cut. Sioux’s movements as she wielded the blade showed just how proficient she was with it.

“Heh,” Aluloona smirked. “Are you sure you want to face me with a weapon?”

“Uhh…”

“You can’t hurt me, no matter how many of my vines you cut. But you should think about what will happen to you afterward. Your superior is standing next to you. Do you think it’s wise to attack a member of the City Council that employs you?”

The ogre captain looked at Sioux, arms crossed. She seemed unconcerned, but she had started watching more carefully when Sioux pulled out the dagger.

Sioux sheathed her weapon, looking defeated, although she still struggled to free herself from the vines.

“Argh-mmm! You tricked me! Brother! Sister!”

“No one tricked anyone. We just asked Aluloona to call you. It’s been so long, Sioux. May I say you’re looking very well?”

“Argh…”

Glenn quickly examined his sister. She’d grown a bit since he left home, but it was undoubtedly Sioux. Her expression was just as serious and stubborn as always. However, two horns grew out of her forehead. They weren’t bone, like dragon horns. It was almost as if Sioux’s skull was deformed, bulging outward. The horns looked a lot like partially grown deer antlers, covered in velvet.

So…were those demon horns?

Demonitis. Glenn recalled the name of the disease from the letter.

There had been cases of humans transforming into demons in the east. This was beyond Glenn’s specialty as a monster doctor, though.

“So, where should we start, Sioux? First, why don’t we calm down?”

“Uhhh… Uh…”

“Sioux?”

She was acting strangely, her face turning red as she tried desperately to escape the vines. She was sweating heavily.

Is that smoke pouring off her? No… Steam?

It was subtle, but white mist rose from the tips of Sioux’s horns.

“Hmmm. This isn’t good.”

Aluloona released her vines’ hold. Glenn took Sioux in his arms, feeling how hot she was. There was no time to enjoy the reunion.

“Argh…” Sioux’s eyes weren’t focusing. They rolled back in her head.

“She’s losing consciousness. We need to work fast. Sapphee, help me.”

“Y-yes.”

Glenn didn’t know what was happening, but he guessed that it was probably caused by Sioux’s Demonitis.

“If her body is hot, maybe it’s heatstroke.”

“It’s not that hot today. But I think we need to cool her, all the same. Miss Aluloona, could we borrow some well water?”

Glenn touched Sioux’s forehead. Her horns were feverishly hot.

“Doctor…”

“It’s okay. I can still work. Even if she is human…and my sister.”

Glenn slapped his face to focus. He had to do everything he could to keep Sioux from turning into a demon.