As A Result of Trying To Live An Erotic Slow-Life, I Have Become The Underground Ruler of This Upside-Down Otherworld - Chapter 42: Contract During a Break

Chapter 42: Contract During a Break

“Ha…”

Mia let out a heavy sigh, her spirits low.

She was reeling from the events Serika had recounted about the Mage Federation’s downfall and the sister-store contract with Ryuu. Even further back, there was the matter of Shuri abducting Arius.

“Mia didn’t do anything this time, huh?”

That realization gnawed at her.

Yet, the truth was that not a single person, including Arius, thought that way. It was thanks to Mia’s connections that Towa had quickly located the rabbit hutch where Shuri was hiding. Moreover, Mia had always been the one preparing for such situations in advance.

It was simply a matter of things not aligning.

The situation had unfolded at an unusually rapid pace. The foundation hadn’t been fully established, and there were multiple unforeseen factors, including Arius’s true intentions and Liliel’s recklessness. These were issues beyond the scope of what could have been anticipated or prepared for.

Yes, the timing of everything was just awful.

This wasn’t just about Mia’s feelings—Towa and Serika were affected too. They had been brimming with enthusiasm, ready to start a new chapter in their lives, which made the emotional blow all the more devastating.

“Arius-san… Mia is sorry.”

Mia felt like she’d stumbled right out of the gate. She was determined to redeem herself.

“No, no, this isn’t the time to be moping.”

The sister-store contract had been secured.

It wasn’t hard to guess what had happened afterward, given that Ryuu’s staff, led by Liliel and Luuri, had been thoroughly overwhelmed by a certain “essence.” Those who were already married had shown remarkable restraint, focusing on caregiving despite being exposed to Arius’s potent energy. Truly, they deserved to be praised as all-purpose rabbits.

“When I get home, I’m going to pounce on my husband,” Mia recalled one of the rabbits saying, cheeks flushed, as she carried an exhausted, unconscious Arius to the Ronyan.

Mia silently offered a prayer for the husband about to be ambushed upon his wife’s return, while resolving to lend an ear if he needed to talk about his troubles.

“Hm, as expected, his total magical power has increased. Ten of Ryuu’s employees, plus Liliel and Luuri, and it’s still just barely enough… This is a bit problematic…”

Mia gave a wry smile as she looked at Arius, who was sleeping in bed.

The reality was that satisfying Arius had become increasingly difficult. Towa had suggested increasing their numbers, but Arius could no longer be fulfilled by just anyone treated as a “customer.”

“Love, huh?”

Being desired is a source of happiness—especially when it’s by someone dear.

Serika had shared Arius’s definition of love with them. Both Towa and Mia had realized that the indescribable emotions they harbored were indeed love for Arius.

And so, it was likely that:

“Only someone in a romantic relationship with Arius-san can truly satisfy him.”

That would be the case, regardless of Arius’s own awareness.

But that was precisely the challenge.

The kind of love Arius spoke of didn’t exist in this world. It was something that could only begin to grow through contact with him. Exposing Arius to the world might spark the seeds of love, but that would contradict the very purpose of the Ronyan’s existence.

“In the end, it’s up to us to step up, isn’t it? It’s not realistic, but…”

Mia, in particular, wanted Arius to be fulfilled. She was willing to respond to his desires anytime, day or night, with all her heart. But her body couldn’t keep up with her feelings. In the past, she might have managed, but now, a single encounter left her utterly overwhelmed, and even her attempts at service had their limits.

“It’s frustrating…”

To make matters worse, Arius was currently in a state of hyper-recovery. Even now, it was difficult to keep up with him, and the thought of handling an even more refined Arius was daunting. As much as she wanted to rise to the challenge, she had to admit—however begrudgingly—that it was beyond her. This wasn’t about pride or desire; it was a cold, hard fact.

In short, Arius needed an outlet for his overwhelming libido.

If it were only about his emotional fulfillment, Mia and the others could work toward that goal and find a way. They genuinely wanted to be the ones to meet that need, to be worthy of it.

Thus, in a sense, someone like Serika was necessary—a tool, as Arius might see it, meant for such purposes.

In this case, Arius had lost control and overwhelmed the rabbits. Liliel’s provocative antics were the primary cause, so no grudges were held, but the fact remained.

It was fortunate, in a way, that the rabbits were the ones involved. If Arius had attacked someone with a partner without restraint, he would surely suffer for it. While rape by a man was unheard of in this context, it would likely be considered a crime, and Arius, as a rare being, might even become a plaything for nobles or royalty.

At the same time, Mia realized the terrifying nature of the orc species. Arius’s rationality had been completely overridden, turning him into a true “sex monster” consumed by desire.

“That’s exactly why this is where Mia needs to hold her ground.”

Having finished observing Arius’s condition, Mia’s expression shifted.

“Or rather, I really like you to come back to our world soon.”

“Ugh, you’re so loud. Mia was just getting to the good part.”

Mia shot a half-annoyed, half-exasperated glance at Nelba, who stood behind her with a mix of bemusement and frustration.

—

“I’m not exactly free, you know,” Mia said.

“They say sincerity means visiting three times and begging to meet someone,” Nelba replied.

“So I’d have to endure that scene two more times?”

“Next up is Towa’s turn.”

“Spare me, please.”

Nelba had come to apologize and formally request a cooperative relationship, but with Arius asleep, there was little to be done. Though she’d said “spare me,” Nelba had no qualms about doing whatever it took to improve Arius’s impression of her.

“Silly, I’m kidding. It’s been a while, Nelba. Serika aside, I’m the only one here you actually know, so I’ll greet you for now.”

“Good grief, if it’s a joke, don’t make such a serious face… Still, this might work out conveniently. It’s been a while, Mia. You’ve got a much calmer look about you now.”

They moved to Mia’s room and shook hands.

They were acquainted. For Mia, Nelba was someone who could handle her unreasonable demands. For Nelba, Mia was someone who threw adorable tantrums. Above all, both were the type to stop at nothing to achieve their goals. They’d formed alliances within the Federation and used each other when needed. Though unspoken, they understood each other as comrades-in-arms or trusted confidants.

“Conveniently? When you say that, it gives me a bad feeling. If you’re planning to use Arius-san for something, I’ll make sure you never see the sunrise again.”

“It’s a headache how quick you are to pick a fight. I swear, I have no intention of harming him.”

Mia relaxed, sensing no deceit in Nelba’s words. Still, she couldn’t shake the regret of letting the situation spiral this far. It was only natural that she’d react with heightened sensitivity, determined to prevent further mistakes.

“If I’d known you were behind this—”

“Enough. Even I only got word from Eldo, and then it was straight to that. Anticipating and preparing for something like this is beyond anyone but a god.”

Nelba’s words were either an attempt to console or an excuse for herself.

In any case, no one present that day was fully prepared to handle the situation.

“Fuu… sorry. So, what did you mean by ‘convenient’ again?”

“Well, would it make sense if I said the snake has shed its skin?”

After a moment’s thought, both hands clutched the head.

“…A lot of things just clicked. You’ve been looking after the snakes, haven’t you?”

“If you call keeping them from causing trouble ‘looking after,’ then yes.”

The snakes entrusted by Eldo.

To say entrusted might be misleading, as no one besides Nelba, who was well-versed in the capital’s underbelly, could control them.

“Ohh… so the man in the church’s basement?”

“He was food for the snakes. Fortunately, the bishop’s interests aligned with mine.”

The snakes were a unique group even within the Eldo Family’s team.

Their demonic blood was exceptionally potent, with some even capable of wielding magic.

However, due to the strength of their demonic heritage, their sustenance was peculiar—male essence.

“You mentioned shedding their skin earlier. Don’t tell me…?”

“Oh, yes. Their waning magical power was restored through their encounters with Lord Arius. For those who already revered him as a god for the pleasure he gave, the miracle of their magic’s revival—”

“You don’t need to say it… Mia’s head is starting to hurt, so can you hold off for a sec?”

“Of course. I’m delighted to share the headache.”

“Shut it.”

The image that floated in the mind was of the snakes kneeling before Arius, eyes gleaming with fervor.

It wasn’t a mere possibility—it was a certain future.

If it was just obsession like Kazune’s, that’d be fine. Even becoming believers would be… tolerable.

“Fanatics.”

“Spot on. Their leash is now firmly in Lord Arius’s hands.”

If Arius told them to burn the city down, they’d do it without a moment’s hesitation.

If they had brakes like Serika, that’d be one thing, but having leapt straight into Arius’s embrace, they had no such thing.

“The snakes… there were eight, right? What about the other three?”

“They’re being kept under wraps. Since that incident, they haven’t operated as a team, and contact’s been forbidden.”

“Smart move. At this point, isn’t separating them permanently the only option?”

The remaining three weren’t unattractive.

They could procure men on their own, and while their demonic power was waning, it was gradual. It wouldn’t vanish before their lives ended.

“Indeed, there’s no other way. If their existence were exposed, they’d surely seek out Lord Arius too. That… wouldn’t align with the Ronyan’ goals, would it?”

“Ugh… where’s this talk of cooperation you mentioned?”

“My apologies. That came off as a threat… I’m no good, am I? This kind of maneuvering’s ingrained in me.”

A self-deprecating laugh.

The words about not wanting to harm Arius were utterly sincere.

But it wasn’t out of any particular affection for him.

“I’m truly grateful Lord Arius desires a peaceful life. I’ll spare no effort to ensure he keeps wishing for that.”

From Nelba’s perspective, Arius was a dangerous figure.

It’s not that unattractive women were inherently superior to beautiful ones. But if Arius chose to act, they’d flock to him.

If Arius had ambition, he could easily leverage his essence to spark some kind of movement.

“I see… convenient, huh? You can’t exactly tell Arius-san about this, can you?”

“You already know, don’t you? The story of the duckling.”

“The duckling…? Wait, no way.”

There were indeed entities and organizations seeking a figure like Arius—a banner or deity to rally behind.

“I was keeping them in check with the snakes’ power. But now that the snakes are dysfunctional… well, that’s the main source of my headache.”

“Haa… yeah, that’s definitely a headache.”

It was a misstep, but Arius’s cooperation had become indispensable.

There was no navigating this without him.

“A proposal.”

“I’m listening.”

Both straightened up.

“Mia’ll hire those five snakes as maintenance staff at Mia’s estate. Their connection to Arius-san will be through Serika’s subordinates.”

“Conditions?”

“Obviously, the five snakes will be absolutely loyal to Arius-san and obey Serika’s orders. As for you, you’ll deal with anyone foolish enough to mess with the Ronyan or Ryuu. How’s that?”

A thoughtful pause.

The terms were almost too good.

Separating the snakes could be justified by their declining magic, and it wasn’t unreasonable. The estate was an ideal place to hide them, and their management was being offered.

As for those “messing” with them, that likely included the duckling and other families rising after the Eldo Family’s dissolution. Eliminating those headaches would make the task feasible, if not easy.

“It feels almost too convenient for me.”

“Think it’s a trap?”

A natural suspicion—perhaps a trap was hidden in the words.

Maybe the five snakes would be used to attack the Mage Federation. The Federation was likely irrelevant now, and given their past aggression, wanting them gone wouldn’t be surprising.

“It’s a matter of trust. Mia’s not trying to screw you over. Mia’s suggesting this because Mia believes it’s the best thing for Arius-san.”

A strikingly clear smile.

There were benefits for Arius too.

Neutralizing threats was one thing, but the snakes could serve as an outlet for Arius’s insatiable libido—a problem that had been weighing heavily.

The snakes thrived on essence.

If Arius knew that, he might feel less like they were “customers,” allowing him to unleash his pent-up desires without restraint.

“You… really have changed.”

“Mia hasn’t changed. Mia wants to change. Mia wants to be Arius-san’s woman.”

In the end.

The role was clear.

Among the Ronyan, none knew the capital’s underbelly better.

The task was to handle its darker dealings and create the environment Arius likely desired.

“Understood. Paperwork?”

“No need. We’ve no reason to betray you, and if you betray us, we’ll just send the snakes after you. Oh, but for anything involving Arius-san, prepare proper documents.”

“Ouch, that’s harsh. I never imagined I’d witness the essence of a lovestruck maiden like this. Very well, please let me know when Lord Arius wakes.”

“Ara? Not coming back two more times?”

A chuckle at the quip.

“I might end up falling for him myself. I’d rather not get in the way of your romance, so I’ll pass.”

With that, the room was left behind.