S-Rank Adventurer Betrayed by His Fiancée in the Hero’s Party Sets Off on a Journey to Heal His Broken Heart ~The Strongest Betrayed Adventurer Ends Up Forming a Harem Party~ - Chapter 55: A Little Reward

Chapter 55: A Little Reward

“I’d like an even tighter hug next time, please.”

“Uh… nothing too special, okay?”

Laughing alongside the ever-glowing Maria, I made my way back to the suite we were staying in.

“I’m heading to Granny Crim’s place tomorrow.”

“Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you.”

“But are you sure it’s okay? You guys are supposed to start training with Raynare tomorrow, right?”

I brought it up again—something we’d already talked about on the way back.

In preparation for Carina’s return next week, the Oathsworn Radiant Swords—Elmie and the others—were going to start intensive training under Raynare.

“After fighting that demonkin, we realized we’re still not where we need to be. So we asked Raynare for help—and she agreed right away.”

“I see…”

They were already A-rank adventurers, so I didn’t think they needed to push themselves that hard.

But hey—if they’ve decided, then that’s that.

You can never have too much strength… or money.

“I wish I could return the favor and train you guys myself.”

Three years ago, those three helped me grow so much.

Elmie taught me swordsmanship.

Maria handled the magic lessons.

And Frey… just threw me into constant battle drills.

So this time, I wanted to repay them.

Maybe help them level up a bit during the journey from Cahel.

But…

“I don’t really use skills or normal magic, so I’m not much help when it comes to that stuff…”

“Well, with your crazy magic output, Abel, normal spells aren’t exactly an option anyway~”

Yeah… our fighting styles were just completely different.

I relied on my magic swords for spellcasting, so I couldn’t really teach Maria any structured magic.

Frey fought using pure technique and enhancement-type skills—and on top of that, she used a halberd. I was a swordsman, so there was no way my style was gonna translate.

And Elmie? Her whole approach was skill-based combat.

I couldn’t help much there either—my own skills were weak, and I barely used them to begin with.

—I mean, her job is literally Sword Saint, the advanced form of Swordsman.

Trying to teach her anything would just be flat-out embarrassing.

So yeah… the only thing I could do was be their training dummy and spar nonstop.

“But… is it really okay to leave you guys with Raynare? Her job’s kinda… out there.”

“She’s been around forever, remember? She said she’s trained plenty of people with jobs like ours before, so she’ll tailor her approach to fit.”

“Ohh, that makes sense.”

That way, she could help them sharpen their class-specific skills and boost their general combat and magic abilities.

“Raynare’s kinda scary-smart, huh?”

“Right~? She knows all sorts of stuff.”

“Like… what kind of stuff, exactly?”

“Hmm~? …That’s a secret♪”

“That just makes it sound way more suspicious!!”

“Hehe! Anyway, good night, Abel.”

Maria waved sweetly before strolling off toward the guest room she shared with Frey.

All I could do was wave back…

Quietly praying she wasn’t planning anything weird.

“Phewww…”

I finally made it back to my room.

This hotel—well, more like this entire suite—was way too fancy.

Massive dining area, huge balcony, even a private open-air bath on the rooftop… Everything was just absurdly oversized.

And on top of that, there was a giant master bedroom plus three separate guest rooms, which Elmie, the sisters, and I were using.

“Even the guest beds are huge. What kind of rich-people logic is that?”

Despite how luxurious it all was, the place felt oddly empty when it was just me.

I plopped down on the ridiculously plush bed—the kind that made you feel guilty for hogging it alone.

“I seriously don’t get how rich people think. Isn’t this just wasting space?”

“You’re rich too, y’know. One of the richest in the world, actually.”

“I blew most of it spoiling Millia, remember? These days, I’m more like… upper-middle class.”

I had, what, around 600 million Els left? Still enough to live in a place like this for years…

“…Wait.”

Who did I just say that to?

“You really let your guard down when you relax, huh?”

“WHOA—!?”

Right in front of me—waaay too close—was Raynare’s smug grin.

“Is this confidence born from strength, or are you finally starting to trust me? If it’s the latter, I’m honored.”

“Wait—how the hell did you even get in here—”

“Too slow.”

Before I could even finish, she gave me a light shove.

Completely off balance, I flailed and toppled backward—barely catching myself.

And then, before I could even react—

She came crashing down right on top of me.

“Fufufu… S-Rank mount position—secured!”

“W-Wait, w-what the hell—?!”

Raynare had apparently been lying in ambush using her signature vampire trick: the Transformation Skill.

And now she was completely on top of me—pressing that curvy, seductive body against mine like it was no big deal.

But—BUT! That wasn’t even the biggest issue right now!

“Why are you not wearing any clothes?!”

“When I transform, clothes just get in the way, y’know? It’s a whole thing. Totally unavoidable.”

“LIES!! You were fully dressed the other times you used it!!”

Like that surprise lap-hug! Or when you sneak-glomped me outta nowhere! You were definitely clothed then!

“Okay, fine, busted. Truth is, I was already getting ready for bed. I always sleep in the nude. But then I thought, hey—why not pay you a little visit? So I hopped over. No biggie.”

“You’re a total nudist!?”

“Well, back in my wild years, I had this habit of pinning down whoever I slept with and just dozing off right on top of them. It kinda stuck.”

“THAT’S NOT NORMAL!!”

What kind of chaotic life did this woman live!? Is shame not even in her vocabulary!?

How much seductive nonsense can one vampire hold!?

“Ahh, sweet youth. Anyway—yup, I’m completely naked right now. And if I move even a little… well, everything will be out for you to see. Not that I’d mind.”

“M-Mrgh…!”

T-The bedsheet…!? It’s too far! It got kicked way off the bed!

Am I really supposed to just accept getting body-pressed by a naked vampire bombshell!?

My willpower… is hanging on by a thread!!

“Seriously… what the hell do you even want!?”

“Can’t a girl drop by just because she feels like it? …Fine, fine—don’t go grabbing the magic sword. I do have a reason for being here.”

Grumbling, I slid the sword back into my ring.

“Though, sneaking in naked was mostly just for fun~”

…I knew I should’ve cut her down when I had the chance.

“So anyway—what I came to say is this: don’t you think I deserve a little reward?”

“…A reward?”

“I’m gonna start training those girls from the Oathsworn Radiant Swords tomorrow. Didn’t Maria mention it?”

“Yeah, she did… Wait—hold up. Why were you even with Maria!?”

“Oh, I gave her a few secret tips on how to ‘gain the upper hand’ when it comes to love. She seemed pretty happy with the results.”

THAT IS NOT THE KIND OF LESSON YOU SHOULD BE GIVING!!

“Anyway. We’re all lovely ladies madly in love with you, and we’re putting in the effort to grow stronger—for your sake. Isn’t it only fair we get a little something in return? And besides, this whole situation with your precious dragon granny… I’m helping you out with that too, aren’t I?”

…Well, when she puts it like that, she kinda has a point.

I am leaving the girls in her hands while I visit Granny Crim, and yeah—technically, she’s getting dragged into my mess too.

“…Fine. As thanks, I’ll do whatever I can. So? What kind of reward are you after?”

“Oh, I’d love to—nah, I’ll behave. Just this once. Instead… give me your blood.”

Just as I tried to jump away, she pinned me down with a wicked grin—

And made her real request.

Honestly? It made way more sense coming from her.

“Ah… right. You’re a vampire.”

“‘Right,’ you say. ‘Right.’ Honestly—how dare you forget? I’m the original vampire, thank you very much.”

“Pretty sure vampires who lounge around on sunny beach resorts are the real endangered species…”

Like, seriously? Vampires are supposed to be creatures of the night. Yet here she is—sunbathing and flirting like some luxury-loving swimsuit model.

“Alright. You can have a little blood. You are helping me out, after all. …But don’t even think about turning me into a vampire, got it?”

“Oh, trust me—I’m tempted. But I’ll behave. I just want a little taste, that’s all.”

“And don’t you go overboard, either! You’re called vampires for a reason—because you suck people dry!”

“I won’t, I won’t♪ I’m the refined kind, remember? I like to savor things—just a few slow, delicious sips.”

“So it’s a gourmet snack to you now…”

 The blood-red tongue of Raynare is glossy and licks like a tongue.

 The actual “I’m not a fan of the newest and most popular of the newest and most popular of the newest, but I’m not a fan of the newest and most popular of the newest.

Raynare ran her tongue slowly across her lips—deep red, glossy, and way too sensual.

I quickly looked away to avoid getting hypnotized…

Which unfortunately brought something else into full view.

Her chest.

The twins had that soft, pillowy squish—gentle, weighty, kind of sweet.

Raynare’s, though? They hit differently. Dense. Bold. Weaponized.

Same size maybe, but the sensation? A whole damn category above.

It was a full sensory overload—my brain was practically sparking from the data flood.

“You’re all tense. What’s wrong? Does my body feel that good to you?”

“Just get it over with already…!”

I was this close to losing it earlier with Maria. I did not have the mental reserves for Round Two.

So, turning my face hard to the side, I pulled my collar down and exposed my neck.

Like some offering to a bloodthirsty goddess.

“Ahh, don’t bare your neck to me like that… Are you trying to seduce me? Makes me wanna bite it, lick it, suck it dry…”

“JUST. GET. ON WITH IT ALREADY!!!”

I practically screamed, doing everything I could to not think about how those two soft, heavenly distractions were squishing into me through that paper-thin nightwear.

“Okay, okay—then here I go… Nom~”

“—!”

A sharp little prick sank into my neck, and a shiver zipped straight down my spine.

No real pain—more like a quick pinch wrapped in silk.

Was that just her vampire finesse? Or some kind of built-in bloodsucking magic?

But because it didn’t hurt—

I was way too aware of what was happening.

“Mmm… slurp…”

“~~~~~!?!?”

Her warm, slick tongue slowly slid over my skin—tracing along my neck in lazy, hungry swirls.

It felt less like a bite and more like she was devouring the atmosphere.

A chill ran through me, and my whole body jolted against her.

“Kh… ha… ahh…”

“Mnn… gugh… slurp… nnmph…”

I couldn’t stop the noises escaping me—

And every time I did, she just pressed her body down harder, locking me in like a predator savoring her meal.

“Nmmh~”

“Guh…!”

“Nnngh… slurp… mm…”

Wait a sec—

This is definitely too long!! Didn’t she promise to only take a little!?

I was just about to shout again when—

With one last wet smooch, she finally pulled back.

…Only to suddenly stop moving.

“R-Raynare…?”

I glanced over cautiously.

Raynare was sitting there completely frozen in place—

Eyes glazed over, lips parted… and drool streaming freely down her chin.

“WHOAOOOOAAHHHH!?”

THUD!

I flailed and shoved Raynare off me with everything I had.

She rolled right off the bed and hit the floor with a very solid thump.

“Ah—s-sorry, Raynare! You okay!?”

I scrambled over in full panic.

“A-Ah… yeah, my bad.”

Thankfully, she didn’t seem hurt. She slowly sat up…

But her movements were sluggish—like her batteries had just run out.

“…………”

“Uhh, Raynare? You good? You’re acting kinda… off.”

“…It’s nothing. Really. Anyway, see you later. Goodnight.”

And with that super vague goodbye, she turned into mist and vanished.

Just poof. Gone.

“…What even was that?”

Yeah, I had no clue either.

 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

Heyo, it’s Sora Akatsuki again—

My phone just got another vertical line across the screen. That’s two now.

Worse than last year… What kind of curse is this!?

Y’all, take care of your smartphones.

Also, random question:

You know that pose where you lean back and hold yourself up with your hands behind you to keep from falling?

Is there an official name for that??