"What do you mean I can't go?! If I can't go, then you can't go either!"
"That's not fair. It's just shopping!"
"In broad daylight? Everyone will know you're a vampire with that red hair."
"No one will know if I wear a hood."
"That won't hide your hair any better than it would hide my horns. If you believe that, then I'll wear one and go with him."
"That won't work. You're still oozing everywhere."
"Ew, don't say it like that! I've recovered from starvation so it's all gone now!"
Leon felt an elbow jab into his side.
"Why are they fighting now? What did you do this time, Farm boy?
Rika arrived on the balcony to join Roselyn, Cersei, and Tala, who were already deep into breakfast. The three of them ate in silence, watching as Celestine and Valeria argued nearby.
"I just said I want to explore the city today, get away from the house for a bit."
"To the two girls who can't even leave? Really?"
"Why can't they leave? And what is that 'oozing' Valeria was talking about?"
"When humans are starving, we slow our metabolism to conserve energy. Monsters do the opposite. They accelerate it, burning themselves out trying to find prey."
"So she was oozing pheromones or something?"
"Not exactly pheromones. Succubi are Essence-based monsters that enslave and dominate men. When they're starved, they passively radiate their aura everywhere. It's extremely wasteful, but every monster has some version of this starvation mode. You need to watch out for it."
"I didn't even notice."
"I'm pretty sure you just out-healed the effect. A weaker-willed man would already be a soulless husk kissing her heel by now."
That explains why they only brought female maids and knights. Succubi are a lot scarier here than they are in anime back home. Then again, I'm engaged to one… so I guess I'm just as guilty of the trope.
Rika spoke up to interrupt the two girls who were still fighting.
"Look, neither of you can go out in public. A hood isn't going to cover it. I'll give the Farm boy a tour of the city..."
"No. I don't trust you either."
"Huh?!"
The only other person besides Rika who was surprised by Celestine's accusation was Valeria.
"Wait...RIKA TOO!"
"NO! NOT ME TOO! I DON'T CARE ABOUT SOME STUPID FARM BOY!"
"WAIT! Is that why you asked that personal stuff about if I liked him!?!?"
Oh Valeria you sweet innocent girl.
"I was trying to be nice and stop you're fighting. You two need to get your hormones in check."
Rika joined the rest of her party at the breakfast table. Eating in tense silence, every bite sharp as she glared at the others.
"Since I cannot go, it can't be Valeria or Rika going... But it should be fine to let someone else go."
"That whole first line you said is wrong. I can't go because we don't want me getting caught as a vampire, not because you can't go. But I guess I can agree on neither one of us going."
Cersei spoke up first, followed by Tala.
"No. I need to figure out a cure for Celestine so we can get rid of the village idiot. I don't have time to babysit him."
Between her and Rika, how is Rika supposed to be the one that hates men more!?!
"Not interested either. Become strong enough to order me to accompany you. Till then it's not my concern."
Yeah. Makes sense for Tala.
Roselyn smiled as she stood up. Her meal was all finished.
"Yeah I knew it was going to be me for a while now, but I thought I'd let things play out."
"Thanks, Roselyn!"
"Don't mention it. I needed supplies anyway, and I almost forgot how much I hated having maids hovering around me all the time. Shall we?"
The two of them left the tense balcony behind. Roselyn gathered her things as they walked through the halls of the estate.
"You know, there was a fight yesterday morning as well. Is this just going to be a daily occurrence with Rose Thorns?"
Roselyn led out a light laugh.
"Only on the days you open your mouth. Come on, let's go."