[Spirit of Lust] Chapter 196: Give and take. (Patreon)

“I’m listening,” Will said. “How can you help?”

“I know of a way that will help you make all the money you’ll need while at the same time let you enter the black market circles. You can’t just show up at a flea market and start buying fake bodies, you know?” Belphegor’s smile began to become more excited. “They are very strict about who they let in. You either have to bring something particularly good to offer at their auctions or an equally good amount of money to spend. All the better if you bring both.”

“And you think I have anything to offer?”

“You do, boy. Remember, I said that alchemy is based on aether. You could create a shapeshifting potion with a mirrorkin’s aether. Now…” Belphegor smirked, “I wonder what you could do with a succubus’ aether.”

‘A sexual performance enhancement potion!’

‘Why do YOU sound excited?’

‘Because I never thought about it.’

“A sexual performance enhancement potion,” Will said, voicing Ishtar’s guess.

“Exactly. A potion that caters to one of humanity's biggest weaknesses. How much money do you think a rich person would be willing to pay for a single night of unforgettable pleasure?”

Will groaned. “A lot, I’d imagine.”

“Whatever sum you’re imagining, you’re underselling it. You’d be offering the ability to give and receive pleasure beyond human ken to the common man.”

Will remained quiet for a moment, pondering before he asked further questions. “Side effects?”

“They would depend on the skill of the alchemist. At its worst, a person drinking your potion would suffer from the same side effects you have.”

So… emotional instability and heightened libido. If so, the latter could lead to addiction considering how different sex with sexual energy was. Could a skilled alchemist prevent them from happening?

“Your girl, Nanami, should have the skills to make it, considering the potion she made before that fooled Jack. It might take a few tries before she gets it right, however.”

Will nodded. Nanami had admitted to only dabbling a bit in alchemy. She wasn’t a professional.

Belphegor’s smirk returned. “She’ll need a test subject, and it can’t be you. It’d be pointless, you understand. Instead… why don’t I help you with that?”

“There it is.”

“Yes. That’s my price, boy. I want you to supply me with potions, and in return, I will introduce you to the black market auction organizers AND help you find a mirrorkin. What do you say?”

‘Will, switch with me!’

‘Huh? What for?’

‘Do it!’

Will didn’t feel like arguing, so he let Ishtar have control of his body.

She quickly settled into it and stared intently at the old man before her. She leaned forward, resting her arms on the table and smirked teasingly.

“Who’s the special lady?” she asked. “If you don’t tell me, there’s no deal.”

Belphegor’s expression was priceless. The old man coughed to clear his throat and try to act aloof, but the blush of his cheeks completely betrayed him.

“There is… this lady who works at the hotel I stay at. The receptionist. She’s been… very nice to me and… Well, even an old man like me feels lonely at times, you know? She agreed to go on a date with me, but… The sexual arts have never been my strong suit, and I would hate to disappoint her. I’m sure you understand, don’t you?”

Ishtar crossed her arms and nodded solemnly. Reading the mind of a spirit as strong as Belphegor was nearly impossible for her. However, even he couldn’t hide his libido from her. No being in either world could. It was enough for Ishtar to know the old man was telling the truth. He had a big crush on a lady, and for someone who could have it all, love is the most difficult thing to acquire. Mind control could never give it to him, and Belphegor probably knew that better than anyone.

“Sex is an important part of a relationship, yes. Well, what can you do? I suppose we have ourselves a deal, old man. Just remember that all your money comes from someone else, so don’t try to impress her with gifts and expensive restaurants. Listen to her, okay? Women hate a man that’s in love with his own voice.”

Belphegor swallowed. “I’ll… keep that in mind. Thank you.”

“When’s the date?”

“Next week.”

“Then that’s our deadline. We’ll need to talk to Nanami. I’ll also need to train, so finding the mirrorkin is not the top priority. You can enjoy yourself for now, but I expect you to deliver on your end of the deal.”

Belphegor’s hand glowed again, thick with intense aether. He placed that hand on his chest. “On my life.”

The glow slowly faded. Did… Did he just put an enchantment on himself? It took Ishtar aback. She didn’t expect him to go to such an extreme.

“W-Well… So long as you know.”

The old man’s help would be invaluable. They’d already gotten excellent information, but having him actively helping was even better. And honestly, Ishtar wouldn’t have been too opposed to giving him a sex potion for free. Sex was for everyone to enjoy, after all.

Ishtar didn’t immediately switch back with Will. Instead, she continued talking with Belphegor, ironing out details for what they had to do. The old man also gave her a few instructions to pass on to Nanami. Things that her and Will would have to do in the process of making the potion and others that might help her in making it.

However, all the talking was just a ruse. Ishtar’s true goal lay beyond that. When the time came, it was Ishtar who ate the fancy dessert, a slice of chocolate cheesecake with superb, unbelievably creamy ice cream.

Will was pissed, but it was totally worth it.