RFC-Mini Arc 3: New Form-06 (Patreon)

The shop owner doesn’t even pause before guiding me over to one of the shelves. I grab several that pique my interest before taking them away to the less fragrant counter.

My succubus lays a hand on my wrist and I feel the warmth of invading mana, relaxing as I let it do its work. It travels to my nose, altering it. The scents of the room come into focus and I give her a discrete nod, her magic retracting. I could do something myself but I don’t have a template that is inconspicuous enough for company.

With my new and improved nose, I go through the different bottles. Through much deliberation, I settle on three. The first combines the standard musk with a subtle sweetness. The second combines it with spices. The only one I can recognize is cinnamon but my nose picks apart over half a dozen of them. It adds an air of mystery, baiting someone to take another whiff just to try and solve the riddle.

The last though, really catches me. It has a smokiness to it, close to expensive incense some nobles burn to keep back the smell of the city. It makes me think of candlelit nights and the type of activities it invites.

Really, now that I have the foundation for the type of scent I want to craft, I could leave the store but out of courtesy, I purchase all six bottles. Madame Black’s veil can’t hide her smile as she carefully places the bottles into a velvet lined box. I understand why when she quotes the price. Eighty gold crowns for a few bottles of perfume? I could feed two families for a year with that. Generously.

I pay it happily, smug with the knowledge I can afford it. It feels good to be privileged.

After I pass the box to Geneva, Madame Black slides a black card to me. On one side is the picture of a cat, Mr. Black I’m assuming, the edges done in a swirling golden border. The other side has words. “You are cordially invited to the Black Ball?”

“A small gathering of my best customers.” Madame Black takes up her pipe again. I notice the ends of the pipe is filled with small bundles of green. “Those with too much free time who look for pleasurable ways to spend it along with those who give themselves to providing that pleasure. There’s usually a gathering every Restday, if you’re interested.”

“Ah. I’ll keep it in mind.” I put the card on top of the box and leave the store. Maxine, who remained rather quiet while inside, finally bursts in the carriage.

“Do you know what you’ve done by accepting that invitation!?” she shouts, nearly coming off the opposite bench as she leans toward me.

“Clearly not what you know.” I’m not worried about her sudden panic. It can’t be anything dangerous. Otherwise, Geneva would have intervened and I think highly enough of Max to be assured she wouldn’t have let me walk into it blind. “You going to tell me?”

She takes a deep breath. “The Black Ball is…not a place where those of a reputable reputation go. It’s a sordid affair that attracts those of a degenerate nature.”

I blink. “Max…” What do you think I am?

“Not like you. You may be perverted but you’re still courteous. Those people who go the Black Ball…” She sighs.

“How come you know so much about this? Something you want to tell me?”

Her lips turn down. “The Black Ball is less an event and more a tradition amongst nobility. It is in every major city. My father…I and all of my siblings have been made to attend. It is a time to build connections, and, if you are smart, a good place to learn privileged information about others.”

“You mean blackmail material.”

“Amongst other things, yes. The ball caters to the carnal desires of the rich. Those can be…ugly.”

“Two things, Max.” I stretch out my legs, propping them up beside her on the opposite bench. “I’m not going to fall prey to this ball or whatever it is. I’m not starved for carnal pleasure. It might not be the norm amongst the obligated marriages of most nobles but my wife treats me well in that department of our relationship. And you’ve seen her. They’re going to be hard-pressed to find a woman that can not only rival her, but outshine her.” I snort. “And if they did, Kii might drag me to the ball.”

“Ah. I didn’t take her for, um.”

“No, no. She wouldn’t be interested in the woman. She’s all about what you can do. Looking good’s just a bonus. No, she’d do it just to work me up.”

“Oh.”

“Oh, is right. Secondly, what are you worried about? I can’t imagine anything that will scar me from witnessing it.” Depending on how depraved these people are, they might offend me, but I’m no sheltered princess who faints at her first look at reality. “Who’s going to blackmail me? Do I have a reputation to be concerned about? Please. And the last thing I’m worried about is my safety. At all.”

She seems convinced, settling back onto her bench. “I…may have gotten overly excited. Though I urge you not to underestimate the Black Ball. Its lure is…insidious.”

“Honestly, you’re only making me more interested.”

“Is there anything else you wanted to get today?” she asks quickly, likely hoping to distract me from my plans.

[My summoner, I have a few suggestions.]

“Yeah, let’s go.”