Dark Fantasy: Super Coward Mode

Chapter 152

Returning to the branch office, I was finally hit by the overwhelming fatigue that had been building up.

Reflecting on the sheer number of events that had occurred recently, it was a wonder I hadn’t collapsed earlier.

Regaining my memories had clarified my purpose, but it came with the weight of new responsibilities and revelations—my “Super Coward Mode” being the embodiment of Oko, the shocking proposal from the Princess, and the flurry of conflicts surrounding me.

Dragging my weary body, I barely made it to the branch office.

Inside, I saw the branch manager pacing around, his expression one of worry.

"Branch Manager, I’ve returned."

"Ah, Raydan. You’re back."

His face lit up with relief, replacing the troubled look he’d been wearing.

So it wasn’t a manpower shortage causing his anxiety—he’d simply been looking for me.

"Have you regained your memories?" he asked, his tone careful.

"Yes, I have."@@@@

Upon hearing my confirmation, he hesitated, shifting his gaze and biting his lip. Finally, he spoke in a slightly awkward tone.

"Then... how should I address you now?"

Ah. So that’s what had been bothering him.

He must have been wondering if my restored memories meant I’d changed fundamentally.

"Even with my memories back, I’m still the same Raydan Tantan, sir. Please treat me as you always have."

"You’re not planning to return to Lintpia?"

It made sense he’d ask—perhaps he thought I might abandon my duties here.

But this branch was my home now.

"No, I’m staying here."

For a brief moment, the branch manager smiled warmly, but he quickly masked it with a cough, trying to appear composed.

"Good. You’ve worked hard today. Go get some rest."

He waved me off with a gruff tone, clearly embarrassed by his earlier display.

Smiling at his endearing awkwardness, I saluted and headed to my room.

I still needed to inform Asti that I’d returned, but as soon as I hit the bed, my body refused to cooperate.

Tomorrow, I thought. I’ll greet her first thing in the morning.

A suggestive outfit reminiscent of a succubus.

Pink hair.

Horns.

Nutrice.

She approached, kneeling before me and lifting my chin with her hand, her mischievous gaze locking onto mine.

"Ah, you know you’re in trouble, don’t you? That expression says it all."

Her voice was playful yet laden with menace.

"If you know your sins, then you’re ready to accept whatever punishment I deem fit, aren’t you?"

I had to speak up before she took things too far.

"Nutrice, wait! Let me explain—"

"How bold of you to speak without permission," she interrupted, leaning closer until her breath brushed against my skin.

Then, without warning, she bit my neck.

"Ow! Nutrice, what are you—"

"Oh, so it’s fine for you to grope a lady’s behind, but I can’t have a taste?"

Blood smeared her lips, though the bite itself didn’t hurt.

Yet the sight of it, combined with her seductive demeanor, made me avert my gaze.

"I-I didn’t grope you! I was disciplining you for being insolent—"

"Disciplining, huh? Call it what you want," she teased, her grin widening.

I sighed, realizing she was toying with me, likely upset that I hadn’t visited her in so long.

"I came to apologize. I broke our promise, and that was wrong of me."

"Mm-hmm."

Her mischievous smile deepened, as if she’d just thought of a new way to torment me.

"Fine. Let’s revise our agreement," she declared, her tone brimming with excitement.

"From now on, you’ll play with me in a virtual world of my choosing. Deal?"

Ah, great.

Somehow, I had a feeling this was going to escalate into something far more complicated.