The Hero Became a Succubus, and the Only Way to Level is to… What?!

A little earlier…

Kanae gathered her two most trusted confidantes of Amethyst Hall, Edina and Alicia. Well, the only two. Claudia and Petyr were still absent, which presented a whole host of problems in itself. After the banquet, if they survived, she would need to refocus their efforts in finding them.

The sun was beginning to set. A commotion has picked up within their questionable, cozy inn downstairs. Patrons exchanged shouts and punches, fueled by cheap alcohol. Meanwhile, the wealthy elites and those who sought to elevate themselves were gearing up for the East Saviran Trading Association's banquet. Many had no idea that this may very well be their last.

"I'll be meeting up with Sadul at the west tower before heading to the banquet. There's a chance Romira and her stalkers will be on the main floor. If not, the only other place I can see them poisoning drinks is wherever the servants are working. That's where you two come in. Find a way inside, stealthily! We don't want to raise any suspicions. Normally, I'd have paired you two up with other people. This is kind of an odd combination. You guys are going to be okay, right?" Kanae asked nervously.

Alicia nodded.

"Of course, we will. What're you so worried about?" Edina was stuffing herself with a bowl of walnuts, since she wouldn't have time to eat later.

"I'm worried about you making a commotion like the patrons downstairs, Edina. I can trust Alicia to be quiet. I don't know for sure you won't just summon a death knight to ransack the place for an assassin. Or sneak off to steal some rich guest's jewelry," Kanae explained.

"I'll keep my sticky fingers to myself, alright? Sheesh! And no undeads. At least not unless Alicia gives me the okay," she promised.

Somehow, Kanae was still worried. These two hadn't ever worked together alone before. But they had no other choice and needed to make do. On the bright side, both Alicia and Edina were strong enough to take care of themselves.

Maybe having sensed Kanae's apprehension, Alicia took a step closer to her.

"Would you be more at ease if Edina accompanied you to the banquet, and I alone to search for Romira?" Alicia suggested.

"No, I'll be fine. If I sent you out alone and something were to happen to you, I don't think Claudia would forgive me. But I guess she's at as much fault for not being here." Kanae chuckled.

Now that the three of them knew the plan, they went their separate ways. Kanae departed from the inn and straight for the west tower. Alicia was kind enough to grant her Magical Stealth so she could fly all the way there unbothered. Instead of going through the front door like last time, she flew up to the window of his room and knocked.

Kanae heard a terrified yelp from inside. Sadul creeped up to the window and slightly pulled the drapes aside. He peered side to side, only to become more perturbed by the moment. Since Magical Stealth was a spell effect, she dismissed it by casting Dispel on herself. The beastman jumped with a start, then quickly returned to open the window.

"Good gods… I thought assassins had come for me!" Sadul cried.

"If they were going to kill you, it would happen at the banquet and not here. Are we ready to leave?" Kanae asked.

"We still have some time. But before that, I have a gift for you." He eagerly gestured for her towards the bed.

Laid out on top was a beautiful fiery red and orange gown made of silk. Unlike the gaudy aesthetic of Radevic and prim and properness of Ortesian design, the Saviran dress showed a lot of skin. A deep cut ran down the bust. She would show a lot of cleavage with it on. Although the dress went down to the ankles, its thigh splits traveled up to the waist. If the wind blew the wrong way, she would show her bare ass for all to see.

Kanae had been in Savir long enough to learn there were two kinds of feminine dress. This was the more erotic of the two. The other used a lot of textiles as a show of wealth, such as multiple layers of skirts and a mantle to cover the shoulders. Those covered much more skin, and the women wearing them were more coveted and likely of higher class stature. Conversely, less fabric of a formal dress came to mean one had come from less wealth. In other words, closer to a prostitute.

"What… What do you think?" Sadul asked, anxiously wringing his hands.

"I like it. Honestly, I'd be more disappointed if I had to wear the less revealing ones." Kanae got changed with his help and stood in front of the mirror to admire her assets. She noticed from the reflection that he had popped a boner. Seeing her in his culture's clothing must have been a real turn-on. Too bad they didn't have time to get frisky.

Sadul threw on a rather elegant tunic. Tan in color, golden embroidery on the chest, and a turban with a ruby broach. They descended the tower together alongside other members of the association on their way to the same place— the banquet. Every single one of them donned the finest clothes, many of which probably worn for the very first time. There were women of varying levels of wealth, some in just as skimpy of a dress as Kanae and others dragging a whole clothing store. A few of the latter had with them servants to carry the tail of their dresses.

Outside at the foot of the tower, carriages lined up and down the streets to ferry passengers to the banquet. A beastman couple who looked like they were of the lower echelon of the association approached a larger carriage. However, the stagecoach brushed them off for a much wealthier dark elven dame.

"After you, my lady!" Sadul opened the carriage door of a modest carriage, whose stagecoach found the two of them suitable enough to drive.

As soon as Kanae climbed in, they set off into the night. A designated road had been cleared by association guards, leading all the way up to the south tower. Citizens watched with envy from their homes and the curb. It was almost like a parade, or a show of wealth to the masses by the East Saviran Trading Association.

"Okay, Sadul. We're not going to this banquet just to have fun. We have an assassin to deal with, and traitors who want to undermine Sultana Dudula to root out. As an association member, are there any names that might come to mind?" Kanae asked.

"That's the thing. No! I don't know why anyone in their right mind would go against the sultana. The association has only prospered under her reign. To think that someone would work against her is unthinkable. I can only imagine… perhaps it is someone wronged by the association and is seeking revenge?" Sadul wondered aloud.

"We can work with that! Do you know someone who was maybe bullied or taken for granted by the association?"

"Numerous people! I, as well. It is merely the way of business. I dread to think anyone who was wronged would want the association dismantled. That would be a lot of people," he explained with a frown.

They arrived at the south tower at last to many carriages letting their passengers off, then driving away to pick up more across the city. Sadul hopped out first and helped Kanae down. Dozens of people shuffled their way in, carrying themselves as the most important person in the room. Some Savirans certainly shared the Ortesian arrogance.

Sadul offered his elbow, and Kanae linked their arms together. The two ascended the tower's polished steps, still shining despite how many people had already climbed over them. A line formed leading inside, but it moved briskly. The guests flashed their token to a guard and monocled inspector, who scrutinized the little coin down to its ridges.

Kanae and Sadul were the next ones in line when chaos erupted from the human in front of them.

"Platinum? Since when? It has always been a gold token for entry. I demand to be let in!" he shouted and tried to push through.

Several guards poured out to restrain the man, carrying him past Kanae to be dealt with.

"Next!" The inspector recomposed himself and waved to them. "State your name and present your token."

"Sadul Hadin, and my guest, Kanae. Here… Here you are!" Sadul awkwardly handed his token to the harpy man, whose eyes widened upon taking it.

"Welcome to the banquet, Sadul Hadin and Kanae." He returned the coin and bowed deeply.

They breathed a huge sigh of relief on the way into the foyer.

"What's so special about that token in particular?" Kanae asked.

"Any token with a gem in it is what we call 'minted'. It means you earned favor with the big bosses up top. You can go wherever you wish with this, or ask for almost anything in return! Members will literally throw themselves at your feet to have it in their possession. It is no surprise that someone such as The Mamba came to have this," Sadul explained.

Inside, a beastman servant waited to escort them. Every guest walked with an escort. They ascended the tower to the third floor. Vibrant petals were strewn all over the ground and paved their way. As they approached the banquet floor, music from stringed instruments and flutes reached them first.

A massive archway gave way to a decadent gala. Hundreds of people dressed in the finest clothes mingled with each other in a boisterous manner. Some guests wore the most outlandish outfits. The back of one woman's gown was accompanied by a magnificent bird, whose unfurled wings served as an excessive prop. Another, a centaur man, was so encumbered by jewels, he could probably open up shop with it all.

Gourmet sweets and exotic snacks furnished the tables for famished attendees to gorge themselves on. Almost everyone had a glass of wine pinched between their fingers. Harpy servants went around offering fancy appetizers from gold platters. They flew over guests, landing when called to or to offer something.

The floor was one big mosaic of the four-pointed star. It practically shined like a real one. Crystal chandeliers glistened and chimed to the caress of winds blowing in from an open terrace. The banquet extended outside where there was a beautiful garden and view of the slow rising moon. A second floor offered a more quiet booth, but Kanae couldn't see where someone could enter from other than flying.

Their escort stopped at the entrance and extended an arm to usher them in. The second they entered, it was like Kanae became the most prized jewel in the store. All eyes fell on her, the sole succubus of the banquet from a foreign land. Though, they had no idea of her true identity. Men stared lecherously at her, while women stared lecherously and with envy. Sadul, however, enjoyed all of the attention because he had come in with her.

Electricity ran up Kanae's spine when Sadul caressed her ass underneath the gown.

"Hehe. Look at them. They are jealous of me. Me! That's never happened before." Sadul giggled to himself.

"S-Stop that. You're going to get me in the mood when I have to keep an eye out. Do I have to remind you that your life is also on the line?" Kanae scolded.

"It's so early in the banquet! Surely, nothing would happen. How about we sneak off to the garden terrace and find somewhere quiet to have a quick go?" he suggested, pressing a finger into her soaking pussy.

"Nnh… I got a better idea…" She wrenched away until his finger slipped right out. "We should mingle. Introduce me to some of the well-known members of the association."

Sadul deflated. He took a look around the banquet hall to get his bearings. His gaze landed on a few guests with a band of chattering tag-alongs. Nerves set in when the beastman realized he might be out of his league to talk to any of them.

"On second thought, I could go for a drink and a snack! I'll grab you something, too!" Sadul tucked tail and hurried to one of the tables.

"We're supposed to avoid the food…" Kanae sighed.

Left alone, Kanae took matters into her own hands. She singled out one of the people that made Sadul's neck hair stand. Towering over his groupies was a large, minotaur man of fine tan fur. Like her, the only one of his race in the banquet. He wore a toga that wrapped around his waist and over his right shoulder. Both horns had ornamental silver bands fastened to the base of them. His attire was a lot different than others, likely due to his sheer size.

A few men approached Kanae, but she ignored them in favor of the minotaur. As she neared, he noticed her first and waved the crowd aside to let her through.

"I thought I saw an extremely beautiful succubus enter with Sadul," the minotaur said and extended a large, thick hand. "My name is Gosiir Ramaswain. Who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

"Kanae. I'm sorry if I interrupted anything. When I laid eyes on you, I knew I had to meet you." Kanae rested her hand in his and bit her lower lip.

Gosiir tensed up a little. Kanae noticed the fabric on his crotch area twitching and knew she had him hooked already.

"Now you have met me! Perhaps we should get to know each other more in a more private setting?" Gosiir offered, closing his hand over hers.

"Ah, Kanae! There you are!" Sadul rushed up to them with a plate of snacks and two glasses, but he turned white upon seeing the minotaur. "Ehh… I see you have also met Gosiir Ramaswain."

"Sadul." He let go of her hand and nodded slightly to him. "How fares your fruit farm? What is it that you grow again?"

"It's, uh… d-dowugut," the beastman answered, drawing some laughter from party-goers.

Gosiir lifted a hand to silence them.

"A modest trade is not something to be laughed at. One should be proud to peddle sustenance to hungry mouths. What is it that you think Savirans eat? Sadul and Kanae, come join me. You shall provide better company than these ignorant plebeians," Gosiir said.

Surprised by the invitation, they followed the minotaur man out to the garden terrace. Stairwell led them to the second floor of the banquet hall. It was quieter up here. Darker, too. Tables on this floor were empty, but effort had been put into making the place seem ready for the public. It also became increasingly obvious as they passed by occupied balcony booths that these were the upper class of the association.

"Exactly who is Gosiir?" Kanae whispered while the minotaur himself had his back turned to them.

"An enchanted arms and armor dealer," Sadul replied in a just as hushed voice. "His people scour Savir for Rifts, hire adventurers, and commission enchanters and blacksmiths to produce incredibly powerful armaments. All to sell to the highest bidder."

Arms and armor… That field of trade would make Gosiir a possible target of assassination for Romira, just like Vevass. On the other hand, if he had accepted the deal, that made him an enemy.

Gosiir pulled aside the drapes leading into a balcony booth for them to enter. He asked a servant to bring them drinks before coming in. The half-circle couch was laden with cushions. Kanae made herself comfortable closer to the edge, overlooking the banquet below. Sadul sat beside her and possessively put an arm around her shoulders. The minotaur man sat across the granite table from them.

"A succubus is rare in these parts. Rarer than a talking minotaur such as myself. How did you and Kanae come to meet?" Gosiir asked.

"I… er…"

"I'm here on vacation from Radevic and met Sadul on the road. He won me over with his knowledge of cultivating dowugut," Kanae said, clinging to his arm and pressing her chest to his.

"Haha… Yes, well… it is a long story, but that is the short of it," Sadul added shyly.

"Perhaps I should start!" the minotaur exclaimed in laughter to hide his obvious jealousy.

The servant returned with champagne. When she started to pour for them, Gosiir stopped her and took the bottle to do it himself. Kanae noticed he poured a particularly greater amount for Sadul than for her. His own glass had less, too.

"I have noticed that there has been quite the clamor up north. The country calling itself the Commonwealth founded, the succubi race resurfacing, and Ortesia invading. All this in recent years. How is it up there?" Gosiir eyed Kanae in particular.

"Peaceful now," Kanae answered, choosing her words carefully. "The Commonwealth made it a nice place to live as a succubus. I just wanted to get away for a little while."

Gosiir was perceptive. Could he have figured out that she was the Commonwealth's queen? No. Kanae hadn't said anything to give herself away yet. To him, she could be any succubus.

"This champagne is wonderful, Gosiir! I've never tasted anything like it! So… refreshing on the palate," Sadul said, drinking out of nervousness than anything else.

"Then you simply must have more, my friend!" Gosiir poured him another full glass.

"Friend? Aha… I suppose we are, if I am sitting up here with you! N-Not that I think I am any better than you!" he exclaimed and cleared his throat.

The three of them mostly shared empty small talk. Although Sadul hadn't realized it, Gosiir continued to refill his glass over the next half hour. He grew more drunk with every drink and eventually knocked out sideways on the couch.

Gosiir pounced on Kanae the moment Sadul fell unconscious. He pulled her onto his lap and caressed her entire body. The minotaur wanted her from the very beginning. One large hand kneaded her breasts and pinched her stiff nipples, while the other rubbed her ass. His toga couldn't contain his massive erect. She returned the favor by reaching underneath his robe to stroke his girthy minotaur cock.

"You can do so much better than Sadul. He will aspire to be nothing more than just a fruit merchant. I can give you so much more," Gosiir said.

"I do like the sound of that~" Kanae grabbed his horn and pulled him closer. "To start, how about you tell me if you're in on the plan to assassinate members of the East Saviran Trading Association?" she asked, her eyes flashing as Charm seized hold of him. "And if you are, tell me why."

He choked up as his voice compelled an answer out of him. "I… am. I accepted Ortesia's offer. The deal was that I arm them, Cerberus' people, and Bravost insurgents with enchanted equipment to stage a coup against Sultana Dudula."

Kanae stroked Gosiir's dick to climax, causing him to shudder and fire spunk all over the table. His eyes rolled back. She lifted her cum-covered hand and licked the nectar.

"Mmm. You were so eager to lay with a succubus. It didn't occur to you that we could be dangerous? Now that I have you under my control, introduce me to your conspirators. I want to get to know all of you intimately," Kanae whispered seductively into her thrall's ear.