Reincarnated as Itsuka Shido: Collecting Spirits as Lovers

"Albedo? What are you doing here?"

Shido was genuinely surprised to see her suddenly appear at his door, especially at this hour. Normally, Albedo avoided the 2nd Floor since it was Shalltear's domain, but this time seemed to be an exception.

However, Shido couldn't help but look at her appearance that seemed to be out of the world. Her beauty was undeniable, her figure was also strikingly good especially when Shido could clearly see the deep gulf between her ample white twin peaks. In addition, her curves could be truly said to be hot looking at how smooth her waist was.

As Shido was lost in thought, Albedo suddenly speak.

"Why? Am I not welcome?"

Albedo raised an eyebrow, her tone calm and formal as always, but there was a subtle sharpness behind her words.

"Of course not. Please, come in."

Shido quickly regained his composure, shifting into a more gentlemanly demeanor as he stepped aside and gestured for her to enter.

"Thank you."

Albedo was pleased with Shido's response, stepped into the room without hesitation. Meanwhile, Shido cautiously glanced left and right down outside, checking to see if anyone was nearby. Once he confirmed the coast was clear, he quietly shut the door behind him.

Curious, Albedo's golden eyes scanned the room. It was simple, identical to most quarters in Nazarick. Shido hadn't bothered customizing it, so there wasn't much that stood out. However, something subtle caught her attention.

A faint masculine scent lingered in the air, distinct and uniquely Shido's. It wasn't overpowering, but rather light and comforting, almost like it naturally blend in the room.

Unconsciously, Albedo's nose twitched as she took a quiet breath.

'Mn~ So fragrant~'

Albedo closed her eyes while a faint blush blooming on her flawless cheeks. The scent that filled the room was masculine yet comforting that wrapped around her like a gentle embrace. It brought her a strange sense of calm, as if simply being here made her feel safe. 

It was so refreshing that Albedo forgot that Shido was beside her. However, her racial inheritance also reacted at the same time causing her lower body to be slightly wet.

The unexpected reaction snapped her out of her daze, and her blush deepened into a full flush. Clutching the hem of her dress tightly, Albedo did her best to suppress the overwhelming emotions building inside her.

She turned around to see if Shido saw her in this state but she didn't expect that the moment she turned her face, Shido had 'coincidentally' also move closer to her and check if something was wrong with her since Shido saw her fidgeting the moment she entered the room.

"W-What?"

Albedo stammered, her body going rigid as her heart pounded in her chest. A wave of nervousness washed over her at the thought that Shido might notice her arousal and worse, mistake her for some kind of pervert. She was a succubus, yes, but still a virgin. The fact that her body reacted like this just from his scent was unbearably embarrassing.

Fortunately, Shido seemed to be clueless for what happened.

"I just thought you might not be feeling well, your face is really red, you know." he said, tilting his head slightly, genuine concern and confusion in his voice.

Seeing this, Albedo let out a sigh of relief in her heart she was not busted by him. If that were to happen, she didn't know how to face Shido again in the future.

"N-No, I'm okay. I was just feeling a little hot, that's all." Albedo forced a smile and lightly fanned herself with her hand, playing along with her excuse. Given how flushed her face was, the reason sounded somewhat plausible, at least on the surface.

'But hot, huh? Seriously?' 

Shido raised an eyebrow, clearly amused with her reasoning,

Albedo was dressed in her usual revealing attire, showing off smooth, pale skin that looked both elegant and undeniably alluring. In that outfit, he would've expected her to feel cold, not overheated.

Still, he chose not to question it. If she wanted to act, he'll play along with her.

He immediately knew that Albedo was aroused when he saw her flushed face and fidgeting her legs uncomfortably. Especially when she would occasionally let out a hot pant making everything valid. But he didn't expose her and play along with her dumb reason.

"I see. You should take a seat for now, rest a little and calm yourself."

"...Thanks."

Albedo breathed a quiet sigh of relief, thinking he hadn't noticed a thing. She eased herself into the seat, trying to appear composed. Her golden eyes subtly followed Shido's back as he walked into the kitchen, seemingly preparing something. 

Although Albedo was still feeling her lower area uncomfortable, she was curious at what Shido was doing. After a few moments, Shido came back with a cup of tea in his hand placing them in front of Albedo. He also place a dessert on the table causing Albedo's eyes to shine.

"This is all I have. I hope you don't mind." Shido said with a small smile as he looked at her.

"No, it's perfectly fine. I like drinking tea."

A faint trail of steam curled upward, carrying with it a calming, almost ethereal fragrance, earthy, floral, and faintly sweet, like dew settling on midnight blossoms.

Albedo's golden eyes narrowed in curiosity as she lifted the delicate cup, the aroma already easing the tension in her shoulders.

She took a slow sip, letting the warmth bloom across her tongue. Her wings gave a gentle flutter behind her, and her gaze turned hazy and distant, lips parting slightly as she let out a soft, contented sigh. The sight was unintentionally seductive, so much so that Shido found himself gulping instinctively.

After a few moments, the focus returned to Albedo's eyes.

"...This is remarkable." She seemed to not be aware of what she just did. Her voice smooth but tinged with surprise. "It's fragrant and soothing yet there's... depth to it. What kind of tea is this, Shido?"

Shido gave a relaxed smile and leaned back slightly. He had a cooking mastery after all, so making tea of this level was just as simple as lifting a hand for him.

"Oh, just a blend I've been working on. A little shadowroot bark… some moonpetal leaves… maybe a few drops of lucid dew."

He paused, then added with a playful tone, "The rest is intuition."

Albedo blinked slowly. "Shadowroot? Moonpetal? Those are rare even in Nazarick. You gathered them yourself?"

"Some." Shido replied, sipping his own cup. "Others just seemed to find their way to me."

Albedo studied him for a moment longer, her expression unreadable. Then, with a faint smile of her own, she took another sip. The soothing taste of the tea made Albedo who was feeling very horny earlier to become completely refreshed as if the feeling she felt earlier was just an illusion.

She also took a bit of the dessert that Shido made and it made her heart flutter. It taste sweet and sour yet there was something unique in it making her for more bite.

"Thank you." Albedo gracefully wiped her glossy red lips with a handkerchief before expressing her gratitude at Shido.

"I'm glad you like it." Shido revealed a smile seeing how content Albedo became when she tasted his work. He then continued his words "However, I'm sure that you didn't come here only for a visit and tea, right?"

Albedo blinked, momentarily blank, before remembering the reason she had come in the first place. A flicker of embarrassment passed through her mind, she had gotten a bit too comfortable enjoying tea and dessert. But she quickly composed herself, clearing her throat softly as she returned to her usual poised, authoritative demeanor.

"Of course. I came to check on your condition and…"

Her tone shifted, growing firm and serious as her golden eyes locked onto his.

"And?"

"If you are truly loyal to Nazarick and Ainz-sama."

The air around her changed instantly. A powerful aura erupted from Albedo, her presence suddenly overwhelming. Her eyes bore into Shido's with unblinking intensity, and for a moment, the very air seemed to grow heavier. It was clear, this was no casual visit.

Shido had to admit it, her pressure was even more formidable than Demiurge's. But it still wasn't enough to make him falter.

He simply returned her intense gaze with a charming smile.

"…So? What do you think of me?"