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.

For now… sleep…

I opened my eyes to find myself surrounded by pitch-black darkness.

Had I woken up already? It felt like I hadn’t even slept for an hour.

Ah, this sensation.

I realized I was in a dream.

The telltale signs were all there, perhaps heightened by my encounters with Nutrice.

Had it been that long since I’d last seen her?

Exhaustion had often left me dreamless, and even when I did dream, she hadn’t appeared.

Was she upset that I hadn’t visited?

I stood up, trying to discern the nature of the dream.

Despite my improved resistance to fear, thanks to my recent experiences, sudden surprises still unnerved me.

Surveying my surroundings, I saw only a dark abyss.

The setting reminded me of Nutrice’s unique domain within the subconscious.

Ah. Of course.

This was Nutrice’s space.

The realization sent a shiver down my spine.

I froze as I felt something cold and unfamiliar binding my body.

"Ugh!"

Pink ropes had wrapped around me, restricting my movements.

No matter how much I struggled, I couldn’t free myself.

A soft, eerie chuckle echoed in the darkness.

"It’s been a while, Raydan Tantan. Did you stumble back here by accident, or did you finally decide to visit?"

Her familiar voice carried an unsettling edge, making my throat dry.

Before I could respond, I lost my balance, falling backward onto something surprisingly soft.

I shook my head, trying to clear my vision.

And then I saw her.

Smooth skin.

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.