He too has a curse.

"What could you pooooossibly want with a defenceless elf maiden." I honestly didn't care that sarcasm was dripping from my lips. I rolled my eye and let out another groan, looking at him with disappointment more than anything else. "Just tell me what you want Gulliun."

"I'm afraid, miss Frieren, that the matter is more delicate than you imagine."

"Trouble getting it up? No offence, but given how old you look, I'd say "delicate" is an understatement." So offended by this third rate pervert's plot, that I no longer felt worried about blasting my way out of here. The only things that seemed to be stopping me was that odd pressure building once more and the unfazed expression on the warden's face.

"How's the headache? I do apologise, for it is indeed I that is the source of that pressing against your mind." Gulliun put a finger to his lips and slowly gestured behind him.

And there is was; that feint outline, barely visible in the darkness of the room. It lay motionless on the floor. It seemed like the silhouette of a person but...is that an erection, and are those wings?

"It's currently sleeping, but on some level it knows you are here."

"W-what is it?" Not sure I really wanted to know, but the words were out before I could stop myself.

"My roommate, so to speak. I was cursed over ten years ago. It slowly eats away at my vitality. You mentioned how old I looked. The truth is I only recently turned 34 this year."

It was like a switch being flipped. Suddenly all my bravado and indignation went out the window. "I-I...I'm so sorry, I had no idea."

"Please, miss Frieren, save your pity. I assure you that the situation is not as dire as it may sound. I can temporarily restore my youth, you see. However it requires..."

"The delicate matter you mentioned."

"Precisely. You've met captain Roan."

"The guardswoman that looked like she was about to bite our heads off?"

"Forgive her. She thinks my asking for you means that she is to be replaced."

"She's the one that's been managing your condition." I state sternly, still wanting to give her a black eye.

"Yes, but at a price. You see, that pressure you are feeling is the incubus's power, trying to influence you. I believe your elven heritage affords you protection against it. A protection that the good captain lacks. It's slowly killing her; well, killing her mind and her will at least. Each time we copulate, she becomes more hollow, almost doll like. To makes matters worse, the curse makes her addicted to that feeling of emptiness."

"And I'm what? Her substitute? That doesn't solve the problem; you do realise that?"

"Your people have knowledge of ancient magic. I was hoping you might hold the key to breaking this curse."

Fuuuuck! Dude is bound to a fucking sex demon and thinks I have a way to help him. Do I tell him that I'm a transferree? Vulca made it pretty clear that was a bad idea. But I can't just lie. I only just fucking arrived in this world. I don't have hidden lore on how to dispell curses. It sounds like he genuinely cares for the captain, and doesn't want her reduced to a drooling cock sleeve. Maybe I can do something to help? Would my binding spell do anything in this situation? Maybe it's worth a try? Fuuuuck! What am I supposed to do?

"I can see this is weighing heavily on you. If it helps, Miss Frieren, I would like to clarify something first. You are under no real obligation to help me."

"But Vulca...!"

"Will be freed in due course. I had no real intention of forcing you to do anything you didn't want to. In truth, I merely wanted to see your reaction for myself. You're a transferree, are you not?"

"How...?"

"You're concern for your orc companion. Elfs and Orcs are bitter enemies in this world. If you were truly an Elf born of this earth, you would likely not hesitate to abandon your friend, let alone travel with them in the first place." The genuine smile seemed to take away many curse induced years, giving a glimpse of the man behind the wrinkles.

I was starting to fidget in my seat. The bastard had me dead to rights, probably from the moment I walked in. I hated guys like that. Always made me feel like I was bumbling around in the dark. And despite his elderly appearance, he wasn't exactly what you would call unattractive. Not that I was ever into guys. I'm not gay...but I'm a girl now. Does that still count? Why am I even thinking about this?!?!

"I'm sorry my dear, has my praise of your character embarrassed you?"

"Y-ye-n-no! No, not at all. I-I have no idea what you're even talking about. Why would I be embarrassed " The burning in my cheeks betrayed my words. I suddenly remembered that my dress is hanging together by threads and an feeing very self conscious right now, pulling what remains of the skirt tightly over my legs and using my other arm to cover my torn front. It was also getting harder to meet his gaze. Maybe it was the curse affecting after all. Why do my thighs keep twitching?

"My lady, I know I ask the impossible of you but if you are able to aid me, you will be saving two lives this night."

"I...might have a spell that could help. And honestly, this would help keep a curse of my own at bay." I refuse to look at Gulliun. If do, I'll break. It's definitely not his curse. It's me, or rather this body. I feel giddy, excited, like I'm back up against that tree with Vulca kissing me.

It was like everything I thought I knew about myself and my sexuality was crashing down around my pointy little ears. What do I even identify as? Am I still a man, trapped in a woman's body? Or a woman who just happened to be a man in a previous life? Could I use magic to change back? Would I even want too? Is this just me now? Am I ok with that? Or am I still waiting to wake up?

"Lady Frieren?"

"Just drop your pants before I change my mind!"