Pirate: Crew of Desire and Bonds

”...Pardon?”

The beautiful clerk’s mind went blank for a moment as she tried to think of any secret code associated with the words ’Birth Control’.

After all, the Guild had many dealings with nobles and underground factions, so they all had their own secret codes for certain transactions.

But... after racking her brain, there was no such secret code as ’Birth Control’.

She looked at Jake with a slightly puzzled expression, her professional smile faltering for a brief second.

”I’m sorry, sir... but I don’t believe I’m familiar with that particular code. Could you explain what kind of ’Birth Control’ you’re referring to? Is it related to a specific organization, a smuggling route... or perhaps a new type of contraband?”

Grace, still hidden under her hood, couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed.

She subtly tugged at the back of Jake’s shirt, clearly wanting him to clarify.

Jake realized the misunderstanding and cleared his throat awkwardly.

”Ahem... no, not a code. I mean actual birth control methods... Ways to prevent pregnancy. Ahem reliable ones.”

The clerk’s eyes widened slightly in realization.

She quickly regained her professional composure, though a faint amused glint appeared in her eyes as she glanced at the hooded woman next to Jake.

”Oh... I see. You meant literal birth control.”

As a professional, she manage to compose herself very quickly.

Then she leaned in a little closer and lowered her voice again.

”In that case, the most common and reliable method in this region is ’Happy Life Pills’. One bottle contains 10 pills and costs 8 gold coins. Each bottle should last about a month if taken correctly. They’re herbal-based and very effective, with only slight side effects like mild dizziness. We also have stronger magical variants... single-use charms that cost 35 gold coins each, they’re nearly 100% effective and have no side effects.”

Jake listened carefully, then sighed inwardly as he checked his remaining coins.

He only had around 3 gold coins...

He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly and complained under his breath.

’Damn... I don’t even have enough gold for these kinds of things...’

Grace, subtly tugged at the back of his shirt again, clearly feeling a little embarrassed but also concerned for him.

Jake, sensing her gesture, leaned down slightly.

Grace stood on her tiptoes and whispered softly into his ear, her voice shy but sincere.

”...It’s okay, Jake. I’m fine with doing it raw... if it’s with you.”

Jake’s heart skipped a beat at her words.

Grace probably didn’t even realize how lewd it sounded...

...Which was exactly why he needed to get birth control so he could let loose without worry!

He turned back to the clerk, trying to keep his face straight.

”Is there any other way? Something cheaper or... alternative methods?”

Hearing this, the clerk thought for a bit, tapping her chin with a finger before her eyes lit up with realization.

”Well... there is one other method, but it’s quite rare and depends on the person. If you or your partner have a skill called [Sex Fiend], there’s a natural way to suppress conception. People with that skill can consciously control their fertility to some degree. It’s not 100% reliable, but many find it effective with enough practice and focus.”

The clerk then let out a long sigh, shaking her head with a mix of amusement and slight disgust.

”Though honestly... only the most degenerate person would even have that kind of skill in the first place. It’s usually only seen in succubi, incubi, or people with extremely... indulgent lifestyles. Or you can say a natural-born pervert talent, so it’s quite rare.”

Grace, still hiding under her hood, felt her face burning even hotter, clearly embarrassed that her passive skill was being discussed so openly.

Jake, on the other hand, felt a mix of relief and awkwardness.

But inside, he couldn’t help but feel like a lucky man... to find such a talented lewd woman as his.

He cleared his throat and asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

”So... if someone has that skill, how exactly do they control it? Is there a way to practice or suppress conception reliably?”

The clerk nodded, leaning in a bit more.

”It’s mostly a matter of willpower and focus. People with [Sex Fiend] can consciously choose to suppress or activate their fertility during the act. It takes practice, but many users find it becomes easier with time. Some even say the more... passionate the moment, the easier it is to control.”

Jake nodded slowly, absorbing the information.

’It seems I have to... ahem, test it a lot once we get back.’

He cleared his throat and decided to switch the topic.

”Understood. Thank you. By the way... are there any good ways to earn gold coins quickly around here?”

”Oh?”

The clerk’s eyes lit up and she finally looked serious.

She thought Jake’s true motive was this and not the common knowledge of birth control that didn’t even cost money to buy the information.

She leaned forward a little more and spoke professionally.

”There are quite a few ways to earn gold quickly, especially with the current chaos in Nasha Town. The most common and flexible way is to register as an adventurer with the Guild. You get freedom to choose your own requests, and you can take as many as you want. The Guild only takes a small commission, but you keep most of the reward.”

She gestured toward the large request board.

”Currently, there are many requests due to the fighting, like escort missions, supply runs, monster subjugation, and even information gathering. Some pay very well, but they come with risk. Safer ones like delivery or manual labor pay less but are easier.”

The clerk smiled and added,

”... But if you want something even more stable, you can sign a short-term contract with the Guild or a merchant group. They pay a fixed amount per job and sometimes even provide equipment. Would you like me to recommend some suitable requests for you?”

Hearing this, Jake narrowed his eyes for a moment.

For some reason, he felt like the Guild really wanted him to sign a contract with them.

The way the clerk pushed the idea felt a little too eager.