The Sage of the Succubus [Western Fantasy]

[Blurb]

Ever since mages vanished like shooting stars, many people have developed strange illnesses in remote corners of the world, and a new group has appeared as well: the sirens.

It is said that the gods granted sirens their beauty and extraordinary artistic talent. To preserve these gifts, they must draw sustenance from passion and love.

The lovers chosen by sirens are like lucky souls blessed by Aphrodite's gaze, and people call them "the sages of sirens."

But everyone knows that the goddess was unfaithful to her husband, and sirens are just as amorous.

"Keep your distance from beautiful, seductive women, especially sirens. Never fall in love with one."

Yvonne kept her mentor's words in mind. On the way to take up her post in Yord County, she met a girl as pure and gentle as a unicorn.

She thought her heart had been buried with that girl in the coniferous forest, shrouded in blue-gray mist. But in Yord County, Yvonne saw a beautiful woman surrounded by admirers.

The inspector beside her introduced the woman. "That's Countess Taniston. Her latest painting, Love for a Unicorn, reportedly sold for a fortune at the Dunbridge Hill exhibition. What a talented beauty!"

Yvonne recognized the familiar face and gritted her back teeth.

Love is unreasonable. You know you've been deceived, you know there's danger, yet you can't help caring and drawing closer.

After finishing her first day's work, Yvonne left an apartment building with the inspectors and saw the countess's car drive past with a handsome man inside.

That night, carrying a case, she walked three miles, panting as she hurried to the countess's estate. Then she stayed all night.

Later, Yvonne closed her briefcase. "Madam, I'm only a magic consultant hired by the police department. I've been here for six months, and I'm certain your current illness isn't caused by magic. Please seek help from a doctor."

"Is that so?" The countess hooked a finger around Yvonne's waist chain, her tone suggestive. "Then are you still staying tonight?"

That was the first time Yvonne turned her down.

Later...

"Yvonne, you love me. Why won't you admit it?"

"It is true that sirens are born amorous... But darling, do you know? There has only ever been one sage who could claim a siren's whole heart."

PS: One-on-one romance. Being amorous doesn't mean being promiscuous.

Theme: Better to rely on yourself than beg others