The Story of an Arrogant Succubus Princess Who Always Looked Down on Humans as Mere Food, Until She Fell in Love With an Ordinary Man - Chapter 10-11

Chapter 10: Execution

“Hey, Asbel. Sorry for calling you so suddenly.”

Gran, sitting in a quiet office, clasped his fingers together with a gentle expression. Asbel, sensing a slightly different atmosphere from the usual commander, straightened his posture and responded.

“It is my duty to answer my superior’s call.”

“That sounds too formal. Come on, we’re not strangers. Let’s be more casual.”

“I don’t mind, but isn’t there something important you want to discuss?”

“…You have an uncanny knack for guessing things, especially when it’s something hard for me to say.”

“We’ve known each other a long time.”

“When you say it like that, it makes me feel old. You were just this tiny, cute kid not too long ago.”

Gran stroked his unkempt beard and turned his gaze to the window. Outside, the sky was perfectly clear, and the bright sunlight shone on Gran’s pale skin.

“You know the talks with the demon nation ended last night, right?”

“Is that why you called me here?”

“Yeah. After the long negotiations ended, I just received orders from above. It’s about Liliana, the succubus you’re guarding.”

“……”

Asbel didn’t respond, waiting in silence for his superior to continue. Gran sighed quietly and spoke calmly and matter-of-factly.

“Her execution has been decided—Liliana Liche Riden.”

“What…?”

Even Asbel couldn’t hide his shock at those words.

“What is going on, Captain Gran? Liliana is a prominent figure in the demon nation. I was assigned to watch over and guard her because we couldn’t execute her, wasn’t I?”

“That was the plan…Honestly, I’m confused too.”

“Was there some sort of dispute during the talks with the demon nation?”

“Seems like it. I’m trying to gather information through some noble contacts, but I don’t know much yet. The higher-ups are just adamant that the decision is final. It’s the usual frustrating situation.”

“……”

Asbel took a moment to think. The succubus was to be executed. He didn’t know the reason yet, but it was unlikely that the higher-ups would reverse such a decision unless there was a significant reason.

But was it the right thing to do?

“Captain Gran, what about the peace treaty? She may have committed a crime, but execution seems excessive. Are they really going to risk starting another war?”

“That’s the big question…We have no idea what the king or Lord Barstein are thinking. We’re just soldiers, after all. But if it comes to war, we’re the ones who’ll have to fight. I just hope they don’t make any rash decisions.”

“If I’m told to fight, I will. But if we’re ordered to kill without knowing the reasons, it will only cause confusion among the troops.”

“Exactly. But it hasn’t come to war yet. Maybe Liliana just messed up really badly.”

“I’ve investigated her myself, but I don’t think—”

“It is something worth execution?”

Gran cut off Asbel’s words and continued.

“I get what you’re saying. But, Asbel, we’re part of an organization. I’ve told you this before—if we let personal feelings get in the way of following orders, any organization would fall apart quickly. You understand that, don’t you?”

“……”

Asbel didn’t answer, his expression unchanged, staring straight at Gran. Gran, feeling uncomfortable under Asbel’s gaze, looked away and stroked his beard again.

“…This is just between us, but there seems to be some unexpected movement in the demon nation. And some nobles aren’t happy about it, trying to create tension with the demon nation.”

“Is that reliable information?”

“It’s not confirmed, which is why I didn’t want to mention it. But I can’t keep secrets from you, Asbel.”

Gran stood up and walked closer to Asbel.

“Asbel, I’ve known you for over ten years now since you joined the knights. You’re more like an old friend to me than a little brother.”

“It’s an honor to hear you say that. I’ve caused you a lot of trouble, and I hope to repay you someday.”

“I don’t need any repayment. But…knowing you, if you believe it’s the right thing, you’d cut off that succubus’ head without hesitation. And that scares me a little.”

Gran patted Asbel on the shoulder. Asbel didn’t move, simply staring ahead.

“Well, I’m not here to lecture you. I know you won’t listen anyway. Just try not to do anything too reckless, alright?”

“Thank you for your concern, Captain Gran.”

Gran gave a bitter smile at Asbel’s calm response. Asbel had already made up his mind. Asbel Khan was a man who never hesitated, no matter the situation.

If his opponent was evil, and if it was the right thing to do, he would never hesitate to draw his sword.

—

Chapter 11: And Then

“Execution? I haven’t heard anything about that.”

Mimi, the pixie, had rushed in, delivering the shocking news. She now fluttered nervously in front of Liliana, clearly not joking or lying.

Liliana let out a deep breath to calm her mind and looked at Mimi.

“They’re going to execute me? Is that true?”

“Yes, most likely…”

Mimi continued flying about restlessly.

“Actually, I sneaked into a human noble’s mansion to gather information that could help you, Liliana-sama. I overheard some haughty nobles talking. They want to get rid of you to spark a war. It’s apparently the wish of some noble named Barstein.”

“Sneaking around? That’s dangerous.”

“It’s fine. I wouldn’t get caught by mere humans…And I’m not blaming you, Liliana-sama. I’m just small and good with magic, so I’ve always been good at hiding.”

“That’s true…”

Liliana crossed her legs, twisting her long golden hair around her finger as she thought. The guard, Asbel, had told her yesterday about the meeting between the humans and demons. He had mentioned that her position might change after that.

“Did something go wrong during the meeting between the demons and humans? But…if they kill me, that person…Ilias won’t stand for it, right?”

“Yes. There might be another war.”

“It doesn’t make sense. What good would a war do? …Honestly, both humans and demons are such fools.”

Liliana clicked her tongue and pondered further. She had indeed caused a lot of trouble in the human kingdom. She had deceived many wealthy nobles and taken advantage of humans. She didn’t know the rules of the human realm, but if execution was the punishment for her actions, then perhaps it couldn’t be helped.

Of course, accepting that silently was out of the question, but at least she understood the reasoning. However, in reality, the situation was more complicated. She was being killed not for her crimes but because of someone’s hidden agenda.

“I’m not some disposable woman.”

Responsibility, duty, righteousness—those were concepts she didn’t care about. Liliana forced a grin, rebelling against the dull reality. She was a succubus, a being beyond human values.

“But Liliana-sama, if the execution is set, they might move you to a more secure place. Even for you, Liliana-sama…”

Mimi nodded firmly, looking straight at Liliana.

“Understood, Liliana-sama. I’ll kill that guard and take the key. Then you can—”

“Stop. There’s no need for you to go that far for me.”

“But…”

Mimi’s jade-colored eyes glistened with tears. Even so, Liliana stood firm.

“No means no. Besides, killing even one person would cause an uproar. If they lock down the borders, you might be able to escape, but I won’t. Right?”

“…I’m sorry.”

Liliana had never taken a life. Though she had deceived many humans, she had never taken their lives. It wasn’t that it would absolve her of guilt, but she didn’t want her friend to become a murderer on her behalf.

“…Arrogant.”

“…? Did you say something, Liliana-sama?”

Mimi tilted her head, and Liliana spoke with a look of resolve.

“I’ll be out of this cell by tonight.”

“…Forgive me for asking, but do you have a plan, Liliana-sama?”

“Who do you think I am? I’m the Enchantress, the succubus of succubi, Liliana Liche Riden. There’s no man I can’t bring to his knees.”

Liliana steeled herself. Even though her execution had been decided, she doubted that uptight man would let her escape. He’d probably shake his head and say, “It’s the right thing to do,” as usual.

…Then there was no choice. Playtime was over. She would cast aside her pride, break that man’s will, and forcibly take the key. She had to escape this cell…and this country.

“Mimi, go to the border and make sure I can safely return to our homeland.”

“…! Are you really planning to return home, Liliana-sama? I thought you hated the idea.”

“Given the situation, I don’t have much choice, do I? They’re talking about executing me. Even I can’t keep playing around now. So you go on ahead and make the preparations. …Don’t worry. I’ll catch up soon.”

“…Understood. If you say so, Liliana-sama, I trust your word.”

After discussing a few more details with Mimi, she left through the small window before Asbel returned.

“I can’t keep playing around forever…Even though I’ve always hated that dull way of thinking…”

But time was running out. If they suspected she might try to escape, they could tighten security. The longer she waited, the worse her chances would become. The sooner she moved, the better.

“…Still, he’s late.”

Asbel had said he was being summoned by his superior. Given the situation, he’d likely been informed of the execution. But even so, he was taking too long. She hadn’t eaten lunch, and now it was almost sunset. …Hunger was making her irritable.

“That man really has no sense. If you’re going to be late, at least bring food.”

Liliana didn’t bother hiding her irritation as she muttered to herself. Yet Asbel still didn’t return, and before she knew it, night had fallen.

“…Crap, I dozed off.”

Just as Liliana was nodding off from hunger and drowsiness, she finally heard his voice.

“Are you awake, succubus?”

The voice echoed through the cell, calm as always. Asbel, despite being this late, showed no sign of remorse as he gazed at Liliana with his usual quiet eyes. His attitude only served to irritate her further.

“…You’re late. If you were going to be this late, you could’ve at least brought me something to eat.”

“Sorry. I had some preparations to make.”

“Preparations for what…?”

Liliana then realized. Her execution had been decided, and they were likely preparing to transfer her to another location. That’s why he had been so late. …If that was the case, then time was truly running out.

“…”

Liliana reached for her ring…But before she could, Asbel spoke, almost as if stopping her.

“──I’m taking you to the demon country.”

With that, Asbel opened the cell. She noticed a large backpack behind him, as if he was ready for a long journey.

“…What are you saying…?”

Could this be a trick? But even if it was, it wouldn’t make sense. She already knew Asbel wasn’t the type for cunning schemes.

“You shouldn’t die here. That’s the only reason. …Come on, what are you waiting for? Let’s go.”

He said it as if it was the most obvious thing, then turned and began walking. Liliana, taken aback by the sudden turn of events, found herself unable to move.