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 12
“…What’s gotten into you?”
Liliana glared at Asbel, who was walking beside her.
“I already explained earlier, didn’t I? I don’t know the details, but the higher-ups decided on your execution. I just thought it was unjust. So, I chose to help you escape.”
Asbel spoke plainly, not even glancing at Liliana.
“I know that. What I’m saying is I don’t understand why you would do something like that.”
“Hmm? I just told you the reason. I thought your execution was unjust—”
“That’s not what I mean! Listen carefully, you idiot!”
Liliana raised her voice in frustration. It was late at night, and there was no one around. Even so, she knew she shouldn’t attract attention. But she couldn’t suppress her emotions.
“You’ve always been so obsessed with rules and doing what’s right, and now, out of nowhere, you’re helping me escape? Why would you go against orders just to help me? Don’t tell me…you’re secretly in love with me or something?”
“Of course not. What nonsense are you talking about?”
Asbel sighed in exasperation. He was still as irritating as ever, but his attitude remained the same as usual. That only made Liliana more confused.
“Seriously, what’s going on with you?”
Asbel continued walking down a winding mountain path, cautiously avoiding being seen. Liliana initially wondered if he was tricking her and planning to take her to another prison. But that didn’t seem to be the case.
If they kept walking at this pace, it would take them a few days to reach the border. Liliana still couldn’t understand why Asbel was going so far to help her.
“As your guard, I had to look into your past crimes,” Asbel said, his tone calm as usual, perhaps sensing Liliana’s confusion.
“You’re definitely a criminal. Many people were ruined by your schemes. Even some nobles in this country fell victim to you. Calling you a ‘nation-wrecker’ might be an exaggeration, but there’s no doubt that many would suffer if you were left unchecked.”
“Then why are you helping someone like me?”
“There was a nobleman named Mirzard, one of the men you deceived. He was an evil man who tormented his subjects for personal gain. You brought him down and replaced him with his competent younger brother as the head of the family.”
“Oh, right. That did happen. But that was just a coincidence. If you think I’m a good person because of that, you’re completely wrong. I only do what I enjoy. I don’t care what happens to people because of it.”
Liliana knew it would be better to flatter Asbel, even if it meant lying. But she couldn’t bring herself to say anything other than the truth. Being pitied as a “good person” was worse than being falsely accused of a crime.
She glared at Asbel from behind as he continued to speak in his emotionless tone.
“No matter what your intentions were, the fact is that some people were saved because of your actions. You’re a criminal, but you shouldn’t be executed here like this.”
“That’s not for you to decide.”
“Probably not…But if you die here, it could lead to another war, and my subordinates would be the ones shedding blood.”
Asbel walked silently, watching both their surroundings and Liliana. Liliana let out a small sigh. She still couldn’t grasp what he was thinking.
“But you went against your orders, didn’t you? Are you going to be okay? This isn’t something you’ll get off with just a scolding, you know.”
“Who knows.”
“‘Who knows’? What’s wrong with you…”
“It seems you’ve misunderstood something about me,” Asbel said, stopping to look at Liliana. His eyes were darker than the night sky and cold, lacking any color or warmth.
“I don’t blindly follow orders. In fact, I often ignore them. Most of my superiors yell at me for acting on my own.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I’ve disobeyed so many times that I’ve lost count. Only a few of my superiors tolerate it.”
Asbel narrowed his eyes slightly, almost joking, then resumed walking. Liliana paused briefly in surprise at this unexpected revelation before hurrying to follow him.
“I’ve killed countless demons. And not just demons—I’ve killed many of my own kind, too. I said you were evil, but I’m not exactly a good person either.”
The wind blew, making Asbel’s black hair sway in the cold night breeze, as if merging with the darkness.
“But I never fought reluctantly because I was ordered to. I always believed in my own sense of justice and swung my sword by my own will. That’s why I have no regrets. Not now, not ever.”
“But that means…”
That means he had taken full responsibility for his actions. It was something much harder to do than it sounded. He fought, not blaming anyone else, entirely by his own decision.
Liliana thought, in some ways, his way of living was a bit like hers. Though, only a little.
“I understand what you’re saying. You’re an even bigger fool than I thought.”
“Yeah, probably. If I were smarter, I wouldn’t be doing this.”
“But what will you do after helping me escape? Worst case, you might end up in prison yourself.”
“Who knows. I’ve managed to get by so far, and I’ll find a way this time too. I just believe in my own sense of justice.”
“You’re such a fool. It’s almost laughable.”
Liliana couldn’t help but feel the tension leave her body. She had an ace up her sleeve if things got bad, but for some reason, she felt like she could trust this foolishly serious man.
This stubborn yet stupidly honest man.
“But I hate the word ‘justice.’ It’s always so self-righteous. In the end, ‘justice’ is just what’s convenient for whoever’s claiming it.”
“I won’t deny that. Whatever the reason, I’ve used that ‘justice’ to kill countless demons.”
“And now, you’re helping me. That’s pretty selfish.”
Without looking at Asbel, Liliana continued.
“But I’m no different. I’ve lived freely, following my own enjoyment. Even if that caused tensions between demons and humans, I didn’t care. No matter what you say, I won’t believe in ‘justice.’”
Liliana ran ahead and stopped in front of Asbel. He halted as well, looking at her.
Their gazes met head-on as the cold night wind blew between them.
“But thanks. You saved me. I appreciate it.”
Liliana bowed her head. The moonlight illuminated her, making her look breathtakingly beautiful. But even so, Asbel didn’t show the slightest change in expression as he replied.
“It’s too soon to thank me. We’re still on the road…And besides, I owe you for saving Lulu, the cat. I’ll do what I can.”
Liliana chuckled. Asbel didn’t.
“I’m Liliana Liche Riden, the ‘Enchantress of Nations,’ a succubus among succubi. I’ll let you call me ‘Lilly,’ just for you.”
“I’m Asbel Khan. I’ll be your guard and keep watch over you until we reach the demon kingdom safely.”
Liliana held out her hand, and Asbel took it. And thus, their journey began.