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 18

“Ah, walking all day has made me so tired.”

Liliana flopped onto the bed as soon as she reached the inn, kicking her legs playfully as she always did.

“But it all ends today. Tomorrow, we’ll reach the border of the demon nation… the Cordia Federation. If nothing troublesome happens, our journey will end tomorrow.”

“…I see. Somehow, it all went by in a flash.”

“Save those words for when we safely return to the kingdom. The border security is on a different level. The Knights Headquarters should be waiting for us as well.”

“Another fight, huh? But you’ll be fine, right?”

“I will be. But you? Not so much. Anything could happen tomorrow, so get some rest while you can.”

“What if I say I’m bored and want to go out? …I know, I know. I’m really tired today, so I’ll behave.”

Liliana lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

Following her orders, Mimi, the pixie, was likely preparing their return to the kingdom. Asbel, who was competent in Liliana’s eyes, along with Mimi, were taking care of all the arrangements.

Though Asbel seemed to be on high alert, Liliana wasn’t particularly worried.

“But we’ll be parting ways tomorrow, huh? Thinking about that, I might feel just a little… lonely.”

“You’ll find a better man in the demon nation.”

“You’re cold, as always. Well, there’s no reason to try and seduce you anymore, and there’s no point in flattery either.”

“Exactly.”

Asbel meticulously continued his preparations for the next day. Liliana watched him absentmindedly before something crossed her mind.

“You’ve got surprisingly smooth skin, you know? Given how long you’ve been on the battlefield, I expected more scars.”

“…I’ve always healed quickly. Even a cut will close in a few minutes. I once had a hole in my stomach, but it didn’t leave a scar.”

“…You really are a monster. Are you even human? Not even most demons are that tough.”

“Who knows? You decide who you are. It’s the same for you, isn’t it?”

His words were as blunt as always. Liliana didn’t pay it much mind and asked another question.

“Have you been like that since you were a kid?”

“Where’s this coming from?”

“Well, we’re parting ways tomorrow, right? So I thought I’d ask about you before we say goodbye.”

“……”

Asbel closed his eyes, folding his arms as if deep in thought.

“What’s with the silence? You don’t want to talk about it?”

“No, it’s not that. I just don’t remember much about my childhood… I do remember people saying they couldn’t understand what I was thinking.”

“So, you were impotent even as a child?”

“Seems that way. But, traveling with you brought back a memory.”

Asbel narrowed his eyes, as though recalling a distant past.

“There was a lake where the red sunset was setting. I stared at it, thinking it was beautiful. Something so trivial. So I guess, back then, I had a bit more human emotion than I do now.”

“Hmm. A lake, huh? If someone like you thought it was beautiful, it must’ve been quite the sight.”

“But I’ve forgotten. Where that place was, or who… I was waiting for.”

Asbel sighed, pushing those thoughts aside.

“Well, that doesn’t matter now. The real issue is tomorrow. You need to be more cautious than ever. If I give the order, run—even if it means abandoning me.”

“I got it, you worry too much.”

“…If you say so.”

After confirming everything was in order, Asbel closed his bag.

“But tomorrow, we might not have time, so I’ll say it now…”

Liliana stood up and looked at Asbel.

“I honestly can’t understand your way of thinking or your values. But… still, you helped me. Thanks.”

“No need for gratitude at this point.”

“What if I offered to sleep with you as thanks?”

“Did you forget? I’m impotent.”

“Right, you are.”

Liliana laughed. Asbel did not. Thinking that this kind of exchange would end tomorrow made Liliana feel genuinely lonely, even if she knew it was a fleeting emotion she’d forget soon enough.

“Hey, after this—”

“Sorry, but I need to go out for a bit to make some final preparations for tomorrow. You know what that means, right?”

“Don’t go out unnecessarily, right? Yes, yes, I understand.”

Liliana pouted like a child and threw herself back onto the bed, kicking her legs again.

“Just to remind you, we’re near the border. If someone comes to the room, don’t open the door carelessly. If the knights barge in, escape through the window. Scream, and I’ll come right away.”

“I got it, you’re so persistent. I’m not a child, you don’t need to keep repeating yourself.”

“Then I’ll leave for a while. Feel free to eat the food over there. You don’t need to save any for me.”

“What, you’re eating out by yourself?”

“I told you, it’s preparations… I’ll be back by morning. Just behave until then.”

With that, Asbel quickly left the room.

“…Come to think of it, I never did see him smile,” Liliana muttered softly.

◇

Asbel quietly walked alone through the night streets.

“……”

He already knew where he was heading. He couldn’t stray too far from the inn. Liliana wasn’t foolish; if something happened, she would surely raise her voice.

Her usual childish demeanor could make one forget, but she was a demoness once called the Enchantress of Nations. She was likely used to dealing with chaotic situations.

“Well, it’s about time.”

Asbel muttered softly, turning around.

“You’re still bad at tailing people, Eris.”

He stopped in an empty alleyway, glaring behind him. Stepping out of the shadows was a young girl—his junior, Eris.

“I’ve come to take you back, Senpai,” she said with a dark expression.