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 26

“You really caused quite a scene this time, didn’t you, Asbel?”

In the underground where no sound from the outside world reached, the room was stark and sturdy—completely unlike the one where Liliana had been confined. It was a cell designed for containing wild beasts.

Gran, the commander of the knights, smiled in his usual lighthearted manner as he looked at Asbel, who was imprisoned in such a place. Asbel responded with his usual calm and indifferent tone.

“I had the chance to speak with your older brother. He’s still just as playful, yet sharp as ever.”

“Oh yeah, I heard about it from that idiot brother of mine. Said it was tougher than facing a dragon.”

“That’s a bit of an exaggeration.”

“Is it really? Just from your rampage alone, the battalion stationed along the border is half-destroyed. Luckily, no one was seriously injured, but they’re still talking about it over there. ‘Asbel of the Valeon Kingdom is a real demon,’ they say.”

“…”

After helping Liliana escape, Asbel discarded his sword and allowed himself to be captured without resistance. He was interrogated harshly for several days, but thanks to Gran’s intervention, he was now confined in a cell meant for powerful demons.

“You could have escaped if you wanted to, couldn’t you? So why did you let yourself get captured?”

“I was surrounded by numerous knights, and Commander Alan was still standing. I figured escape was impossible, so I surrendered.”

“Don’t lie. You knew that if you escaped, I, your superior, would have been held responsible. That’s why you planned to surrender from the start after helping her escape. It was the right decision.”

“…”

Asbel remained silent in response to Gran’s knowing words.

“Whether you realize it or not, there are many in this order who admire you. After all, you’re a hero. No one has fought harder, bled more, or killed more enemies on the battlefield than you. ‘Asbel the Iron Demon.’ There are many who fear you, but just as many who look up to you.”

“Even so, what I did is unforgivable.”

“You let her escape—Liliana, who was to be executed after being beguiled by a succubus. Yes, the higher-ups are furious. Some nobles are even calling for your execution. I’ve been swamped dealing with it, pulling all-nighters lately.”

“That…I’m truly sorry for that. If my head is enough to atone for it, feel free to take it.”

“Come on now, don’t joke like that. There’s no superior who would be happy to execute one of their beloved subordinates. Someone like that wouldn’t just be awful—they’d be beyond contempt.”

Gran laughed lightly as usual, but his clear blue eyes held a force that brooked no argument. Just as Asbel never wavered in his principles, Gran had something he absolutely wouldn’t yield.

“There are also quite a few nobles who are defending you. Her execution—Liliana’s—was clearly rushed. Some of the nobles who weren’t involved in the talks with the demon nation have lodged proper protests.”

“By looking at which nobles ordered the execution and which opposed it, one can guess what happened between us and the demon nation, can’t they?”

“Even locked up, that’s what you’re thinking about?”

Gran sighed in exasperation, but Asbel’s expression didn’t change.

“You must have already figured out why her execution was suddenly decided, haven’t you, Commander?”

“Even if I had, do you think I’d casually share that information with a criminal like you?”

“…”

Asbel stared at Gran through the iron bars with his usual blank expression. Gran raised his hands exaggeratedly and shook his head.

“I know there was some dispute during the talks with the demon nation. And because of that, the anti-demon faction, led by Lord Balstein, forced the decision to execute her.”

“A rash decision driven by hatred of demons…but that’s not all, is it?”

“No, Lord Balstein is cunning. He wouldn’t act on something so simple. But no matter how much I investigated, I couldn’t find out much more than that.”

“So there’s a serious situation unfolding behind the scenes?”

“Probably. It seems Lord Balstein sees Liliana herself as a threat. She might be more special than you or I have realized.”

Gran grinned playfully at Asbel.

“So, what did you think? The Enchantress of Nations, the succubus among succubi, Liliana Liche Riden. Was she so captivating that even you, the emotionless knight, were swayed?”

“…”

Asbel closed his eyes as if contemplating for a moment, then spoke.

“Her combat skills were unimpressive. She’s been through tough situations, but it’s clear from her demeanor that she’s not used to fighting.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

Gran sighed in exasperation. Asbel continued, as if reminiscing.

“She acted more childish than I expected. She didn’t listen to others, and when she spoke, it was all selfishness. She was certainly beautiful, but calling her an enchantress is an overstatement.”

“Harsh, even towards the world’s most beautiful woman. Well, that’s just like you.”

“But…”

Asbel’s face softened slightly as he looked up at the ceiling. It was just a grimy ceiling, but to Asbel’s eyes, it reflected the dazzling starry sky.

“But the stars looked beautiful beside her. That’s all I can say about her.”

“Heh, so it was worth saving her then. That’s good enough for me.”

Gran stood up, looking satisfied, and turned his back to Asbel.

“I’ll take care of things from here. Don’t worry, I’m good at placating those arrogant nobles. So for now, just relax and recover from your long journey.”

“No, I—”

“Sorry, but I can’t afford to lose the best fighter in the order right now. I have my own plans, you see. So, just let me take care of you for a while. Young ones should listen to their elders, after all.”

Gran laughed cheerfully, waving carelessly as he walked away. Every time Asbel caused trouble, Gran would laugh and clean up after him. Perhaps Gran, who disliked dealing with such headaches, became commander for Asbel’s sake.

“…Thank you, Commander.”

Asbel murmured quietly, watching the back of the man he deeply respected. However, neither of them knew yet just how serious the situation truly was.