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 27

The nation of demons—Cordia Federation. A country surrounded by tall mountains, like a massive prison. Among the countries ruled by demons, it is the largest, home to many different races.

Elves. Orcs. Pixies. Succubi. Lizardmen. Even dragons. All kinds of races live together, cooperating in this federation of demons.

…But this isn’t necessarily a good thing. The reason they must work together is that they cannot stand against humans alone. The fact that these proud demons have formed a federation shows this truth most clearly.

Most of these races live longer than humans, possess greater strength, and have more magical power. However, that very longevity slows their evolution as a species. The shorter-lived a race is, the faster they evolve. Humans, with their constant experimentation—bordering on madness—rapidly advance their technology. The speed of their evolution and change is incomparable to any other race.

No matter how much blood they spill or how many comrades they lose, they never stop advancing. Humans have evolved constantly, to the point of taking control of this world.

Thus, the demons have banded together to resist. Races with entirely different cultures, common sense, and sensitivities, now live together in one country. Therefore, this nation enforces laws far stricter than those of any human country.

This is the demon nation, Cordia Federation. And in the center of this nation stands a massive tree, towering into the sky. Inside this giant tree is a fortress-like castle where the leaders of this country gather. In one room of this castle, Liliana, the succubus girl, has returned.

“As always, such a gloomy place.”

The room is sterile white, without a hint of playfulness. The castle is built in a similar way throughout, and Liliana sighs in exasperation.

“…So, you’ve finally returned.”

As if to punish her, a silver-haired succubus woman appears.

“I’m home, Mother. It’s been a while. Have you been well?”

Liliana casually raises her hand in greeting. Hearing her words, the succubus she called ‘Mother’ raises her pale, thin arm without hesitation.

“Shame on you.”

Smack.

A sharp sound echoes as the silver-haired succubus slaps Liliana’s cheek.

“Not only did you break the rules and leave the country without permission, but you also flirted with humans and played around. And then, when danger came, you shamelessly ran back home. You should be ashamed of yourself. You—”

“P-please wait! Lady Ilias!”

At that moment, Mimi the pixie, who had been standing by Liliana’s side, interrupted. The silver-haired succubus—Ilias—narrows her eyes in irritation.

“You must be…Mimi, yes? Thank you for the trouble of bringing Liliana back. You may leave now.”

“No, I—”

“Must I spell it out for you? I am speaking with Liliana right now. Don’t interfere.”

“I…I apologize.”

With her authoritative words, Mimi could only close her mouth. Liliana’s mother, Ilias Kartina Riden, is one of the thirteen representatives who practically rule this demon country. She is one of the most powerful women in the land.

With piercing eyes, she glares at Liliana.

“Listen carefully, Liliana. In these times, we cannot be bound by the divisions of our races. Just because you are a succubus does not mean you can live a life of indulgence. Especially since you are…special.”

“…I know.”

“No, you don’t. Humans are a despicable race. Their ways will lead this world to ruin. Their endless pursuit of knowledge, their insatiable greed—they will eventually turn their fangs against this world. We must unite our strength to stand against those vile and foolish humans.”

“You’re saying that’s why you need my power, right? I get it.”

“No, you don’t. If you did, you wouldn’t have done something so foolish.”

“…”

“…”

Liliana and Ilias glare at each other, their silence like sharp daggers. The freezing tension is broken by a low voice.

“Now, now, please don’t be too harsh on her, Representative Ilias.”

“Lord Keydrec.”

The speaker is a tall lizardman, with bright red scales. He is nearly twice the size of Liliana and Ilias, his sharp eyes gleaming. Despite his gentlemanly demeanor, his appearance is clearly that of a warrior.

This lizardman speaks with an intellectual smile.

“Please, don’t call me ‘Lord,’ Representative Ilias. We are all equals here. There’s no need for such discriminatory titles based on race or status. Our nation is built on the idea that we all stand as equals, hand in hand.”

“You’re right. Keydrec…Representative.”

The two exchange glances. They often clash in the council meetings, and though they seem to be smiling calmly at each other, there’s a coldness hidden beneath.

“Anyway, Liliana, you’ve returned safely. Everyone was worried, you know? They feared that the girl who will lead the next generation of this country had been captured by humans.”

“…I apologize for the trouble I caused.”

Liliana hides her true feelings behind a soft smile.

“Well, as long as you’ve returned safely, that’s what matters. We can’t openly send soldiers, as we’re currently in a peace treaty with that country. Though…our negotiations haven’t been going well.”

“I heard there was some dispute?”

“You’re well-informed. It seems that humans, too, are not a united front…One of them even approached us with a foolish deal.”

“A deal?”

“Nothing worth mentioning. It’s not something you need to worry about, Liliana. But there may have been some humans who realized your true power. There was talk of executing you, after all.”

Keydrec takes a step toward Liliana, his eyes fixed on the ring on her finger.

“So please, in the future, think before you act. Your life is not yours alone.”

“…I understand.”

“Good.”

With a gentle smile, Keydrec steps back from Liliana. His adherence to rules reminded her a little of Asbel, but their natures were entirely different.

“Now then, Liliana. Go change your clothes. It’s disrespectful to stain this castle with the stench of humans.”

Before Liliana could say anything, Ilias grabs her arm and starts dragging her away. However, Keydrec isn’t done yet and calls after them.

“Ah, I almost forgot to mention something important.”

“Representative Keydrec, this girl is tired from her long journey. If you have something to say, I can relay it later.”

“No, no, Liliana must hear this. After all, it’s her achievement.”

“…Achievement?”

Ilias looks puzzled as Keydrec spreads his arms dramatically.

“The one we demons despise most. The battlefield demon who single-handedly slaughtered hundreds, no, thousands of demons—Asbel Khan. You know that name, don’t you?”

“…And?”

Liliana wasn’t aware of how feared Asbel was among the demons, but she nods anyway. Keydrec, in rare sincerity, praises her in an excited voice.

“Thanks to you, that man…Asbel’s execution has been decided!”

“…What?”

Liliana’s mind goes blank, unable to process the words. Keydrec, brimming with joy, continues.

“Ah, humans truly are foolish. They’re going to break their strongest spear with their own hands.”

“That must be some mistake…”

“No, it’s confirmed information from a reliable source. You truly are the Witch of Nations. The succubus of all succubi. Thanks to you, one more troublesome problem is gone.”

With those words, Keydrec leaves.

“…That’s a lie.”

Liliana whispers softly, but her words reach no one.