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 28

“What’s going on?! Why is Asbel being sentenced to execution?!”

In a certain noble’s office, a man’s angry voice echoed through the elegantly furnished room.

“This is unacceptable! The knights need his strength!”

The speaker was Gran Camlet, the commander of the knights. Rarely showing such raw emotion, he glared at the nobleman before him—Rai Vernica.

“Calm down, Gran. I understand exactly how you feel, but this can’t be helped.”

Rai adjusted his glasses as he gently admonished Gran. However, Gran’s anger didn’t subside.

“This is not something we can’t help! How can I just stand by when you suddenly tell me he’s being executed?!”

“I fully understand your frustration. Yes, Asbel did something unforgivable—he defied orders and acted on his emotions. But it was for the sake of the country. If we kill someone of status in the demon race in this current climate, it could spark another war. I understand Asbel’s reasoning completely.”

“Then why is he being executed?!”

“…Because it’s been decided by those above us.”

Rai averted his gaze and sighed. Rai was one of the nobles with whom Gran had a close relationship. He was not someone with a sense of entitlement due to his noble status. In fact, Rai believed the noble system was outdated.

This belief had isolated him from noble factions, but his political acumen was undeniable. He was a skilled man, which is why he had his eye on Gran, another capable individual. Normally, Rai would have relented before Gran’s emotions boiled over.

But today, no matter what Gran said, Rai’s stance didn’t change.

“Asbel is to be executed. That decision cannot be overturned.”

“Then why, exactly, has it come to this?!”

“It’s the king’s decision.”

“—!”

Gran gasped. Rai continued in a tone as if explaining to a child.

“Asbel is certainly a troublesome figure known for his unilateral actions. But he’s also a hero—the ‘Ogre of the Battlefield.’ If we execute him, it won’t sit well with the knights or, for that matter, the citizens.”

“Then why?!”

“This is just between you and me, but…Asbel might have demon blood in him.”

“…What?”

Gran’s mouth fell open in disbelief at the completely unexpected revelation.

“No, no, I’ve known him since we were kids! I’ve even met his parents! He’s definitely human. Who came up with such nonsense…?”

“…Liliana Liche Riden. Her father, Ilias, was merely a succubus, yet she was born as a Succubus Queen, a race believed to be extinct. In other words, a mutant.”

“And you’re saying Asbel is also some kind of mutant?”

Gran laughed at the absurdity of it…but then paused. He couldn’t deny how abnormally strong and resilient Asbel was. He had often thought that Asbel’s abilities surpassed that of a normal human.

“This information is only known to a few people. But if the public finds out that the ‘Ogre of the Battlefield’ isn’t human, it would cause widespread unrest. If Asbel were to turn against humanity upon learning this about himself, this kingdom—”

“Stop it! Asbel—my subordinate—would never do something so foolish!”

Gran shouted. His face twisted with rage, a rare sight. He knew shouting at Rai was pointless, but he couldn’t contain his emotions.

Rai sighed again, adjusting his glasses.

“Regardless of how we feel, we can’t change the king’s mind. You understand that, don’t you?”

“…Someone must have informed the king that Asbel is a demon, right? It’s too convenient that this fact came to light right after he was dismissed. Who’s pulling the strings behind the scenes?”

“…You’re as sharp as ever, Gran. Even in this confusing situation, you can still think clearly. That’s why I recommended you for the position of knight commander.”

“Flattery won’t get you anywhere. You must have some idea, don’t you? You wouldn’t leave the mastermind behind all this unchecked.”

Their eyes locked. The sound of the large clock on the wall ticking away filled the silence. After a few moments, Rai, looking as though he had conceded, gave a bitter smile and spoke.

“It’s Duke Balstein and…the Third Princess, Karistina. They’re the ones behind this.”

“…What?! I suspected Duke Balstein, but not Princess Karistina!”

Duke Balstein was effectively the second most powerful figure in the kingdom and the leader of the anti-demon faction. Princess Karistina, on the other hand, was a key advocate for the peace treaty with the demon race.

The leaders of both the anti-demon and pro-demon factions were working together behind the scenes. This situation was far beyond what a mere baron like Rai could handle.

“Duke Balstein lost his family to the demons. While the king is a fair ruler, he’s not lenient towards demons.”

“Don’t tell me Liliana’s execution was meant to target Asbel all along…”

“You’re overthinking it. But that succubus has undeniably caused chaos. ‘The Enchantress of Nations,’ they called her. I used to think that title was an exaggeration, but now it doesn’t seem far off. And there’s even a rumor that the Succubus Queen is connected to the gods—”

“Enough about her! Is there any way to save Asbel? The knights need his strength.”

Gran’s words were clearly driven by personal emotions. Rai placed a sympathetic hand on Gran’s shoulder.

“I understand how you feel. But sacrificing your subordinates is also part of being a leader.”

“…”

“Your focus should be on the future of the knights, not a criminal sentenced to death. If you helped Asbel escape, who would take responsibility? Would you be executed? Or me?”

“That’s…”

“We’re no longer in a position to act on personal feelings. You, more than anyone, should understand that. Am I wrong?”

“I…I understand.”

“Then do what you need to do. I’ll also do everything I can for this kingdom and its people.”

“…”

Gran clenched his teeth, unable to argue with Rai’s logic.

“I have high hopes for you, Gran. So don’t make any rash decisions. Your actions could undo everything we’ve fought for—everything Asbel has sacrificed for. Don’t forget that.”

Gran silently bowed and left the room. Rai’s words weren’t wrong. Asbel was a brilliant and invaluable subordinate, but if he posed a threat to the kingdom, he had to be eliminated.

“Ugh…I wish I’d never grown up. Why is it so hard to do what I feel is right?”

Outside the mansion, Gran pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it.

“…Asbel wouldn’t want me to save him anyway.”

If Asbel were told the truth now, he would likely accept his execution without so much as raising an eyebrow. He had always carried that resolve when he picked up his sword. Perhaps even wishing to save him was an insult to his resolve.

“Ahh…Why do the good ones always die first?”

The smoke from his cigarette drifted into the sky, but the heavy weight of responsibility on his shoulders refused to disappear.