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 30

It had been nearly a month since Liliana returned to her country. At first, her mother, Ilias, was furious, but that anger faded quickly. As long as she stayed quiet at home, no one said anything.

Her room was wide and clean, a stark contrast to the dungeon she had been in before. Meals were brought to her five times a day, making it seem like a princess’s life that anyone would envy.

“…I’m bored.”

However, this seemingly perfect life was the complete opposite of the freedom Liliana sought. She let out a deep sigh while lying on her bed.

The Cordia Federation, a nation of demons, was bound by strict rules. Different races, with their unique cultures, lived together, helping one another. It was a system of fairness and cooperation, which was both correct and beautiful.

In this world, everyone endured and respected one another. Severe punishments awaited those who broke the rules, but those who obeyed were guaranteed safety and daily stability.

“But all of this could easily break down. If someone isn’t constantly holding it together, this fragile world would crumble.”

The eleven members of the Permanent Council, who represented their respective races, governed this system. It appeared far more effective than the aristocratic society of humans.

Yet, despite that, many demons, like Liliana, longed to visit the human nations. It was a society where equality and fairness reigned, achieved by sacrificing countless happiness. It was the largest country with demons at the top, but it felt unstable and suffocating.

“…I wonder if he’s okay.”

Since the day she heard of Asbel’s impending execution, Liliana found herself thinking of him constantly. Asbel was strong. Whether demon or human, there were few in this diverse world who could match him.

“But he probably can’t fight for himself.”

That was what worried her. That was what scared her. She could easily imagine him standing at the guillotine with his usual expressionless face, and the thought left her restless on her bed.

“Why am I even feeling like this? I am the Enchantress of Nations, the succubus of all succubi, Liliana Liche Riden! How could I be troubled over just one man…?”

Without meaning to, Liliana stretched her hand toward the ceiling. In a nation that boasted equality among all races, she was the only one called “Princess,” a special existence. She held power, power enough to change the country—or the world—by herself.

That was why she was special, exceptional, and above all, precious. She wasn’t allowed freedom, nor was she allowed to be bound. She was always confined to her beautiful castle, forced to remain a symbol for the people until the destined day came.

Liliana despised that life and fled from the country.

It was right after the war ended and trade with humans began. With her status and the succubus’s charm powers, escaping was easy.

Life in the human world was chaotic, dirty, fun, broken, but above all, it was free. No one could stop her. She could get anything she wanted. It was fun, exciting—she couldn’t get enough.

Yet, for some reason, she only thought back on her boring travels with that boring man.

“Enough! Stop it. There’s no point in thinking about all this boring stuff!”

Forcing herself to speak out, Liliana sat up.

She was under constant strict surveillance, as if to ensure she never escaped again. No matter how much she thought about Asbel, she couldn’t go see him. Besides, returning to the human world now would feel like betraying him after all the effort she put into escaping.

Her journey with him had ended. They had promised to meet again, but that was a distant future dream, not something to throw away the present for.

“He will keep living, believing in what he thinks is right. Then there’s no point in me worrying about him.”

Liliana got up from her bed. She thought about going for a walk, something she hadn’t done in a long time. Just as she was considering it, a knock came at the door.

“Lady Liliana. It’s Mimi. May I have a moment of your time?”

“Come in.”

Hearing Liliana’s voice, the small Mimi skillfully turned the doorknob and entered the room.

“Mimi, it’s been since we returned to the country, hasn’t it? How are you? Is your injury okay?”

“Yes, thanks to you. How about you, Lady Liliana?”

“I’m fine. They healed me with recovery magic over and over again.”

The two exchanged glances and shared a small smile.

“Lady Liliana, you don’t seem very energetic. Is it…this country? It’s boring, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, kind of. But, getting executed in the human world sounds awful, so I’ll stay quiet here for a while.”

“I think that’s for the best. Speaking of executions, it seems the date for that man’s execution has been set.”

Mimi spoke calmly. Liliana averted her gaze for just a moment before answering with an indifferent expression.

“…I see. Well, it doesn’t concern me anymore. Anyway, how about we go for a walk? I’m tired of lying around in this room.”

“Understood. I’ll accompany you.”

The two left the room, walking down a blindingly white hallway. The castle, located at the heart of the nation, was where a select few lived, and Liliana was one of those special few.

Followed by several demon guards, they walked through the city. The marketplace seemed lively at first glance. Orcs sold meat, dwarves sold accessories, and elves sold herbs. It was a sight you wouldn’t see in a human country.

“This country really lacks fun, doesn’t it? If we’re going to trade with humans, they should import better food.”

But none of the elaborate dishes Liliana favored were sold here. Despite the apparent liveliness, there was no joy. She sighed, finding it dull.

“Humans have more refined tastes than we demons. I also think the food in the human world is better.”

“Right? …By the way, I heard Keydrec is heading to the human world again. That guy, after lecturing everyone, just wants to eat delicious food by himself.”

“I don’t think Lord Keydrec is particularly interested in food. Lizardmen don’t even cook their meals.”

“Oh yeah, they eat raw meat and fish, don’t they? So why does he keep going to the human world?”

“Apparently, he wants to make humans fight each other and weaken their forces.”

“Ugh, that’s so like him. Always thinking up dirty schemes.”

A wave of irritation washed over Liliana, and she clenched her fist.

The demons, who planned to ruin the peace Asbel worked so hard to protect, acted only for their own benefit. Yet they always preached about equality and peace.

The justice Asbel believed in was being trampled and crushed by the whims of others.

“By the way, Lady Liliana, that necklace of yours is lovely.”

“…Oh, this?”

Liliana touched the necklace at her chest, as if shifting her thoughts. It was a gift from an old woman as thanks for saving her cat. Though it wasn’t anything special, it was one of the few things she brought back from the human world. For some reason, she didn’t want to part with it.

“Ah!”

“Sorry about that.”

At that moment, Liliana bumped into a group of dwarves walking ahead of her.

“Ah…”

The necklace came loose from the impact. It must have been damaged from her long journey and the many battles. As it hit the ground, the necklace shattered into pieces.

“Lady Liliana! Are you all right?”

Mimi rushed over to her in a panic, and the guards nearby moved closer, alert to their surroundings.

“…Why…”

A drop fell to the ground. Liliana looked up, thinking it had started raining, but the sky was clear and bright.

“Why…Why does he have to die…?”

The broken necklace triggered emotions Liliana had been suppressing, and they overflowed from her heart. All she could do was clench her teeth against the sharp pain in her chest.

She had promised to show him a field of flowers someday. But the truth was, she had wanted to travel with him forever. Just being by his side was enough, so why…?

“I’m stuck here, and he’s going to be executed. Why…why did things turn out like this?!”

The shattered necklace could never be repaired, just as she could never see Asbel again if he was executed. Liliana cried out in anguish, but she had no way to save him, nor any means to escape this country.