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 34

“Hah…hah…let’s…take a break for a bit…”

Liliana, having fled from the execution grounds and landed on a mountain trail with no pursuers in sight, braced her hands on her knees, breathing heavily.

“It seems your stamina hasn’t changed,” Asbel remarked, cautiously scanning the surroundings as he let out a small sigh.

“You’re the one who’s heavy. I can’t keep flying around with someone like you in my arms for too long. And weren’t you locked up for a while? You feel a bit heavier than before.”

“My build has always been the same, no matter how much I eat or exercise. A month or so of confinement doesn’t affect my weight.”

“Ugh, that’s a lucky trait. You really are almost inhuman…”

“Apparently, I’m not human.”

“Whatever, I don’t care,” Liliana sighed in exasperation, casting a spell to hide her wings and horns.

“Oh, hiding your wings now?”

“Flying around too much gets exhausting, and they stand out too much, you know?”

“…True. A wise choice,” Asbel replied, finally relaxing his shoulders once he confirmed they were alone.

“So, what’s your plan now? The border security is stricter than before, and even if you try to hide, you stand out too much. Getting caught is only a matter of time.”

“Who knows? Honestly, I didn’t think much past this. I kinda overdid it, and I might not be able to go back to the Demon Realm.”

Liliana laughed as if it were nothing, while Asbel narrowed his eyes in mild disbelief.

“You really should think things through a bit more.”

“I don’t want to hear that from someone like you, who’d rather calmly accept death than try to escape.”

“I didn’t mean it like that…”

Asbel started to reply but then bit his tongue. At this point, having run off with her, any excuse he gave would just sound hollow.

“What? Why’d you go quiet? Are you…mad? I acted on my own after all…”

“No, I could have refused you. If I really wanted to die, I could’ve ended it all myself back there. But instead, I took your hand. So, I have no right to blame you.”

“…Fine then.”

A strange silence settled over them, an indescribable atmosphere filling the mountain forest, which was neither too warm nor too cool. A comfortable breeze blew between the two.

“Well, I suppose I’ll live however I want, too. I can’t see what lies ahead, but maybe if I keep going, I’ll figure it out.”

“That’s the spirit. You make quick, impulsive decisions all the time. But you should also understand that sometimes your actions can end up hurting others, not just yourself.”

“Point taken. You’re probably right about that,” Asbel nodded, as calm as ever. Liliana gave him a wry smile, wondering if he even understood what she meant.

“Someday, I’ll return the favor. Just don’t do anything too reckless, alright?”

With that, Asbel turned and began to walk off alone, only for Liliana to hurriedly stop him.

“Hey, hold on! Where do you think you’re going off to by yourself?”

“…? I don’t see any reason for you to keep following me.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Isn’t it your wish to live freely? To do what you want, as you want? I still don’t understand the value of that kind of life, but…I can’t say I dislike seeing you live that way.”

“Then how does that end up with you going off alone?”

“I’m a wanted man in this country now, and rumors have spread that I’m a demon. I can’t live openly in front of people anymore. So, for now, I plan to lie low somewhere deep in the mountains, away from humans and demons, and reconsider my next steps.”

Asbel’s voice was steady and composed as always, which only served to rile up Liliana’s growing frustration.

“…I don’t have anywhere to go, either, you know?”

“You could find a noble to take you in, couldn’t you? Unlike me, you’d have no shortage of noblemen willing to shelter you—”

“Hey!”

Liliana smacked Asbel on the head.

“What was that for? A bug?”

“No! Honestly, you’re so…you’re beyond just being dense! ‘A bug?’ Seriously?”

Liliana sighed in exasperation, looking up at him.

Over 180 centimeters tall, his shiny black hair and matching dark eyes gave him an imposing presence. The scars from his recent battle were already healed, and his skin was clear despite his time in confinement.

Not bad…actually, he was far above average. Whether among demons or humans, there weren’t many like him. Probably, just like that innkeeper or that girl from the knight brigade, countless women had probably struggled with his cluelessness.

“Then again, his personality is bizarre enough to cancel out all of that,” she muttered to herself as she looked into Asbel’s face.

It was clear that he wasn’t a bad guy. But even then, if she wanted to, she could easily find someone better. If she really tried, she was confident she could even catch the king’s eye.

“…But there’s nothing I can do about it. I’ve fallen for him.”

“…Hm? Did you say something?”

“I said, maybe life in the mountains wouldn’t be so bad…the stars might be beautiful, and I could spend the days reading and fishing. It doesn’t sound too bad, right?”

“…? What…are you talking about?”

“For the last time! I’m saying I’ll go with you! Isn’t that alright? Someone like you would just overthink things alone, and never reach a good conclusion. So, I’ll keep you company!”

Liliana blushed slightly and glared at Asbel, who still looked genuinely confused.

“Being with me would be boring, you know?”

“That’s fine. I’ve never been bored traveling with you.”

“But, I—”

“Stop being so stubborn! I said I’m going, so I’m going! I am Liliana Liche Riden, Enchantress of Nations, Succubus of Succubi! So don’t make me humiliate myself any further!”

She stretched up, ruffling his hair until it was a mess. As always, Asbel didn’t seem to understand her intentions.

“…Looks like I really can’t win against you.”

Still, looking at her, he felt a strange sense of lightness in his chest.

“Fine. Come along then, Lili.”

Asbel adjusted his messy hair and looked at Liliana.

“That’s right, I said I’m coming. You better keep me entertained, Asbel.”

At his words, Liliana laughed. It was a smile unlike her usual one—a smile like any ordinary girl’s.