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 35

“Aargh! This book has a bad ending! Ugh, I shouldn’t have read it at all!”

Liliana, sprawled across the large sofa, angrily slams the book onto the table, venting her frustration.

“I told you from the beginning, didn’t I? That book isn’t to your taste.”

Sitting across from her on the sofa, Asbel responds calmly.

“Oh, shut up. You know I can’t stop once I’m challenged like that, right? You really should be more considerate of my feelings!”

“You’re as unreasonable as ever…”

A forgotten mansion in the depths of the mountains, far removed from both human and demonic realms. Built by a certain noble as a villa, the mansion was abandoned after that noble’s downfall.

Liliana remembered hearing about such a place from another noble once. With that, the two of them set off towards the mansion. Luckily, they encountered no knights on the way, and after a few days’ journey, they reached their destination.

Surrounded by towering mountains like a natural fortress, the location was almost impossible to access and so isolated that no one would visit. They spent almost a month setting up their living arrangements there.

The mountains surrounding the mansion teemed with edible creatures, both magical and mundane. A small lake nearby provided ample water.

The mansion was large for two people, a bit cramped for Liliana’s free-spirited nature, and much too short a month for Asbel to reflect on his life.

So, without any major changes in their relationship, they spent their days in peaceful contentment. There was always the fear that pursuers might come, but for now, both were happy with this life.

“……”

No, not quite. Liliana had one significant complaint.

“…What is with this guy? He’s lived with me for a whole month without even trying anything. Seriously, what’s his problem?”

Liliana understood Asbel had no interest. She even questioned if he had any desires or romantic inclinations at all. There he was, leafing through an old book from the mansion’s library, expressionless as always.

Liliana’s outfit was rather revealing. Her chest and legs were exposed, yet he didn’t glance her way. Even her succubus charm, which usually stirred people’s instincts, seemed to have no effect.

“In this kind of situation, you’d expect…something.”

The two of them, fugitives on the run, had found refuge in a secluded mansion where neither humans nor demons dared venture. They had no one to talk to but each other and no other outlet for their needs.

Unlike when she’d been under guard or traveling to be delivered to the demon realm, this life had no purpose, no obligations. She could let loose, without anyone to object.

“And yet, this guy gets up, cleans, goes hunting in the mountains, tends the field, eats, bathes, reads, and sleeps. He’s not just reserved; he’s like a dead branch! I’m not saying he has to grab me, but a hug or a little affection wouldn’t be too much, would it?”

Liliana was frustrated. Though she’d seduced countless men, she was not skilled at being affectionate herself. After all, she never had to try; they’d always come to her.

…But what was she supposed to do if he didn’t?

“Well, I am the Enchantress of Nations. The succubus of all succubi, Liliana Liche Riden. I’ll never stoop to fawning over a man myself.”

“…What have you been muttering to yourself about?”

Asbel sighed and closed his book, unimpressed by her ramblings. He was supposed to be softening up in this peaceful life, yet he was as unchanged as ever. Though he spoke of seeking a new way to live, it was clear he was still missing something.

“It’s nothing. I just thought you must not be enjoying yourself with me.”

“What? No…I’m only able to be myself with you. I’m…grateful to you.”

“Then show it! ‘You should know without me saying’— that’s just laziness! If you don’t put it into words, it’ll make a girl insecure!”

“And I thought you were the Enchantress of Nations, succubus among succubi?”

“Oh, shut up! Just express your gratitude to me properly!”

Liliana knew she was acting a bit childish. …But she was irritated. He didn’t seem to grasp the meaning of her risking everything to be with him.

This man must genuinely think he’s here to quietly pass his days fishing and reading. The kind of guy who takes words at face value without any deeper understanding.

──This man needs some serious training for the future.

Deciding this, Liliana cast a testing glance at Asbel.

“Well? Why are you quiet? Hurry up and tell me you’re grateful!”

“I’m grateful to you. That is…I’m terrible at cooking, so it helps to have you here.”

“You put chili on everything you eat.”

“Uh…and I appreciate the cleaning and laundry too.”

“I’m not a housekeeper, you know.”

“And…I’m glad we can talk to each other…maybe?”

“Don’t ask me! You’re the one saying it!”

“…Right.”

Asbel crossed his arms. Day by day, she was becoming more troublesome, yet even he knew better than to say that out loud.

“All right. Let’s do this.”

Asbel sat on the bed and motioned her over.

“Wha…over there? I mean, fine, I’m a succubus, so I’m ready anytime…But if you’ve held off this long, couldn’t we make it a bit more romantic…?”

“What are you saying? I’m offering you a lap pillow. Hurry up and come here.”

“A…lap pillow?”

This man clearly had a different sense of things. …Though she was getting used to it. Actually, she might have started finding it…appealing. Her tastes were becoming warped.

──But still, it annoyed her!

Thinking this, Liliana quietly rested her head on Asbel’s thigh.

“Your thigh is hard.”

“I’m trained.”

“…Yeah, I know.”

Lying on her back, Liliana looked up at Asbel’s face. His dark eyes and pale skin seemed almost otherworldly, far removed from the battlefield veteran he was.

“Your hair’s gotten longer.”

Liliana reached out, gently brushing his hair.

“Your hair is as beautiful as ever.”

Asbel, in turn, ran his fingers through her golden locks, bright and smooth.

Then, unexpectedly, he showed a gentle expression.

“…!”

Liliana’s heart skipped a beat.

“What’s wrong? Don’t like your hair being touched?”

“…No, it’s just…I’d like to stay like this for a bit longer. Is that okay?”

“…Yes. I was thinking the same thing.”

Both wore similar expressions as they shared a quiet moment together, wishing that such a time would last forever.