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 37

“Is this enough?”

Asbel, having completed his necessary shopping, was walking along the mountain path to return to the mansion without taking any detours.

Living a self-sustained life in an abandoned mansion was manageable for Asbel alone, but with Liliana by his side, there were many more things they needed.

To get those supplies, Asbel had descended to town for the first time in a while. Liliana had been insistent about coming along, but even in disguise, she stood out too much. Eventually, Asbel convinced her that there would be another time for a shopping trip, and today, she stayed behind to watch the house by herself.

Of course, they had thoroughly discussed emergency procedures, escape routes, and multiple methods of contact in case of an attack while she was alone.

“…Besides, there were a few things I wanted to take care of by myself.”

Asbel glanced at the large backpack he was carrying and quickened his pace. He had ended up buying many things: unusual spices, meat, even books. Not everything was essential, but he couldn’t help it, thinking of Liliana’s enjoyment.

“I should—”

He closed his mouth, switching his focus to a combat-ready state. …Someone was following him. Probably one person. They were highly skilled; he hadn’t noticed their presence until they got this close.

…Or had he become careless?

Pushing aside any pointless thoughts, Asbel slowed his pace. Now that he’d been found, he couldn’t allow them to call for backup. He was still far from the mansion.

He’d lure them in a different direction before putting them to sleep, avoiding any trouble.

Just as Asbel decided this, a voice called out from behind.

“Hey, it’s been a while, hasn’t it, Asbel? How’ve you been?”

“You’re…”

The man who appeared so casually was Gran, the commander of the Knights. Wearing his usual careless smile, he approached Asbel.

“For the commander to personally be on a search mission—are the Knights that understaffed these days?”

Asbel remained on guard, silently watching Gran.

“No need to be so cautious. I didn’t come to capture you. Notice I’m not even wearing the Knights’ uniform? I was just out for a bit of a hike, taking in the vast beauty of nature and enjoying a walk.”

“…I see. I wouldn’t have guessed that a stay-at-home commander had a hiking hobby. Recently, it seemed you were putting on a bit of weight; some exercise will do you good.”

“Haha. I’m an old man now. Putting on a bit of weight is inevitable. The richness of my soul just seems to spill over into my body.”

Gran laughed jokingly, but Asbel didn’t smile.

“To be honest, I had a hunch about a few places you might go and staked out. But I really didn’t use the Knights’ personnel this time, so there won’t be any pursuers.”

“…So, is this about me? Or Liliana?”

“Both, I guess.”

“If you’re acting alone without the Knights, then this must be a secret mission from some noble, or perhaps a deal with a demon nation…?”

“Harsh. I’d like to say I’m just here out of concern for you two…but unfortunately, it’s not that simple.”

Gran’s easygoing smile faded, and his tone grew a little more serious.

“Honestly, I’d have preferred to leave you two in peace. If you—a man as serious as you—had finally found a good girl and were living a happy life, I’d want to support that wholeheartedly.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but if you keep doing things like that, your head might roll one day.”

“Until then, I wanted to do what I could. Like you, Asbel, I’ve always acted freely, so if the day comes to take responsibility, I won’t regret it.”

“……”

Asbel respected that way of life. But he also knew well that Gran would likely never face such consequences. Favored by nobles like Rai, Gran was well-liked by many.

Rising to the rank of Knights’ Commander from humble origins, his skills and intellect were among the finest in the kingdom.

“But it’s not a situation where I can be so indulgent anymore. Even I can’t ignore matters that affect the kingdom’s survival.”

“So it’s not about me being a demon, then?”

This surprised Asbel, though it didn’t seem to be an issue that threatened the kingdom’s existence.

“That’s right. Your case is important, but there’s little concrete evidence. I see it as a scheme by Lord Gilbert, who seems eager for a war with the demons.”

“You’re impressively calm.”

“Not as much as you. The same goes for Liliana’s execution proposal. Lord Gilbert fears neither failure nor mistakes. He’s the type who’ll keep trying as long as he can score a single success. Frankly, he’s not an opponent I want to face.”

“I’m more concerned about the king’s intentions than Lord Gilbert’s…But first, I’d like to know your purpose, Commander Gran.”

With his usual emotionless eyes, Asbel looked straight at Gran. Gran returned the gaze, meeting him head-on.

“My purpose is twofold…Hey, Asbel. Would you consider rejoining the Knights?”

“…Are you joking? If I returned to the Knights now, neither the citizens, the nobles, nor the members would remain silent. I’d be sent to the execution block in no time.”

“I’ll handle that. Imagine the triumphant return of a hero wrongfully accused—a story the people would surely love, don’t you think?”

Gran spoke lightly, but his eyes were serious. Asbel answered without hesitation.

“Thank you, but I have no intention of returning to the Knights.”

“Is it because you’ve fallen for that girl?”

“…I’m not sure. I don’t even know myself.”

“…Well, that’s surprising. I thought you’d deny it outright, but that’s your answer…”

Taken aback, Gran spoke as if genuinely surprised.

“Maybe it’s not love exactly…but lately, I just want to stay by her side a little longer. That’s what I’ve come to feel.”

“Oh, come on…”

Hearing this, Gran looked away, his face twisted as if he’d swallowed something bitter.

“Did I say something that bothered you?”

“No, it’s just…this world’s such a mess. Just when something seems to work out, another problem arises. It’s truly…flawed.”

Gran kicked the ground in frustration, looking up at the sky. Seeing Gran this emotional was unusual, and Asbel was a little surprised.

“Asbel, I’ve been wondering…You saved my life countless times in that hellish battlefield. I’ve been thinking about how I could ever repay you. How I could ever make you…smile.”

“……”

Asbel stayed silent, and Gran continued.

“Now you’ve finally found something like happiness. I want to support that. I want to throw away all these troublesome ties and help you.”

“I don’t blame you, Commander Gran…”

“I’m blaming myself. And that’s why I’m about to ask something I don’t want to. Something I can only ask you. So I’m going to say it.”

Gran, looking defeated and exhausted, took a deep breath. His complexion was pale, his hair lacked luster—it seemed he’d been up for days without rest.

Asbel had this irrelevant thought right before Gran spoke his next words.

“Asbel…to save this kingdom, I want you to kill Liliana Liche Riden.”

“────”

Those words were, perhaps, an inescapable fate.