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 5

“Well? How is the princess doing, Asbel?”

In the quiet office where the sounds of training do not reach, Gran, the captain of the knights, addresses Asbel, who has come for the regular report.

“There are no abnormalities, particularly.”

Asbel replies in his usual calm tone.

“No abnormalities, huh? Asbel, I’m glad I entrusted this to you. If it were anyone else, they would have been charmed by her long ago.”

“Is that so? I’m not very good with that kind of thing, so I’m not sure.”

“As expected from you, the ‘impotent’ Asbel…Sorry, sorry. Don’t glare at me; it’s just a joke.”

Gran strokes his growing stubble and continues.

“But to say you don’t know about something concerning yourself is very much like you. I’ve already heard the usual reports, but what are your impressions? Is she really beautiful?”

“I think so. However, calling her a ‘seductive witch’ seems a bit exaggerated. I don’t believe she has the power to sway an entire country.”

“The nobles and the king aren’t as wise as you think. As long as they are human, they inevitably have instincts. No matter how much they suppress them with reason, they cannot fully control them. That’s what it means to be tempted. And she is that very temptation.”

Asbel recalls Liliana but does not understand the feeling of temptation that Gran speaks of.

“I would like to see her at least once, to understand how formidable the rumored succubus really is.”

“Well, I suppose that wouldn’t be a problem.”

“No, no, I’ve always been weak against women. If I went to see her, I would quickly be charmed, hand over all my money, and even open the door for her.”

“By the way, Captain, have you paid off your debt to the tavern? I heard one of the girls was wandering around the mansion…”

“Let’s focus on you instead.”

Gran forcibly changes the subject. Asbel silently stares at his superior, accustomed to this behavior.

“The meeting with the demon kingdom…the Cordia Federation will take place tomorrow morning as scheduled. We don’t know how the higher-ups will approach the discussions. However, if everything goes according to plan, it should decide her transfer.”

“I hope they won’t add unnecessary conditions and cause another dispute.”

“Two years ago…Well, it’s already been two years. We just established a friendship treaty two years ago, and I don’t want to go to war again. But there’s not much we can do about it. After all, we are just the lower ranks.”

Asbel says nothing. Gran continues.

“Well, I don’t think it will come to something so foolish, but there is a significant possibility the talks will break down…You understand what I’m getting at, right, Asbel?”

“The demon kingdom might send assassins to retrieve her.”

“Exactly. You probably don’t need to worry too much. But please, try not to make a scene. I’m also negotiating with the higher-ups about her treatment.”

Asbel has gained his current rank through achievements on the battlefield. Gran, on the other hand, was appointed captain simply because of his noble bloodline. There are many who resent him for that.

However, Asbel trusts him. Gran’s ability to foresee things is unmatched compared to Asbel, who can only fight.

“Well, I’m counting on you to continue the mission, okay? You can be a little mischievous if you want.”

“Considering that there’s a superior who was tricked by a woman at the tavern and ended up in debt, I’ll keep it moderate.”

“Haha, you’re as sharp as ever. Oh, right. Before you return, please stop by and see Eris. She complains every morning to me about you passing extra work onto her.”

“Understood. I’ll tell her firmly.”

“No, I want you to pay her some attention. She’s a big fan of yours.”

“…Understood.”

Asbel bows to Gran, who waves him off, and leaves the office. Just before he touches the doorknob, he stops, turns around, and says.

“I forgot to ask one thing, Captain.”

“What is it?”

“I was researching the succubus queen species, and I wanted to know…is it true that they are all connected?”

“…I wonder. I’m not very familiar with those matters. But if it is true, it would be a top secret in the demon kingdom. It wouldn’t leak so easily.”

“…”

“You don’t have to make that face; it’s okay. If I learn anything, I’ll report it right away. So don’t think about unnecessary things and focus on your current mission. Got it?”

“I understand. Then, excuse me.”

Asbel exits the room.

“If she really is the world’s most powerful succubus, I thought maybe, but it seems impossible…”

Gran’s words do not reach Asbel’s ears.

—

“Now, since it’s Eris, it should be over there.”

Asbel quietly murmurs as he walks down the quiet hallway. He wants to return to work as soon as possible, but he can’t defy an order from his superior. With his usual expressionless face, Asbel heads to the training area.

“Ah, Asbel-senpai! You’ve finally finished your mission! Thank you for your hard work!”

However, on the way, a lively girl with red hair appears, nearly jumping into his arms. It’s Eris Mistia, a direct subordinate of Asbel, who serves in the Third Division.

She is the only subordinate who admires the feared Asbel in the knights and smiles in a way that seems to disarm the wariness of those around her, unlike Liliana.

“It’s been a while, Eris. Is everything going smoothly with your work?”

“Of course! Since I’m responsible while Asbel-senpai is away, I won’t let any slip-ups happen!”

“I see. Then I’m counting on you to keep it up.”

“Wait, where are you going? Your mission is over, right?”

“Unfortunately, it seems like it will still take a while.”

“What? Is that so?”

“Yes. The captain has already informed you of the details, right? At least for another month, I won’t be able to return. I plan to minimize regular reports like today as much as possible. We can’t know when someone might strike.”

Asbel can’t keep watch over Liliana alone all the time. However, preparing someone else for the job is also difficult.

That succubus’s charm can manipulate anyone’s heart, regardless of gender. Despite everything, Asbel realizes that he is the only one suitable for this mission.

“Oh, then it looks like you won’t be coming back for a while. It’s boring without you, senpai.”

“I understand I’m causing trouble in my absence. However, it’s an order from above. I can’t defy it without reason.”

“I know that…”

Eris twirls a strand of her curly red hair around her finger, making a sulky face. Asbel thinks it would be a hassle if she goes to complain to Gran again and lightly places his hand on her head.

“Don’t be sulky. Once the mission is over, I’ll treat you to something. So, for now, I’m counting on you to hold down the fort. You’re the only one I can trust.”

“…! If senpai says that, then I have no choice! I’ll take care of your absence for a little longer! Really, you’re such a sinful man, senpai! To say you can’t do without me, you’re so honest!”

“No, I didn’t mean to say—”

“Then I’ll get back to training! You must not let yourself be charmed by any weird succubus, okay?”

With that, Eris dashes away at incredible speed. Despite her demeanor, she is quite capable and is liked by those around her, unlike Asbel.

“If only she were a little more composed…”

He murmurs as he waits for the hopeful newcomer’s figure to disappear completely before heading toward the usual cell where Liliana waits.

“Oh, I almost forgot. Senpai, I forgot to tell you!”

A voice echoes from behind him. Asbel turns around with an exasperated look. But for some reason, Eris’s demeanor feels different from before. She has a face that looks somewhat downcast, like a worn-out kitten.

“Did something happen?”

Asbel’s question is met with Eris’s words.

“────”

At those words, Asbel unusually shows a slight sign of agitation.