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 7

“I have one favor to ask of you.”

Asbel’s face, when he said that, seemed expressionless at first glance. However, Liliana, who was skilled at observing people, noticed something. Upon closer inspection, she saw confusion and anxiety in the depths of his eyes.

──This might be a chance.

Liliana removed her hand from the ring and called out to Asbel.

“A favor…a favor, huh? If you want to ask me for a favor, it will cost you a lot, but you know that, right?”

“Yeah, I know.”

“What specifically?”

“I’ll go buy an apple pie from an expensive shop next time.”

“…Are you stupid? I’m not going to move for something like that.”

“Is that so? Then it won’t work.”

Asbel tilted his head, looking straight at Liliana, who had been pleased by his response.

“Then let me ask. What is your wish?”

“It’s obvious. Given this situation, there is only one thing I wish for.”

Liliana directed her gaze towards the cell door.

“Are you saying you want me to let you escape?”

“I’ll leave it to your imagination. You have your position, after all. However, even if I can’t say it directly, perhaps you might forget to lock the door?”

Liliana smiled, as if testing him. Without a moment’s hesitation, Asbel replied.

“I understand. Then let’s consider this conversation over.”

Saying that without a second thought, Asbel returned to his usual spot and began reading.

“……Huh? Is that it?”

“Yeah. I might take you for a walk, but I can’t let you escape.”

“No, no, no. Don’t you have something you want to ask me? For someone like you to rely on me, something must have happened, right?”

“Even so, I can’t betray my sense of rightness.”

“But you might regret it, you know.”

“I have never regretted anything in my life. I always live according to my sense of rightness. I believe I can distinguish between what’s right and what’s wrong.”

“…”

His eyes were still the same murky black with no color. Even the fiercest demon tribe wouldn’t have eyes like that. Liliana let out a breath in exasperation and collapsed onto the bed.

“…So? What happened?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about you. You want to ask me something, right?”

“That negotiation has already fallen through.”

“I said I would at least listen to the story. Honestly, you’re such a stiff person. With an attitude like that, you won’t be popular!”

“I don’t need to be popular.”

Asbel’s words remained calm. While she found his attitude frustrating, Liliana decided to listen to what he had to say.

If she could do him a favor now, it might help her later.

With that calculation and a bit of curiosity, Liliana hid her two motives and looked toward Asbel while lying down.

“…………”

Asbel closed his eyes for a moment as if contemplating, and then he spoke.

“…It seems a cat has fallen ill.”

“A cat? Do you have a cat?”

Surprised by the unexpected words, Liliana instinctively sat up.

“No, I don’t. I’m a knight who protects this country. I could die at any moment. I can’t keep a pet.”

“So then, what about it?”

“The owner of the weapon shop I rely on has a cat. However, it seems that the cat has not been well lately. It hasn’t eaten much for the past few days.”

“Well, you can just take it to a hospital. This country seems advanced enough to have an animal hospital.”

“…Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an animal hospital in this country. Of course, there are quack doctors who will treat animals for money, but their skills are not reliable.”

“So, you want me, a succubus who might be able to use healing magic, to check on it?”

There aren’t many people who can use magic. Especially for healing, only magicians personally summoned by the kingdom can use it. There isn’t anyone in this country who would use magic for a mere cat.

But demons are different. Demons are born with a high aptitude for magic, and Liliana can use various kinds of magic.

“However, I cannot let you out of here.”

“What will you do about the cat? Are you going to give up?”

“Yeah. If there are no other means, then I have no choice but to give up.”

“…Is that okay with you?”

“My feelings do not matter. If I let you escape, it won’t just be a problem for me. It is only natural to do everything I can, but seeking help for something outside of my control is foolish.”

His eyes were cold. The eyes of a man who seems not quite human. Unlike the lizardmen, who have little change in expression, it is hard to tell what he is thinking. Even Liliana, who is good at reading people, couldn’t determine if he truly cared for the cat or not.

“…I don’t like this.”

She thought about it. What is this man living for, who suppresses his feelings and only thinks in terms of what is right?

What does this man, who always has dead eyes, look forward to…what is the purpose of his life?

──Liliana. You are a chosen one. You have a duty to fulfill my…our desires. Do you understand?

Suddenly recalling those unpleasant words, Liliana struck the bed in frustration and stood up.

“Look, I’m going!”

“What’s going on? If you want to go to the restroom, it’s next door.”

“That’s not it!…I mean, you want me to heal the cat, right?”

“But I can’t let you escape—”

“Forget it! As long as you’re watching, I can’t escape. …Besides, I’m getting tired of the simple meals here.”

“What are you talking about…?”

Liliana struck the iron bars and said, “You’ll treat me to an apple pie, right? For now, that’s enough. Hurry up and take me to the cat. Come on, before I change my mind! Quickly!!”

Liliana looked somewhat reckless. Asbel closed his eyes, as if thinking about something, and then…unlocked the cell door.