Chapter 3: A Chance Encounter with a Succubus Girlfriend
“…What the heck? Where am I?”
The sudden scene made my eyes go wide.
I know I fell asleep in my room, so why am I standing in the middle of a freaking grassland?
“…Huh?”
Sleepwalking!?
Did I wander out of the house and end up in this empty field without noticing? Without getting attacked by a single monster? No way, that’s ridiculous.
“What’s going on… Wait, what?”
Then I noticed my voice sounded off.
Not just off—it was hauntingly familiar, coming from my own mouth. Wait a sec!
“It’s my voice… my old voice! And my body—it’s bigger… What’s happening?”
It wasn’t just my voice. My body felt bigger too. Staring at my hands in a daze, I patted my face and body, the realization hitting me—this was my body from before.
“What the—”
Before I could process it, a hand clamped onto my shoulder.
“Why’re you spacing out like that?”
“…Huh?”
It was Arios.
“Arios…?”
“Dude, you okay?” he asked, peering at me with a worried frown.
Another voice chimed in, stirring more memories.
“I bet he’s still reeling from your change. You went from chasing every skirt in sight to Mr. Serious overnight.”
“Lilina…?”
“What’s with you? You’re really out of it,” Lilina said, stepping up beside Arios.
Her face, like Arios’s, hadn’t changed a bit since back then. They looked exactly the same.
“…Towa~?” Lilina teased.
“This ain’t normal, right?” Arios added.
Two gorgeous faces stared at me, and I stood there, dumbfounded.
I couldn’t wrap my head around it. There’s no way I’d be face-to-face with these two as my old self again. Yet here I was, reunited with them after so long, and it felt like nothing else.
“…Arios… Lilina…” I choked out.
“Whoa, what’s wrong!?” Arios exclaimed.
“Why’re you crying!?” Lilina gasped.
A wave of emotion surged in my chest, spilling out as tears. Forgetting I was an adult, I bawled like a kid, not even bothering to wipe my face.
Then, two more voices hit my ears, shaking my heart even more.
“What’s going on here?”
“Sounds awfully noisy.”
Of course—they’re here too. My chest burned with the need to see them. I whipped around.
“Lilith… Selen…”
There they were, just as I’d seen them briefly in the capital. Only their clothes were different.
To think I’d get to see not just Arios and Lilina, but Lilith and Selen too… What an incredible moment. But while I was overwhelmed with joy, their faces turned sharp.
“Why is Towa-san crying?” Lilith demanded.
“Did you two do something to him?” Selen snapped, glaring at Arios and Lilina.
“No, no, no! We didn’t do anything!” Arios protested.
“Exactly! He just started crying out of nowhere!” Lilina added.
The two scrambled to explain as Lilith and Selen, stone-faced, summoned magic into their palms.
“…Man, this takes me back,” I muttered, chuckling at the chaos.
I didn’t want to watch my friends fight, so I quickly clarified that I’d just teared up on my own, clearing up the misunderstanding.
“Are you okay, Towa-san?” Lilith asked, softening.
“What’s up? Something is bothering you?” Selen pressed.
“Nah, it’s not like that…”
“If nothing’s wrong, why the waterworks?”
“Is it something you can’t tell us?”
Arios and Lilina were concerned too, but Lilith and Selen were on another level. Maybe because I was the weakest of the group—though if I said that, all four would chew me out, so I kept quiet.
“Let’s take a break,” Arios suggested.
“Good idea,” Lilina agreed.
We paused to rest, which was a relief. I needed time to process what was happening.
“Here we go.”
I leaned against a tree, sitting down. Lilith plopped down on my left, Selen on my right—both close enough that I felt a weird pressure from either side. A breeze carried their sweet scents, making my heart race.
“…”
Their fragrances were one thing, but the visuals? Total heart-pounder. As a succubus and an elf, they had otherworldly beauty, plus curves straight out of an anime. Let’s just say they were distracting.
“Resting’s important, Towa-san. I’d hate for anything to happen to you,” Lilith said gently.
“Yeah, think about us for a sec. If something’s up with you, it messes with us too,” Selen grumbled.
“…Right.”
Lilith smiled warmly, while Selen pouted.
Meanwhile, Arios and Lilina were off a bit, flirting like a lovey-dovey couple. Those two deserve a “normies explode” award.
“They’ve gotten real cozy, huh?” Lilith remarked.
“Total shocker. Arios was such a sleaze, chasing girls left and right. I thought Lilina would never fall for him,” Selen said.
“You’re not holding back,” I said with a wry laugh, nodding. She wasn’t wrong.
Arios’s playboy antics were next-level, causing trouble everywhere. Lilina couldn’t stand him back then—it was like hell froze over.
“But they’re a good match now, right?” I said.
“Hehe, yeah,” Lilith giggled.
“Enough to give us heartburn,” Selen added.
Their smiles brought back so many memories.
“…Haha, is this a dream?” I mumbled.
The scenery started to warp, colors bleeding like paint in the rain. I hadn’t realized it was a dream, but it was clear now—this wasn’t real. Reluctantly, I knew I couldn’t cling to this world.
“Lilith, Selen.”
“Yes?” Lilith replied.
“What’s up?” Selen asked.
“Be happy, okay? I put my life on the line to protect you all… so you better be.”
With those words, everything dissolved like dust in the wind.
▼▽
“…Hm?”
Opening my eyes, I was greeted by two round shapes.
Through sheer black fabric, one was softly squishing the other. Guess even those can’t defy gravity.
“…Mmn… Towa…”
“Huh?”
Mom’s voice?
I tried to lift my head, but a force pressed against it, and suddenly those round shapes were right in my face!
“Mmph!?”
Wait, no—they didn’t come to me. I was pulled to them!
“…This is—”
No need to think—it was Mom’s chest.
Her skimpy, downright scandalous nightgown and those fluffy, marshmallow-like assets were front and center, but putting that aside, why was Mom here?
“…Hm.”
If memory serves, I went to bed alone last night. So either Mom snuck into my room, or she kidnapped me to hers while I was asleep.
“…Eh, whatever.”
Sandwiched in that softness, I stopped caring about the details.
Sure, I’m milking this kid thing to snuggle with my stepmom, but what would my old comrades say if they saw me now?
“…That was a good dream.”
I could still recall it vividly.
Seeing Lilith, Selen, Arios, and Lilina, even in a dream, made me happy. Talking to them like it was real felt like a miracle.
As I lingered on the dream, my eyelids grew heavy, ready for a second nap. But then—
“Hm? Why’s Towa in my chest…? Oh, you couldn’t resist sleeping with me, you adorable thing!”
“Let’s not rewrite history, Mom.”
“Eek!?”
She flinched, clearly not expecting me to be awake. When I stared at her, she awkwardly looked away.
“Lying’s not cool, Mom.”
“…Mmph.”
“But, I mean, I like sleeping with you too, so… uh—”
“Towaaaa!” she squealed, yanking me into a tight hug.
“Mmph!?”
Her overwhelming excitement left me struggling to breathe, but being enveloped in her chest? As a guy, I couldn’t help but feel pure joy.
It took a while to escape her grip.
“Phew… I’m satisfied,” she declared, sounding like a contented queen.
Mom’s blissful expression drew a wry smile from me.
After breakfast, I headed out alone, diving back into exploring the capital, just like yesterday.
“More people than yesterday, huh.”
It’s like a holiday back in Japan, so the streets were packed—busier than anything I’d seen in the past few days.
The lively vibe hasn’t changed a bit from back then, I thought, pondering where to go next.
“Noble district’s a no-go… Outside the city walls? Also a no-go… Hmm.”
Even after twenty years, I’m coming up blank on destinations.
Sure, there are new buildings, and I spotted some foreign goods from other kingdoms, but nothing really grabbed me.
“The Adventurer’s Guild… Maybe I’ll check it out.”
The idea hit me out of nowhere.
In my past life, after leaving home, I needed cash to survive, and the Adventurer’s Guild was perfect for that.
“Twenty years later, I bet the receptionists have changed…”
The thought brought a twinge of loneliness, but also excitement.
Alright, let’s do this! I started to dash off, but a voice cut through before I could.
“Hey! Watch where you’re going, kid!”
“Wha—”
Thud! I slammed right into someone.
They were an adult, and I, just a kid, got knocked back, landing hard on my butt.
“Ow…”
Rubbing my sore nose and backside, I scrambled to my feet. Gotta apologize first.
“Sorry about—”
My apology died mid-sentence.
The person I’d crashed into was someone I never expected to see face-to-face again.
“…”
She was stunning. Long, silky black hair without a single wave. A witch-like hat and robe, with a plunging neckline showing off her ample cleavage and a slit revealing a glimpse of her curvaceous thighs—downright dangerous to look at.
Her gem-like purple eyes were wide, staring at me with an intensity that pinned me in place.
…Lilith.
It was Lilith. My old comrade, a world-saving hero, a succubus. All those facets wrapped into one, and she was standing right in front of me.
“Uh… s-sorry!” I stammered, snapping out of my shock to apologize.
Let’s break this down: I’m a rude little punk who just barreled into a national hero. That’s about the size of it, right?
Knowing Lilith, she probably won’t make a big deal of it, but I couldn’t help feeling a bit uneasy.
“Lady Lilith-sama, the kid didn’t mean it. Please forgive him,” an older man’s voice chimed in—probably the guy who’d shouted earlier.
Making a stranger worry for me? I felt bad. But then Lilith finally spoke.
“No, no need to apologize. I’m the one who was distracted… Are you okay, kid?”
“Y-yeah, I’m fine!”
First time anyone’s called me “kid” like that.
She crouched to meet my eyes, and the closer she got, the harder it was to keep my gaze from drifting to her cleavage.
“I-I’m really fine! Sorry for the trouble!”
I blurted it out louder than I meant, clearly rattled.
But it wasn’t just embarrassment—I genuinely didn’t know how to handle being this close to Lilith.
“He looks alright… Be careful, kid,” the old man said, waving as he walked off.
Now it was just me and Lilith. Standing in front of someone as attention-grabbing as her, I felt the weight of countless stares boring into me.
“W-well, I’ll get going… Really sorry!”
I turned to leave without waiting for her response, but—
“Wait!”
Her voice stopped me, and a slender hand grabbed my shoulder. How does someone so delicate have that kind of grip? I was completely frozen.
“Kid! If you’re free, wanna take a walk with me?”
“A… walk?”
Her unexpected offer made me echo her words.
I took a step back, and she stepped closer. After a few rounds of this, a thought hit me—this scene looked straight out of a sketchy doujinshi: a seductive beauty closing in on a kid!
But being a hero, Lilith didn’t draw suspicious looks. If anything, some people shot me envious glances. Guess getting approached by a stunner like her is anyone’s dream.
“Is that… a no?” she asked, her voice soft.
“Ugh…”
Don’t follow strangers. Every kid in Japan hears that from parents or teachers, and it’s no different in this world. But since it’s Lilith, I decided to break that rule just this once.
“…Okay, maybe just for a bit? I just moved to the capital, so I don’t know much around here.”
It’s a white lie, but it felt like the smoothest way to respond.
I told Mom I’d be back by noon, so I’ve got about three hours to spend with Lilith.
“Thank you!” she beamed.
She probably doesn’t know I’m Towa. Her intentions are a mystery, but that smile—beautiful and achingly familiar—made my chest tighten.
“Let’s hold hands, then.”
I took her outstretched hand, feeling a connection spark.
Her pale, delicate hand looked fragile, but I knew the immense magic she wielded, the countless times her spells had saved us.
She smiled warmly at me as I held her hand, but then she did something odd.
“Hehe, he’s cute, isn’t he? Don’t you think so?”
She was talking about me… but asking someone who wasn’t there.
“Huh?”
I couldn’t help the surprised noise that slipped out. Unless my eyes were playing tricks, there was nobody there.
“Yes… he looks so much like you…”
I’ll say it again—no one was there.
But Lilith spoke as if someone stood right beside us. When she noticed my stare, she snapped out of it.
“S-sorry. It’s like a little episode I have sometimes. Don’t mind it…”
“Uh, okay…”
If it’s an episode, I guess it’s fine?
I couldn’t recall Lilith ever doing this before, but I mutter to myself plenty, so I just nodded.
“Let’s start over and get going!”
“Sure thing.”
Spending time with Lilith like this? I was thrilled. She’s been in this world the whole time, so she probably knows it better than I do after twenty years away. I’ll let her lead.
“Oh, right!” She stopped short.
“What?”
“You knew my name, so I forgot to introduce myself properly. Can I ask yours?”
Oh, yeah. Without thinking, I blurted it out.
“I’m Towa—”
I tried to stop myself mid-sentence, but the word was already out.
Towa. At that, Lilith froze, her eyes wide, staring at me like she did when we first bumped into each other.
“Uh, this name’s really special to me! My mom gave it to me!” I rushed on, the silence making me nervous. “See, my real parents abandoned me when I was little…”
“What?” she whispered.
“Then my current mom found me. She loves me, treats me like I’m her world. She said our meeting was like a miracle, so she named me after the hero, ‘Miracle Towa.’”
I’d never told anyone about me and Mom before. My panicked explanation seemed to do the trick, though—Lilith’s eyes softened with pity.
“That’s… I’m sorry for making you talk about something painful.”
“It’s not painful. I don’t remember my old parents at all. I’ve got Mom now, and she’s enough.”
“You found a wonderful Mom. I can feel how much you care for her.”
She crouched again, wrapping her arms around me in a hug. I almost yelped, but her ample chest muffled any sound.
“?!”
“It’s just… your face, calling yourself Towa—it reminded me of him, the one your name came from. You look so much like him, and with the same name, I was shocked.”
“…”
“So, Towa… can I call you Towa-kun?”
“Mmph… Sure…”
Her chest was so overwhelming I could barely answer!
Compared to Mom’s, Lilith’s was slightly bigger, and everything—her scent, her softness—felt so comforting it could lull me to sleep. Then I remembered something she’d said during our journey.
“Succubi drain energy, so everything about us soothes those we touch. If you can’t sleep, just let me know, okay? I’ll wrap you up in my chest for a cozy nap. It’s all for you, Towa-san… ♪”
That’s what Lilith had teased back then.
Sure, the Demon King was our main target, but I’m not immune to urges. Lilith’s words back then had definitely piqued my interest, though I never got to experience it before the end.
But man, this sensation? It’s unreal, not something you’d ever feel normally.
“…Oh! Sorry, I got carried away!” Lilith gasped, pulling back.
“Aw…” I mumbled, instinctively reaching out as the warmth of her chest faded.
My vision had gone hazy, but I braced myself, snapping back to reality.
“What… was that?”
“Well, I’m a succubus with a particularly strong ‘charm’ ability. It seeps out a little even when I’m not trying… I usually keep it in check, but I got so caught up in hugging you, Towa-kun, it slipped out.”
“Oh, uh, I see.”
“I’m so sorry!”
“No, no, it’s totally fine!”
It felt amazing! So soft! Smelled incredible! I couldn’t say that out loud, but I scrambled to reassure her it was no big deal. Relieved, she gave a small smile.
“Alright, let’s try this again and get going.”
“Hehe, looks like I’m the one being led♪”
With that, we finally set off.
I let Lilith take the lead, holding her hand, but she stopped again with a new suggestion.
“‘Lilith-sama’ is so stuffy. Just call me Lilith, okay? And drop the formal talk.”
“But… uh—”
“I want you to, Towa-kun. Is that… not okay?”
“Ugh…”
That anxious look of hers? Totally unfair.
Given my position, it felt way too bold, but how could I say no to that?
“Okay… got it. Lilith.”
“Towa-kun!” she squealed, yanking me into another hug.
“Mmph!?”
Overwhelmed with emotion, she squeezed me tight again.
Getting moving took some effort, especially with all the eyes on us as we walked.
“You’ve only been in the capital for a week, Towa-kun?”
“Yeah, just moved here. I’d be fine anywhere with Mom, but she said the capital’s the easiest place to live since it’s so lively.”
“The more I hear, the more amazing your mom sounds. But if her choice brought us together like this, I couldn’t be happier♪”
“…Yeah.”
Most of our talk was about me—my life, my story.
Lilith seemed eager to hear it all, nodding along with a constant smile, but her kindness felt almost too much, like it went beyond normal.
“We’re just wandering, but anywhere you want to go, Towa-kun?”
“Hm… Maybe the Adventurer’s Guild?”
I’d planned to let her choose, but since she asked, it was perfect timing.
“The Adventurer’s Guild? Are you interested in becoming an adventurer?”
“Nah, not really… More like a social studies field trip?”
“For learning, huh? Hehe, got it.”
With Lilith leading, we headed through the streets to our destination.
“Whoa…”
The building’s exterior stirred nostalgia, though it had clearly been patched up over the past twenty years.
The wooden swinging doors letting you peek inside, the rowdy voices spilling out from the tavern-like first floor—it all hit me with a wave of familiarity.
“The Adventurer’s Guild isn’t just here in Feldam; it’s in other regions and countries too. But this one’s the biggest—tons of quests and hefty rewards,” Lilith explained.
I already knew that. With so many quests and solid pay, even small jobs could add up to a decent living if you did enough.
“Wanna go inside?”
“Huh? Is that okay?”
“Of course. I’m with you, so it should be fine, but drunk folks can be unpredictable. Stay close, alright?”
“Got it.”
Might as well check it out.
Like Lilith said, the place had its share of morning drunks and rough types, so I hadn’t planned on going in. Back in my past life, when I first came to register, some burly, hairy guy gave me grief… though another adventurer bailed me out.
“Come on, let’s go!”
“Whoa!”
Before I could brace myself, Lilith pulled me inside.
The noise was loud from outside, but inside? It was a full-on uproar.
“…So nostalgic.”
Despite the chaos, the feeling of homecoming was stronger.
Who’d have thought a building could make me feel this way? As I took it all in, I noticed the room go quiet.
“…?”
Straining my ears, I caught why.
“Why’s Lilith-sama here?”
“In a sweaty dump like this?”
“Don’t call it sweaty… but yeah, what’s up?”
“Who’s the kid she’s holding hands with?”
“What’s their deal?”
They’re whispering, but I can hear you, guys.
Under a barrage of stares, Lilith tugged me toward the reception desk—a place I’d visited countless times.
“L-Lilith-sama…?” the receptionist stammered.
“Sorry for dropping in unannounced.”
“No, no! No need to apologize!”
The receptionist, a young woman, looked flustered.
“No trouble, I promise. This little guy wanted to see the Adventurer’s Guild, so we’re just looking around,” Lilith said, pushing me forward.
As she placed her hands on my shoulders, something soft and bouncy landed on my head. Apparently, my head was now a perch for Lilith’s chest.
“You seem awfully comfortable with him, Lilith-sama,” the receptionist noted.
“We’ve had quite the adventure getting here. Hehe, quite the adventure♪”
“I-I see…!”
Whoa, receptionist lady, why are your eyes sparkling like that?
“A pretty succubus and her shota… This could take over the world,” she muttered.
I didn’t hear that. Nope, didn’t hear a thing.
The receptionist—Melto, she said—gave us permission to wander the building for a bit, but I politely declined. No need to linger.
“Thanks for today,” I said.
“We’ll be off now,” Lilith added.
“Come back anytime~!”
Hand-in-hand with Lilith, we left, just like we came. But even with a hero like her by my side, trouble found us.
“Well, well! If it ain’t Lilith-sama… As gorgeous and damn sexy as ever… hic,” slurred a bald, burly man, blocking our path.
He was huge—two meters tall, all muscle, arms and legs like tree trunks. His red face screamed drunk.
“Let’s keep going,” Lilith said, pulling me along.
“Hey! What’re ya doin’!?” he bellowed.
“Idiot! Get outta the way!”
“Shut it, punks!” the drunk roared back, intimidating the others.
As we got closer, he leered at Lilith, reaching out with a grin. But his hand never touched her.
“…Sigh.”
His eyes rolled back, and he collapsed backward.
The crowd didn’t panic—more like they were relieved he hadn’t touched Lilith.
Once we were outside, Lilith gave a small chuckle.
“I put him to sleep. A touch of strong charm should keep him out for a while.”
“Oh… cool.”
“Drunks aren’t worth talking to. I’m not wasting this precious time with you, Towa-kun, on nonsense.”
Her cold, dismissive look at the drunk flipped to a warm smile when she turned to me. The shift was so jarring I was speechless.
Why’s she being so nice to me?
From what I can tell, she doesn’t know I’m the Towa. Is she really this kind just because I look like him and share his name?
“Where to next? If you’re up for it, I could show you the Magic Academy where I teach.”
“Sounds good. Let’s do it.”
“Great♪”
I pushed my questions aside and focused on the next stop.
The Royal Magic Academy, where Lilith teaches, isn’t quite in the noble district but sits in an area with impressive buildings.
Walking there, I noticed everyone around us was sharply dressed.
“Man, you’re still the center of attention here, huh, Lilith?”
“Haha, I don’t know if it’s that unusual. Maybe they’re all smitten with how adorable you are, Towa-kun?”
“Come on. A world swooning over my face deserves to end.”
“No need to go that far, right?”
Otherwise, it’d be downright rude to all the hot guys and gals out there.
Bathed in stares just like at the Adventurer’s Guild, we finally reached the Royal Magic Academy.
“This is it,” Lilith said.
“…Whoa.”
I’d seen it from a distance before, but up close, the building was awe-inspiring.
Its white-based design gleamed, with a massive bell perched at the highest point—probably the chime for classes.
“It’s a day off, but some students are still here for self-study,” Lilith noted.
“Cool.”
“Oh, and Prince Arthur and Princess Cattleya enrolled this year.”
“Prince and Princess, huh…”
I’d heard about it already, but Arios and Lilina have kids—twins, no less. I couldn’t help but wonder what their son and daughter were like.
“How old are you now, Towa-kun?” Lilith asked.
“Just turned ten this year.”
“Oh! Really? Have you thought about enrolling here?”
“Not at all…”
“Mmph…” Lilith pouted, genuinely disappointed. “I was hoping I could see you at the academy.”
Her sulky expression drew a wry smile as I glanced back at the building.
“The Magic Academy, huh…” I murmured, lost in thought.
It’s exactly what it sounds like—a place to study magic. With its top-notch facilities and teachers, it churns out talented graduates. You can enroll from age ten, using magic to discover yourself and chart your future. I’d heard just having “academy graduate” on your resume pretty much guarantees a cushy life.
“But, y’know, it’s pretty pricey.”
It’s cheaper now than twenty years ago thanks to reforms, but it’s still out of reach for most commoners.
“Then I’ll cover it! It’s no big deal!” Lilith declared.
“Uh… I’d have to check with Mom.”
“I’ll convince her! I can feel the raw talent in your magic—it’s like an uncut gem! It’d be a waste not to nurture it, so let me persuade her!”
“Whoa, hold on—”
“Don’t worry, leave it to me! You’ll take classes here, and I’ll tutor you personally—no, I insist on it! I’ll shower you with favoritism!”
“Favoritism’s a no-go!”
Her ulterior motives were showing!
I’m flattered she likes me this much, but a hero playing favorites? That’s a recipe for trouble.
“No good…?” she asked, her voice small.
“Ugh… No good!”
“Mmph… Mmph-mmph-mmph!” Lilith huffed, puffing out her cheeks and swaying like a kid throwing a tantrum.
Her chest bounced with every move, forcing me to look away as I spoke.
“Let’s move on!”
“You’re dodging me!” she accused.
When a chest like that’s jiggling right in front of you, anyone would dodge!
I started walking, leaving her behind, but stopped when I realized she wasn’t following. Turning back, I saw her staring wide-eyed into space.
“Lilith-san?” I called, hurrying over.
“Oh… Towa-kun.”
“Is… something there?”
Another ghost chat, maybe? I half-joked to myself, but she slowly shook her head.
“No, it’s nothing. Being with you is just… so much fun. Too much fun…” Her voice cracked, and tears spilled from her eyes.
Even though no one was around, the thought of someone seeing a kid make a hero cry filled me with dread. Panicking, I grabbed her hand.
“Lilith-san… You okay?”
“S-sorry… I’ll stop soon, I promise.”
Maybe it was the hand-holding, but her tears dried up after a bit, though her eyes were still red.
“Let’s walk,” I suggested.
“Okay…”
I didn’t know why she cried, but moving might help her feel better.
My legs ached from walking all day, but it wasn’t unbearable. Up till now, Lilith had led the way, but this time, I took her hand and guided her.
I had no destination in mind—just wanted to lift her spirits.
“Towa-kun, can I say something?”
“Sure.”
“Walking with you like this… it reminds me of the past. Days I spent with someone who had your name, who looked like you but older.”
“…”
I stopped and turned to her.
Her gaze was steady, her eyes brimming with longing, reflecting my small, helpless self.
“Honestly, I’ve been seeing him in you. Just holding your hand, walking together—it feels like those days with him are back. It’s silly, right? It’s impossible… but I can’t help feeling it.”
“…I see.”
“I’m sorry, Towa-kun. It’s not fair to you, projecting like that.”
“Nah… it’s fine.”
She crouched to my level, gently stroking my head.
“Impossible,” huh…
If I told her I am Towa, reincarnated, would she think I’m lying to comfort her? Somehow, I feel like Lilith would just thank me and leave it at that, even if she didn’t believe me.
Life’s messy, isn’t it?
“But spending time with you has been so much fun♪ If you’re okay with it, I’d love to see you again.”
“Totally. I had a blast with you too, Lilith-san.”
“…!!”
“Wah!?”
As expected, she tackled me into another tight hug.
Her chest’s overwhelming bounce made breathing tough, but let’s be real—it’s a perk. After that heavy talk, here I am, grinning like an idiot in her embrace. Pathetic.
“So, where to next!?” she chirped, eyes sparkling post-hug.
I hated to disappoint her—she was gripping my hand with more energy than ever—but my promise to Mom was looming.
“Uh… sorry, Lilith-san. I gotta head home.”
“…What?”
Her smile froze.
She didn’t blink, and her grip didn’t budge when I tried to pull away. It was kinda scary.
“Lilith-san…?”
“No way!”
“Huh?”
“I don’t wanna~!” she wailed, yanking me into another hug.
This wasn’t just a hug—it was a full-on lockdown. Her arms were like steel, and I was trapped, no joke.
“Lilith-san, we’ll see each other again.”
“…”
“If you want to hang out, I’ll make time. And if I want to see you, will you meet me? Can we call it a day for now?”
“Really…? You’ll make time whenever?”
“Yup.”
“…Okay, I’ll hold off for now.”
After one last, extra-tight hug, Lilith finally let go.
We could’ve parted there, but she insisted on walking me near home, so I let her take me to the area where Mom and I strolled yesterday.
“Alright, Lilith-san, see you next time… haha.”
Just like before, she wouldn’t let go of my hand.
Even Lilith seemed to know she couldn’t push her luck too far. With a reluctant, almost pouty expression, she slowly released me.
“Let’s meet again soon, Towa-kun, okay?”
“Yeah. Bye for now.”
“Yes, goodbye… but we’ll see each other soon.”
“!?”
A chill ran down my spine.
What was that? My gaze snapped to Lilith, who was smiling and waving. Must’ve been my imagination… yeah, just my imagination.
Waving back, I turned and started home, a pang of reluctance in my chest.
“…That was fun.”
No doubt about it—I had a blast.
More than anything, spending time with Lilith filled me with joy.
“I’m home~!”
“Welcome back, Towa… Hehe, looks like you had quite the adventure,” Mom said, her eyes gleaming with a knowing smile.
“Yup.”
My grin must’ve given it away.
Mom’s smile widened as she flicked her wrist, summoning her signature crimson scythe.
“…That weapon’s still way too cool,” I said, staring in awe.
Mom’s trusty scythe was as impressive as ever. Countless monsters had fallen to its blade during our travels.
“But back then, I might’ve gone overboard with your ‘elite training,’ huh?” she teased.
“Haha, yeah, maybe a little.”
Thanks to my reincarnated memories, I could still picture it vividly—Mom swinging that scythe while carrying me in a baby sling, leaving nothing but splattered blood in her wake. Her attacks, her magic—everything about her was just badass.
“So, why’d you pull out the scythe?”
“I was hunting beasts outside the capital. It felt like stretching my legs, and, well, gotta keep my strength up to stay ‘cool’ for you.”
“Got it… but you’re always cool, Mom.”
“Thanks,” she said, her grin softening.
With another flick, she made the scythe vanish into thin air and tied on an apron.
“Time to start lunch. Wanna help?”
“Of course.”
Meeting Lilith, bonding with her, and now these peaceful days with Mom—even without the power of miracles, I can say with my chest puffed out that I’m living in a miracle of happiness.
Time flew by, and night fell.
Lying in bed, just thinking about today filled my heart with warmth.
“…Wonder when I’ll see her again,” I mumbled.
Sure, I made that promise with Lilith, but she’s a busy woman. Running into her like today probably won’t happen often… or so I thought.
“…Hm?”
A breeze stirred the curtains.
The window, which I’d sworn was closed, creaked open, and a figure parted the fabric—someone who definitely shouldn’t be here.
“…What?”
“Good evening, Towa-kun.”
Lilith stepped silently into my room.
Her witch-like outfit was the same as earlier, but now her succubus wings and tail were out, unhidden, as she approached with a casual air.
“Lilith-san…?”
“Sorry. I couldn’t help myself.”
Her gaze locked onto mine, and my thoughts grew fuzzy.
She pulled me gently into her chest, my body lifting off the ground. Wait… is this what they call kidnapping?
“Hehe♪ You said I could come see you anytime, right?”
I did, but this feels like a whole different thing!
The dreamy, floating sensation continued until we landed somewhere, my senses snapping back.
“Whoa, hold up!?”
Apparently, this was Lilith’s house.
I couldn’t even register the decor or layout because she’d plopped me onto a luxurious bed.
“!?”
“Hehe♪ Oh, Towa-kun, you’re so adorable♪”
Her sugary voice had an edge of madness.
It reminded me of Mom when she’s blood-hungry and losing it, but a succubus going wild? My mind was spiraling with bad—or maybe naughty—thoughts.
“Lilith-san! Snap out of it!”
“I’m perfectly sane. Completely calm… though all I can see is you, Towa-kun.”
Says the woman with dilated pupils and drool dripping down her chin!
Crawling toward me on all fours, she closed the distance, her face inching nearer.
And then—
“Towa-kun—”
“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?”
“…Huh?”
A sharp, clear voice cut through.
Before I could process it, Lilith went flying, crashing into the wall with a thud.
“Urk…”
“Lilith-san!?” I yelped, watching her slump to the floor, dazed.
What just happened? Then I saw her—the source of the voice.
“…Ah.”
She glanced at Lilith with a troubled expression before turning to me.
An elven woman, her beauty rivaling Mom and Lilith. Another comrade from my past journeys.
“…”
Selen approached me slowly.
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