Chapter 6: The Rearguard Arms-Crossed Villainous Young Master

"Nord-sama, look over there," Mokoko whispered.

Mokoko, a fluffy-loving Succubus, pointed toward the horizon beyond the forest while cradling a tiny mouse-like magical beast, Chu, in her left hand. Looking in that direction, I spotted thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky and dozens of military encampment tents pitched in the distance.

According to Mokoko, she had spotted the camp while letting Chu and his pack graze, immediately pulling back and reporting her findings to Riel. The forest behind the camp had been ruthlessly logged and burned... It seemed the muscle-brained demon vanguard had marched straight here to hunt down Teman.

"What a pathetic, restless bunch," I sneered.

Flipping my cloak behind me, I descended from the watchtower.

"This is no time to stand around sulking," I barked at the recruits. "Pretend those soldiers are me and unleash every ounce of your hatred on them. But remember, you will follow my orders to the letter."

"We know!"

"You don't have to keep nagging us!"

"This is our fight, you know!"

Despite their sarcastic grumbling, the three squadron leaders clearly understood the severity of the situation. Leading their respective forces, the trio deployed to the coordinates I had mapped out.

I had briefly considered taking the vanguard to boost morale, but considering what I had put the squadron leaders through, I realized there was a very real possibility they might shoot me in the back, so I promptly abandoned that idea...

Before the enemy could detect us, we completed our defensive preparations.

"Eh?!"

"What is going on?"

"Just who on earth are you...?"

As I cast the Optical Camouflage Barrier, a wave of shocked whispers rippled through the Succubus ranks. It was only natural—I had just performed a secret magic passed down exclusively to their matriarchs.

"Who, me?" I sneered. "I am Nord Villance! Noble heir to the Duke of the Ackersen Kingdom. Tremble before my greatness!"

"We already know that!"

"That's not what we meant!"

"Ugh, asking him is completely pointless!"

To think they would react so harshly after being the ones to ask in the first place...

To reach the city of Teman, the enemy first had to cross a wide, rushing river. However, there was only one real bridge spanning the water—a tiny, narrow structure barely wide enough for a single carriage.

"Whoa!"

"There's literally no bridge here!"

"Watch out!"

One of the recruits tried to lean against the bridge's railing, only for her hand to pass straight through the illusion. She nearly tumbled into the churning rapids, but an ally quickly yanked her back. Using my Optical Camouflage Barrier, I had projected an illusion of a massive, sturdy bridge at a location several hours' ride away from the actual, narrow crossing.

I had anticipated that the Demon Lord's army would require far more time to recuperate after their losses against the Elon worshippers. Yet, they had arrived much earlier than expected. However, the reason for their rapid arrival became clear almost instantly.

"I see. We have been severely underestimated," I remarked.

"What do you mean, Nord-sama?" Mokoko asked, looking up.

Considering the enemy outnumbered the Succubi nearly ten-to-one, her confusion was entirely reasonable.

"For some reason, the Three Beast Musketeers are nowhere to be found. They clearly assumed they could crush the Succubi without their elite forces."

The enemy's arrogant overconfidence was the perfect opportunity for us. This would allow the combat-inexperienced Succubi to accumulate invaluable battlefield experience in a relatively safe environment.

Once our preparations to ambush the Demon Lord's forces were complete, Mokoko approached me, cradling Chu in her arms and looking down as if hesitating to speak.

"It seems you possess the aptitude of a Tamer," I remarked in my best aloof, superior tone. "Very well. I shall train you alongside the rest of them."

"Thank you so much, Nord-sama!" she beamed.

"W-Wait! I am not one of your fluffy animals! Get off me!"

Shedding her previous hesitation, Mokoko tossed Chu aside and threw herself into my chest, squealing with pure joy.

Ugh! Is she a natural-born charmer?!

I really was terribly weak when it came to being begged by younger-sister types like Marie...

The Spy Eye I had hidden within Chu's fluffy fur began transmitting visual feedback directly to my mind. I projected the feed onto a crystal ball so Mokoko could watch as well.

Chu crept through the tall grass, monitoring the encampment of the Demon Lord's vanguard. Since he looked like an oversized field mouse—a common pest in the Succubus territory—none of the guards paid him any attention.

The voices of the demons gathered around the campfires drifted through the transmission. Honestly, whether human or demon, soldiers are exactly the same everywhere.

"Hyah-ha! Let's slaughter those pathetic, weakling Succubi!"

"Still, it's pretty bizarre. To think Crimsonia-sama would order us to execute Vermilia-sama..."

"Huh? Haven't you heard the rumors? They say Vermilia hoarded power while acting as Crimsonia-sama's proxy, planning to usurp the throne! There's no doubt her mother, Roxelana, is pulling the strings from the shadows. They're using their seductive charms to brainwash powerful male allies. That's exactly why the Three Beast Musketeers refused to march with us."

"In that case, we should capture her alive for interrogation..."

"No need! Ron-sama ordered her immediate execution on the spot. Though he did mention we're free to have our way with her first."

Mokoko, who was watching the crystal ball, suddenly puffed her cheeks in annoyance.

"Nord-sama, there's a weird, blurry mist blocking the screen. I can't see!"

"I shall reprimand my Spy Eye later," I lied smoothly.

Apologies, my faithful Spy Eye... You performed flawlessly.

But despite being a Succubus, Mokoko was far too young to witness what was happening on screen. Since the drunken demons surrounding the fire had stripped off their boots and begun performing a highly explicit, suggestive dance, I had manually censored the crystal ball's projection with a heavy mosaic filter.

Having successfully instructed Chu on the basics of espionage, Spy Eye returned to me.

By the next morning, the opposite bank of the river was completely crawling with the vanguard of the Demon Lord's army. A lone Werewolf stared across at our side, howling with arrogant laughter.

"Hyah-ha! Those pathetic Succubi are shivering in fear, hiding behind their city walls!"

"In that case, let's cross that bridge over there!"

Following the Werewolf's shout, a Minotaur commander led his squad toward the illusory bridge. Seeing this, Orcs, Goblin Kings, and Dragon-Halves scrambled after them, desperate to be the first to cross.

I suppose demons and humans really aren't that different after all, I mused. Every living creature naturally seeks the path of least resistance. If they believed they could cross safely without braving the treacherous river currents, they would choose the bridge every single time.

Especially when there are no enemies waiting on the other side. They probably think this is the easiest battle of their lives.

Too bad it's a trap! My trap, that is!!

Confident in their easy victory, the demon vanguard marched onto the massive bridge without a second thought. But the moment their heavy feet pressed down—

"Aaaaaaargh!"

It was as if they had stepped into thin air. With tremendous momentum, the leading demons plunged facefirst into the rushing rapids. Even when those behind them realized the bridge was a complete fake and tried to stop, the sheer weight of the surging crowd behind them pushed them over the edge, sending them tumbling into the river.

The spectacle resembled a factory assembly line, with various products sliding off the belt and falling neatly into a collection bin. The only difference was that these "products" were highly irregular in shape and size.

But their ordeal was only just beginning. The powerful swimmers who managed to struggle across the heavy currents crawled onto our shore, only to find themselves face-to-face with the waiting Succubi.

"Welcome to the Succubus territory~ ♪"

"Allow us to give you a very... warm welcome. ♡"

"Hey there! Who was it that said we were hiding?"

The trio of squadron leaders offered the sodden demons an exceptionally enthusiastic reception. Hidden beneath the Optical Camouflage Barrier, the entire Succubus force materialized along the riverbank.

Slave Charm!!

They unleashed their mind-control spells in perfect sync, chanting every single line of the incantation with absolute focus against the exhausted, shivering demons. Within seconds, the proud demon vanguard had been reduced to literal radio-controlled toys, entirely subservient to the Succubi's wishes.

"Chase them!"

"Go hunt down the rest!"

"I know you love bullying the weak! Have fun!"

Under the command of their new mistresses, the brainwashed demons' eyes glowed with an eerie pink light. They immediately spun around, charging downriver to hunt down their former comrades who were still struggling in the water.

Honestly, I had been incredibly anxious about whether the Succubi could pull this off on their own. Yet, sitting back in a folding military chair, Nord's physical arrogance took over once more. I ended up crossing my legs, leaning back, and folding my arms, watching the battlefield with the supercilious air of a high-society spectator.

Seriously, what an awful attitude... But despite my villainous posture, the Succubi's performance was so flawless that I had no choice but to applaud their spectacular execution.

"Nord-sama! This is..."

While nearly half of the invading vanguard was being swept away by the river, Vermilia, who had been monitoring the small, actual bridge upstream, returned to my side.

"Ah. It seems they have handled almost everything themselves," I replied smoothly. "There is no need for me to step in."

"Are there any casualties on our side?"

"None at all!"

"Well, if you want to count casualties..."

"...our new little slaves might have some bumps and bruises."

"Eh...?"

Staring out at the massive demon army currently tearing itself apart, Vermilia was left completely speechless by the realization that we hadn't suffered a single casualty.

"Told you we had this!"

"No way, it was entirely Nord-sama's strategy!"

"Um... please teach me more, Nord-sama..."

The Succubi were already bickering noisily amongst themselves, shouting things like "No fair, you're trying to hog him!" and "Traitor!" as they crowded around me.

────Nord’s Perspective

The demon army that had invaded the Succubus Territory was utterly routed, with more than half of their forces swept away by the raging river. Honestly, to call it anything other than self-destruction would be a massive understatement.

Their retreat was a chaotic mess with absolutely no rearguard to speak of. If I wanted to, this was the perfect opportunity to wipe out the remnants of the Crimson Demon Lord’s forces all by myself.

Beside me, Vermilia asked in a trembling voice, "Nord-sama, should we pursue them?"

"No," I replied smoothly. "That would only invite unnecessary conflict between the demon factions. The one we truly need to strike is the mastermind pulling the strings from behind Crimsonia's shadow."

"I am deeply grateful for your thoughtful consideration, Nord-sama," Vermilia said, her eyes shining with admiration.

"Hmph. Don't look too deeply into it. I simply have no desire to invite unnecessary grudges."

Yes, especially from you, Vermilia...

In my past life as a villainous young master, I acquired far too many grudges. While it might be impossible to go through this life completely free of resentment, there are still measures I can take to minimize the damage.

I had been racking my brain to find a way to suppress the Demon Lord’s army with as few casualties as possible. To assist with that, I had secretly applied a few buffs to the succubi to boost the effectiveness of their Slave Charm. Whether the spell actually takes hold depends entirely on the target's mental fortitude, but my buff at least ensures the effect lasts a long time—much like the extended relief promised in those over-the-counter cold medicine commercials.

Over on the succubi’s side of the riverbank, the charmed demons stood with eyes glowing a faint, eerie red. As their half-drowned comrades desperately clawed their way onto the shore, the charmed demons callously grilled them.

"Do you swear it? Glory to the succubi?"

"W-What are you saying?! ...Stop, gurgle gurgle—"

Anyone who hesitated was ruthlessly poked back into the rushing waters with the blunt end of a weapon, left to sink straight to the riverbed.

"Glory! Glory to the succubi!"

Only those who gasped out the oath while swallowing mouthfuls of river water were met with a helping hand.

"Y-You saved me..."

"Listen up, you lot!" one of the succubi barked, stepping over the exhausted, shivering survivors who were currently on all fours vomiting up river water. "You won't go back on your word... right?"

"We swear it on our lives!"

The rescued demons answered with remarkable enthusiasm, leaving the succubi to tilt their heads in confusion.

But as a guy myself, I understood their feelings all too painfully. To those drowning bastards, the succubi probably looked like literal angels of mercy. Frankly speaking, if a gorgeous, scantily clad woman in a highly suggestive outfit saved my life, I’d probably swear lifelong loyalty to her on the spot too.

A succubus's Charm achieves its maximum potency when cast upon those who swear their loyalty while physically and mentally pushed to their absolute limits.

"Alright, let them go home," I commanded.

"Eh?!" the succubi protested in unison. "Why? Aren't we supposed to make them our allies? Are you crazy?"

"Silence, you fools!"

A sharp reprimand suddenly cut through the air, directed at the succubi. It was so booming and authoritative that everyone present—including myself—flinched.

Geez, if my subconscious is going to slip into my villainous 'Nord-speak' voice, I wish my vocal cords would give me a heads-up first...

"There is a small bridge upstream," I continued, maintaining my intimidating persona. "You can cross it to return safely. Once you get back, act as you normally would. But the moment they try to drag you into another war, turn your blades against them! That is the condition of your release."

"Glory to Nord-sama!"

"Glory to the succubi!"

"Glory to Nord-sama!"

"Glory to the succubi!"

"Alright, alright, that's enough. Just get the hell out of here already," I muttered, thoroughly annoyed by their endless chanting.

────Ron’s Perspective

Pathetic.

That was the only word that came to mind as I took in the scene before me.

The fierce demons, beastmen, and magic beasts that the Crimson Demon Lord’s territory took such pride in had slunk back from their invasion of the Succubus Territory. Now, they were huddled together like a flock of miserable, beaten dogs, hanging their heads in utter shame.

"What the hell is wrong with you brainless blockheads?!" I roared, pacing back and forth. "You absolute trash! Succubi are a weak race you can easily hunt down as long as you block their Charm! Who's the worthless commander who ordered this pathetic retreat?!"

From the crowd of losers, a massive, dark-skinned Minotaur stepped forward. Fresh blood was still dripping from a nasty wound on his chest.

If I recalled correctly... he was a named demon named Gozu, wasn't he?

Despite his gargantuan size, he spoke in a remarkably hesitant, timid tone. "Please, calm down, Ron-dono... It was completely different from what we were told. Those weren't ordinary succubi. They fought like a tribe of battle-hardened Amazons!"

"Hah? I don't give a single damn about your excuses," I spat, glaring at him. "You're a Minotaur, the most savage of all beastmen, and you're standing here whining like a little girl? Commanders, front and center. Now!"

Slowly, the battle-specialized commanders—an Orc, a Goblin, a Werewolf, a Gargoyle, and a Dragon-half—lined up in front of me.

"Like Gozu said, they were way too strong. It was impossible to win," Beriko, a named Orc, blustered defensively, which only emboldened the other incompetent fools.

"Besides, fighting without our key healers, the succubi, was reckless from the start! If they drag us into a war of attrition, we're at a complete disadvantage!" Agito, the one-eyed Dragon-half, punctuated his complaint by slamming his tail against the ground.

Crack!

The force of his tail shattered the stone floor, sending shards flying into the surrounding fodder demons, knocking several of them unconscious. When a stray piece flew toward me, I casually batted it away using Crimsonia’s national treasure, the Demon Crystal Fan.

Using the momentum of the swing, I pressed the sharp rib of the fan directly against Agito's neck, narrowing my eyes.

"Are you mocking me? Are you trying to imply that your master Crimsonia-sama's plan was flawed? Huh?!"

"N-No way! Crimsonia-sama would ne-never do dat!" Ugo, the Goblin King, squeaked, stomping his feet in a desperate attempt to defy me.

"Shut up, garbage! The fact remains that you losers got beaten by a bunch of succubi!"

Swinging the Demon Crystal Fan with all my might, I smacked Ugo across the face, burying his head straight into the dirt.

These useless pieces of trash. I really didn't need them after all.

"Useless! Completely useless, all of you! Anyone who failed today is to be executed—and yes, that's a direct order from Crimsonia-sama herself!"

"No! Please!" the commanders cried out in terror.

"Hah? You got a problem with that? Opposing me is the same as opposing Crimsonia-sama! Do you understand that, you third-rate trash?!"

Just as I was about to carry out the executions to make an example of them, the Three Beast Musketeers sauntered into the courtyard.

"Hold your hand, Ron," Garuda said, stepping forward. "When Crimsonia-sama makes significant decisions, she holds a formal council. Executing commanders without one is entirely unacceptable."

"You exceed your authority," Silverback grunted.

"Crimsonia-sama is the most merciful of the Demon Lords," Cerberus added smoothly. "Our generals failed only because morale was low."

"Hah? And where the hell were you three when we actually needed you?!" I barked, glaring at the trio.

The three of them replied with insufferable calm.

"At the border."

"Guarding against the Elon Religion's advance."

"Restoring the facilities."

They stood there with their chests puffed out, looking so damn proud of themselves that it made my blood boil.

"Tch! If you're back, then help me out here!"

"We'll think about it," Garuda muttered.

"If the opportunity arises," Silverback said.

"Don't get your hopes up," Cerberus finished.

Dammit! What the hell is Imora doing? She boasted so highly about how she was going to charm Crimsonia and pull her strings from the shadows!

Sensing the protection of the Three Beast Musketeers, Gozu emboldened himself to speak up again. "...There are rumors that a human is siding with the succubi..."

"Is that true?" Silverback asked, his interest suddenly piqued.

Wait a minute... If I can rile up these human-hating Beast Musketeers and get them to attack the Succubus Territory, wouldn't that make victory a absolute certainty?

"Oh, a human is aiding them, you say?" I smirked, playing along. "Well, isn't that convenient! That means Demon Marquis Roxelana is a traitorous old hag who took a human's side despite supposedly being a loyal servant of the Crimson Demon Lord! We must spread the word to Crimsonia and the other Demon Lords immediately! She's a rebel who betrayed the demon race!"

As long as I can get Crimsonia to move, my path to becoming a Demon Lord is wide open. Crimsonia will die in battle, her half-sister Vermilia will be slain, and then I—the smartest person in this entire territory—will naturally inherit the Demon Lord's throne.

────Crimsonia’s Perspective（Crimson Demon Palace Dungeon）

Drip... Drip...

Water dripped from the ceiling, splashing onto the cold stone floor.

The humidity in here was outrageously high. Honestly, my armpits were getting quite sweaty...

If I had known things would turn out like this, I really should have renovated these dungeons to be a bit more comfortable.

Currently, I was being held captive by Imora, a succubus who was allied with Ron.

"To think a Demon Lord would fall for my acting so easily," Imora sneered, staring at me from the other side of the iron bars. "And you call yourself a Demon Lord? Go on, say it: 'I am a stupid, foolish Demon Lord.'"

I let my eyes wander blankly as I obeyed. "I am a stupid, foolish Demon Lord..."

"Ahahaha! This is hilarious!" Imora cackled. "Alright, now take off your panties and pee right there on the floor."

The absolute nerve of this insolent brat!

No, calm down. I mustn't lose my temper here. If I snap, she’ll realize that I’m only pretending to be under her Charm.

Swallowing my humiliation, I pulled down my fundoshi, slipped one leg out, and squatted inside the cell. Under Imora’s watchful eyes, I aimed my stream directly at the iron bars.

The bars of the Crimson Demon Palace's dungeons were reinforced to withstand my true, massive form. In that form, breaking out would be child's play. However, in this small, child-like body, breaking them was quite a chore. But if I kept coating the iron bars in acidic urine, they would eventually corrode, allowing me to break free even in this state.

"Hey! Watch it! The splashes are going to hit me! You really are a brat!"

Who are you calling a brat, you stupid girl! I thought furiously, resisting the sudden urge to aim directly at her.

As the stream slowed to a stop, a shiver ran down my spine. Although we were indoors and of the same gender, peeing in front of someone else was a strange, intoxicating mix of shame and pleasure... I felt as though a dangerous new door was about to open within me.

Watching me, Imora giggled. Oh, I am going to punish this girl so thoroughly when this is over.

Seeing how easily I seemed to submit to her commands, Imora’s demands began to escalate.

"Okay, now do the big one too."

LIKE HELL I WILL!

I almost screamed it out loud, but managed to restrain myself through sheer willpower. Instead, I decided to pretend the charm had momentarily worn off to escape this ultimate indignity.

"Hah! What on earth...?" I gasped, looking around in mock confusion. "Why am I using the restroom in a place like this?! Imora?! What did you do to me?!"

"Ugh, shut up!" Imora groaned, bringing her hands together to form a heart shape. "Charm!"

A pink light washed over me. While a spell of this caliber was completely ineffective against me, I quickly fell back into my acting routine. "Ugh... N-No, Imora... stop... please stop, Imora-sama..."

Exhausted from the heavy output of magical energy and finally feeling secure, Imora collapsed onto the floor and drifted off to sleep.

Once again, I had effortlessly triumphed in another charm resistance test. Honestly, Imora's Charm was nothing compared to Vermilia's. Still, if she had put her actual life on the line to cast it, even I might have been in trouble. Fortunately, she didn't seem to have the resolve for that just yet.

Six months ago, these two had first arrived in the Crimson Demon Lord's territory.

"Onee-sama, I’m telling you, I’m completely devoted to you, Crimsonia-sama!" Ron had boasted back then, gesturing grandly with his hands. "The other Demon Lords just looked down on us and tried to make us their servants. It was terrible!"

He had continued to shower me with praise, talking a mile a minute. "That Azrael guy got easily taken down by some human named Nord. He talked a big game about being the strongest Demon Lord, but he turned out to be nothing but hot air. But you're different, Onee-sama. Even though you're a woman, you've united the Crimson territory and shown those humans the true pride of the demon race! I'm totally in awe of you!"

What a smooth-talking, opportunistic rat he was...

"Is that so? Well, I am pleased to hear it!" I had replied warmly. "Very well, I shall welcome you as my guests. I trust a rank just below Demon Marquis will satisfy you?"

"You're the best, Onee-sama! Hey, Imora, make sure you greet Crimsonia-sama properly. Otherwise, we can't stay here."

"I'm Imora. Thanks for having me..."

Imora had kept her hood pulled low, hiding her face. But I noticed it immediately. When her cloak shifted, a faint heart-shaped pattern appeared on the fabric. It was only for a split second, but nothing escapes my eyes.

Judging by the shape of her tail... she was undoubtedly a succubus.

I could have rejected them right then and there. People like Ron, who flatter you to your face, usually speak twice as much ill of you behind your back. He was completely untrustworthy.

However, a single whisper from the quiet Imora had changed my mind.

"I want to avenge my father. That's why I need your strength."

"Are you Azrael's daughter?" I had asked.

Imora nodded silently.

"My brother, Orgas, was also slain by humans," I had told her. "I understand your pain."

Since my brother had served as one of Azrael’s Four Heavenly Kings alongside Orgus, I decided to take them in.

────Elise’s Perspective

Honestly, it made absolutely no sense. Nord-sama had rejected marriage proposals from highly sought-after women like Nirvana-san and Mao-san, so why on earth was he suddenly going to an arranged marriage meeting?

As I was pondering this, the trees lining the road—whose trunks bore terrifying, human-like faces—suddenly shifted, blocking our path.

"A dead end..."

Poking her head out from the carriage cover, Nirvana-san looked pale with despair, looking as though she was about to sink to her knees on the floorboards of the carriage.

I quickly reached out to support her. "Thank you..." she whispered, but her expression remained incredibly grim.

To think we had chased Nord-sama all this way, only to be forced to turn back now... Just as despair began to grip me, Mao-san yelled from the driver's seat.

"We're crashing straight through!"

"What?!" Nirvana-san and I shrieked in unison.

"Wait, wait, Mao! Have you completely lost your mind?! We're going to crash!!"

"Wind, wrap our bodies in a veil of feathers..." I desperately began chanting defensive magic to cushion the impending impact, but Mao-san just grinned.

"Just trust my nose for Nord!"

"What?"

"Huh?"

We're not going to make it! Nirvana-san and I clung to each other, bracing for the worst. But when I opened my eyes, our carriage had somehow passed clean through the solid wooden trunks.

"What in the world...?"

"An illusion?!"

I felt as though we had been teased by a trickster fox.

"I've heard some demon races can project illusions even to those who aren't actively using magic," Mao-san explained, slapping her knee and laughing heartily. "But honestly, that's the first time I've ever seen it myself!"

While Mao-san found it hilarious, I really wished she wouldn't drag Nirvana-san and me into her reckless gambles...

"Oh, honestly! I thought we were going to die!" Nirvana-san huffed, pouting. "Next time, please stop the carriage and investigate before rushing in!"

"My bad, my bad. Don't look so sour. If Nord saw that face, he'd definitely burst out laughing."

Mao-san cackled, causing Nirvana-san to turn her gaze toward me.

"Pfft."

Seeing Nirvana-san puffing her cheeks out like an adorable pufferfish, I couldn't help but let out a little giggle, despite knowing it was rude.

"Oh, both of you are terrible! Laughing at a girl's face like that!"

"You're doing it on purpose, aren't you?" Mao-san grinned.

"I’m sure Nirvana-san's funny faces would bring a lovely smile to Nord-sama's face," I offered, trying to smooth things over.

"That is not a compliment!" Nirvana-san huffed again, though she couldn't help but look incredibly cute doing it.

After a moment, Nirvana-san’s expression grew pensive. "But still, it's rather strange..."

"What is?" I asked.

"If the girl Nord is supposed to meet for the marriage proposal is Ottoline of the Delihera Kingdom, why on earth did he come all the way to the Succubus Territory under the Crimson Demon Lord's rule?"

Listening to her question, a sudden realization flashed through my mind!

"Perhaps... Ottoline-sama was kidnapped by demons, and Nord-sama rushed here to rescue her!"

"That's highly likely!" Nirvana-san agreed, her eyes lighting up. "She might have been snatched away while stepping outside to pick flowers. Otherwise, there's no way Nord would let his marriage partner be taken right from under his nose!"

"Ah, Nord-sama... how incredibly noble!" I sighed, clutching my hands to my chest. "To think he would venture alone into the Demon Lord's territory just to save a girl he's barely even met!"

"That's just the kind of boy Nord is," Nirvana-san said softly, her gaze softening. "Whenever a girl is in trouble, he'll throw everything aside to save her. And the best part is, he never demands anything in return..."

"Yes! Honestly, I wish Kain could drink some of Nord-sama's bathwater and learn a thing or two from him!"

"Right?! It’s so true! Nord went out of his way to save me from the Demon Lord Malachital, but that creepy boy Kain acted as if he was the one who rescued me. It was honestly so disgusting..."

"I completely understand. I really do. But to think we'd cross paths with him again at the Hero Academy after he was exiled from the Ackersen Kingdom... what a cruel twist of fate."

Nirvana-san waved her hands in front of her face as if shooing away an annoying bug. "Ugh, please don't mention him. Just thinking of his face gives me the absolute creeps!"

"I know, right..."

I paused, suddenly hit by a realization. Why on earth am I getting along so well with my love rival? Is it possible that...

No, no, no! That's crazy!

The only one I love is Nord-sama!

To dispel the absurd mental image of Nirvana-san and me embracing each other half-naked, I shook my head vigorously.

Watching my strange behavior with a bewildered look, Nirvana-san smiled slightly and continued. "Actually, I think Ottoline will be perfectly fine. Her type isn't a strong, dependable, handsome man like Nord. She actually prefers weak, submissive, shota-like boys."

"..."

Only one person matching that exact description came to mind. But honestly, if Ottoline-sama ever saw the real Kain, I was absolutely certain she would be completely disillusioned!

Thinking about him was seriously ruinous to my mental health.

"What's wrong, Elise?" Nirvana-san asked, noticing my pale face.

"I... I just feel a bit sick..."

It felt as though some horrific toxin had suddenly invaded my system. Desperate for fresh air, I scrambled to the back of the carriage, leaning my body against the tailboard as I tried to steady my breathing.

"Don't tell me you were thinking about Kain too?!" Nirvana-san gasped.

"Yes..."

"Ugh, my head hurts just thinking about him too," Mao-san groaned from the front.

Yes, in times like these, I just need to think about Nord-sama.

‘Elise... I’ll never let you go. There’s no way I’d ever hand you over to Kain. As long as I have you, I need nothing else.’

‘Nord-sama...’

In my imagination, Nord-sama gently lifted my chin with his finger, staring into my eyes with those deep, icy blue eyes that could melt even the coldest heart. Just picturing it sent shivers of pure ecstasy down my spine, instantly purging all traces of Kain's toxic image from my mind.

"Elise?! Are you alright?!" Nirvana-san cried, grabbing my shoulders. "Your whole body is shaking!"

"Ah, honestly! You ruined it right at the best part!" I pouted.

"Eh? Did... did I do something wrong?" Nirvana-san blinked, looking entirely lost.

Before we could continue, Mao-san raised a hand, pointing toward a massive gate ahead. Carved into the stone archway was a coat of arms depicting an adorable little lamb.

"Well, well, well... look at that. That's the crest of Succubus Marquis Roxelana."

"Is she a cute person?" I asked, looking at the charming lamb emblem.

But Mao-san’s response was anything but reassuring. "Are you kidding? She's a terrifying monster who seduces men and bends them to her absolute will. It's said that any man charmed by her becomes her lifelong slave."

"My goodness..."

I gulped, my heart skipping a beat.

"How wonderful!" Nirvana-san and I gasped simultaneously, clutching each other's hands.

If only we could use that to charm Nord-sama...

"You two are unbelievable..." Mao-san sighed, looking completely exasperated.

But then, her nose twitched as she sniffed the air. "I can catch Nord's scent. There's no doubt about it—he's definitely inside!"

I knew it! He must have been manipulated by the succubi's Charm!

Our anxiety reached a fever pitch.

The carriage, which had been traveling at a brisk pace, gradually slowed down before coming to a complete halt by the roadside. Just as I was about to ask what was wrong, Mao-san turned around to face us.

"Can I say something first?"

"Of course. What is it?" I asked.

"What's with the suspense? Just spit it out," Nirvana-san urged.

"Well, since I'm a beastman, the succubi will probably let me pass without a second thought," Mao-san explained, scratching her temple. "But you two are humans. While they aren't completely hostile to humans, you're still going to stick out like sore thumbs."

Mao-san trailed off, looking slightly embarrassed.

"I see what you're getting at," Nirvana-san said, nodding in understanding. "You want us to disguise ourselves as succubi, right?"

"Spot on!"

"What?!" I squeaked in horror.

While I was still reeling from the suggestion, Nirvana-san was already rummaging through her Item Box, pulling out two outfits with a mischievous grin.

"Tada! Succubus costumes!"

What she held in her hands were two outfits that looked like they belonged on a nudist beach rather than a public street. They were practically made of string!

"W-What on earth is that?!" I stammered, pointing a trembling finger. "Those are literally just strings! Walking around in broad daylight wearing that... you'd look like a total degenerate ready to throw herself at any man! Are we really going to wear that...? Nirvana-san, don't tell me you actually enjoy dressing like this?!"

"O-Of course not!" Nirvana-san blushed furiously, her eyes darting away. "I don't have a public exposure fetish! I just... I bought them because I wanted Nord to see me in it..."

"What?! You actually planned to seduce Nord-sama with such scandalous attire?! Nirvana-san, you underhanded temptress!"

"Temptress?! How dare you—"

As we began bickering over our prospective seduction outfits, Mao-san sighed and cut in.

"Hey, hey, we don't have time for this. Aren't we here to rescue Nord? Besides, don't worry. The succubus community is almost entirely female anyway."

That settled it. While I only wanted Nord-sama to see me in such a state, desperate times called for desperate measures!

"Even though I brought them, actually wearing this outside takes a lot of courage..." Nirvana-san muttered, her cheeks burning.

"Ugh... this is all to prevent Nord-sama's marriage... I-I have no choice!" I squealed.

"I'm sitting this one out," Mao-san chuckled. "Like I said, I'm a beastman, so I'm fine as I am."

"No fair!!" Nirvana-san and I wailed.

Clinging to each other, we retreated into Nirvana-san’s Safe House to change.

"Ugh, this is so humiliating! But I absolutely refuse to be held up here!"

"Exactly! We must bring Nord-sama back safely! But goodness, it’s awfully cramped in here."

"Oh, hush," Nirvana-san huffed. "It's only cramped because you forced your way in here with me. I'm letting you use my Safe House, so stop complaining."

"Isn't it only cramped because you haven't cleaned up in here, Nirvana-san?"

"S-Shut up! I've been busy, so I've just been putting it off!"

"Fine, fine. I'll help you clean it up later as a thank-you."

"Well... thank you."

"You're very welcome."

In the cramped space, we somehow managed to wriggle into our outfits. Once we finished, Nirvana-san turned around, her eyes widening as she stared at my body like a corrupt noble assessing some rare treasure.

"What in the world... look at those massive breasts! They're completely overflowing the fabric! Did they get even bigger?!"

"Don't touch me so casually!" I squeaked, slapping her hand away. "The only one allowed to touch my breasts is Nord-sama... Ahhn!"

"To let out such a scandalous sound from a mere touch... Elise, you might actually be more of a degenerate than an actual succubus!"

"That's not true! I only felt it because my mind was filled with thoughts of Nord-sama! Normally, I wouldn't make such a sound just from you touching me!"

Feeling a bit vindictive, I reached out and playfully tugged on the string holding Nirvana-san’s top together.

With a soft boing, her beautiful, bountiful breasts bounded free of the fabric. I couldn't help but gasp at the sight.

To think Nord-sama might get to touch these...

"Kyaaa! What are you doing?!" she shrieked, covering herself.

"Now we're even. Nirvana-san, you have the hands of a dirty old man, so you should reflect on your actions..."

Just as I was about to lean in to tease her further, the door to the Safe House creaked open.

"You girls are... way too loud," Mao-san said, poking her head in before pausing. "Ah, sorry. Didn't realize you two were in the middle of something. Don't worry, I'll keep your secret relationship safe from Nord. Just hurry up and finish."

"WE'RE NOT IN THAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP!" we both screamed.

When we arrived at the city gates, we were met by a succubus guard standing watch. Mao-san confidently sauntered up to her.

"Hey there!"

"I haven't seen you around before," the guard noted, scanning us.

I was genuinely shocked to see that the succubus guard was indeed dressed in the exact same skimpy attire we were wearing.

"Yeah, we're with the Gaolan Merchant Coalition from Zen," Mao-san lied smoothly. "We managed to acquire some goods that we figured would sell for a high price to the succubi, so we made the trip. These two in the back are Elise and Fana, our employees. They wanted to do some business here too, so play nice."

As the guard leaned over to inspect the carriage, Nirvana-san and I bowed politely.

"Hmm, alright. Let me take a look at your cargo first."

Thanks to our scandalous disguises, the inspection was incredibly brief. The guard barely even looked at the cargo, her eyes glued entirely to my overflowing chest. In no time at all, we were waved through the gate.

It actually worked!

I couldn't wait to tell Nord-sama that he could slide just as easily into me as we did through those gates.

"That went surprisingly well," Mao-san chuckled as we drove into the city.

"Of course it did," Nirvana-san huffed, crossing her arms.

"Eh? What do you mean?" I asked.

"I mean, look at you! You're wearing an outfit that's practically indecent even by succubus standards! Of course they let us through! That guard was so busy staring at your chest she didn't even care about the cargo!"

"Nooo! Nirvana-san, you've been teasing me way too much today!" I squealed, covering my face.

Suddenly, Nirvana-san’s playful demeanor vanished, replaced by sheer panic.

"Oh no! At this rate, Nord's life force is going to be completely drained dry by these succubi! Speed up, Mao!"

"You don't have to tell me twice!"

────Inarsha’s Perspective

As I sat buried beneath a mountain of reports from various districts...

"Inarsha-sama, we have an emergency!" Roxane burst into my office, breathless and frantic. "Reports say Elise-sama and her companions have headed straight for the Crimson Demon Lord's territory!"

"I see..." I replied calmly.

"Huh? You're not surprised?" Roxane blinked, taken aback by my flat response.

"If Nord has entered the Crimson Demon Lord's domain, it is only natural that Elise and the others would pursue him."

To be honest, I want to fling all of this paperwork aside and fly to Nord's side myself...

But I had to repay Nord in my own way.

I strongly suspected that Elis-sama was using underhanded methods to deliberately incite hatred against the demon race. I had spared no resource in assigning investigators to dig up proof, but their cover-up was frustratingly seamless. I had been entirely unable to catch so much as a whisper of their tail.

Letting out a heavy sigh, I went to stretch my back when my elbow clipped one of the paper towers on my desk. The mountain collapsed, showering the floor beneath in a chaotic flurry of documents.

Kneeling down to clean up the mess, I grabbed the spine of a thick ledger that had flown open. As I lifted it, a small booklet slipped from between its pages and fluttered to the floor. Leaving the ledger aside, I picked up the pamphlet and flipped it open. It appeared to be a personal diary.

───────────────────────

The Downfall of the Neizer Principality

An unexpected turn of events has occurred.

A message attached to an arrow arrived from the Crimson Demon Lord’s army, which had invaded the Neizer Principality.

‘Meet us at the bridge marking the border between the Crimson Demon Lord’s territory and the Neizer Principality. We are prepared to return the Princess.’

Initially, the Curia dismissed this as an obvious trap, refusing to engage. However, the surviving retainers of the Neizer Principality caught wind of the message and rushed to the bridge.

What awaited them was the Princess, completely unharmed.

Though stunned, the retainers wept with joy at the safe, pure return of their sovereign.

Upon learning of this anomalous development, Elis-sama immediately dispatched an investigative unit to the Neizer Principality.

My sister and I accompanied the squad as overseers...

The moment we met with the Princess and her retainers, our squad members drew their claws and lances, ruthlessly slaughtering the loyalists.

The Princess, utterly bewildered by the sudden bloodbath, could only tremble in sheer terror.

The squad members then subjected her to unspeakable violations, indulging their base desires.

And finally, they slit her throat to ensure she could never speak again.

What magnificent, flawless execution.

Truly, Elis-sama is spectacular!

To orchestrate all of this and pin the blame entirely on the demons is nothing short of genius.

My sister and I raised our hands in praise, chanting, "Glory to Elis-sama!"

—Hermina Valietta

───────────────────────

It was utterly mad...

To think Hermina and Soulie knew of this atrocity and kept it buried.

The hatred toward demons, though perhaps not entirely fabricated, was heavily manufactured. At this point, it was impossible to tell who had even fired the first shot in this endless war.

But the fact that those succubi had risked their own lives to save us was an undeniable truth...

With that realization, I couldn't sit idly by any longer.

"Roxane, I'm leaving the rest of the paperwork to you," I said, standing up resolutely. "I am going to see the Valietta sisters."

"Ah, wait! Inarsha-sama?!" Roxane called out, but I was already out the door.

────Visitation Room

"Tell me, Hermina," I demanded, keeping my voice level. "What exactly happened in the Neizer Principality?"

"I saw nothing," Hermina replied coldly. "Or rather, I witnessed only the unspeakable savagery of the demons."

"Are you really going to keep lying to my face? I already know that you and your sister were not directly involved in the violence."

I slid the diary written in Hermina's own hand across the table, but she didn't flinch.

"I have no recollection of writing such a thing. Someone must have forged my name to frame me."

"I have no intention of keeping the two of you locked up here forever. However, your sister, Soulie, is highly likely to be executed for treasonous collaboration with the enemy."

"Are you attempting to threaten me, Inarsha-sama?" Hermina sneered, her eyes narrowing.

"No, I am simply stating the facts. This is merely my own speculation, but if Soulie was acting in pursuit of reconciliation with the demons, her actions might no longer be classified as treason. We are currently seeking a path to peace with the Crimson Demon Lord's territory. But if Soulie's trial concludes too quickly..."

"Wait!" Hermina gasped, her composure cracking. "She won't say a word!"

"I'm sure. But the evidence against her is already ironclad."

"What do I have to do to save her?"

"It's simple. Tell me everything that happened in the Neizer Principality. That will buy us enough time to delay the final verdict. If we can broker peace with the Demon Lord's territory before then..."

"Even if her sentence is commuted, my sister will never walk out of here, will she?"

"No, she won't," I admitted frankly.

"Then it's a bad deal."

"Perhaps so."

I stood up from my chair and turned to leave.

"I'll tell you... I'll tell you everything, Your Holiness Inarsha Clazit..."

"Very well," I said, sitting back down. "I am listening."