The guy knell before me.
"Will you be my queen?"
It take me a moment for his words to sink in.
"W-what h-have y-you said... D-do you re-really know what you m-mean by that..." (Anxious)
I stammer, my hands waving nervously.
He stay silent for a beat, then add calmly,
"Ah, sorry if I was being too pushy. My name is Saoto. Nice to meet you."
"Er… uhm… m-my name is Seinar—Seinarin. Nice to meet you too."
"Seinarin? Hurm… what a beautiful name."
"Th-thank you…" (Blushed)
I mutter, heat rushing to my cheeks. I turn my face away, hoping he wouldn't notice how red I've gotten.
Why was my body reacting this way? A stranger who just appearing out of nowhere, has proposed to me and now even a simple compliment have my heart racing. In that short time, I wonder if one night could really erase the man I used to be.
"Seinarin. Don't just stand there. You'll get tire. Here, sit on this chair."
Saoto extends his hand to guide me to the wooden chair. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself before placing my hand in his. Step by careful step, I follow him, making sure not to draw any unnecessary attention that can worsen my already fragile situation.
Once I'm seated, Saoto sits down on the chair just next to me. His hands act fast, pouring water into the two cups already on the table. Despite his flat expression, I can sense the care behind his actions. He is deeply concerned for me.
"Thank you,"
I said softly, accepting the cup and taking a small sip. It is just plain water, yet I feel a strange sense of warmth, touched by how attentively he served me. Thinking back, he is the second outsider to treat me with such kindness, after Mitsua and Mom. Boys my age had always mocked me and Mitsua for being low-ranking nobles. If I hadn't been serious about learning swordsmanship, I wouldn't have been able to protect anyone, not even myself.
The memory of hardship suddenly rushing back, unbidden.
"Go away. It's such a burden seeing you here."
"Since you're a lowly noble, do you even have time to learn magic? Go play somewhere else."
"WHAT ARE YOU EVEN LOOKING AT?! HAH—EAT THIS!"
I flinch at the memory of a superior noble's son striking Mitsua and me with rock bullet, an earth magic spell. My lips press together tightly as the pain of that day surges through me. Tears slip down my cheeks and before I can stop them,
"Hrm?!"
Startled, I feel Saoto's hands gently cup my head, pulling me closer to his chest. He strokes the back of my head with a calm, soothing rhythm, as if he can sense all my pain.
"Seinarin, what's gone is gone. Where did that cute blush just now go?"
"HUH?!!" (Annoyed)
I'm smacking his thigh and making a face on him. This isn't the time to joke about that.
"Ha, it's better this way. There's no need to be sad over unnecessary things"
Saoto looks at me and gently pulls me closer, resting a hand on my head to calm me down. Somehow, this man really understands what I've wanted in the moment. I relax into him, letting his touch soothe me until someone suddenly interrupts us.
"Eh, Onii-Chan?!! Onii-Chan what are you doing here?" (Fazed)
"EEP?!!"
Startled by Mitsua's voice, I quickly pull away from Saoto and stand up, pretending nothing had happened.
"Anu, Mitsua... it's not what it looks li-"
"It's nothing. I just came to visit and want to take Onee-San out for a walk"
"Huh?!!"
I snicker, glancing at Saoto. He meets my gaze and grins back. Deep down, I really feel like chopping this man into pieces.
"Here, biscuits that Mom asked Mitsua to serve."
"Onii-chan, why didn't you say you were coming? You suddenly appea—"
"Anu, Mitsua… just now... are you talking about me?"
I ask, puzzled. Since earlier, the conversation doesn't seem to refer to me at all even though she casually called me Onii-chan.
"Ah, sorry, Onii-chan. The man next to you is actually Mitsua's real brother…"
"HUH?!!"
I'm completely shocked. How could it be that I, who had been staying in this house for so long, didn't know anything about the man beside me? I grab my head with both hands, unable to process what I had just heard.
("Why was I the only one who didn't know about this...") (Depressed)
I realized there is a hand resting on my shoulder. Because of how close he was, I think Saoto is the one touching me. Not wanting to be disturbed, I quickly brush the hand away.
"Sei, what did Mom do wrong?"
"HUH?!!"
I'm startled again the moment I heard Mom's voice right next to me.
"I'm sorry, Mom. Sei really didn't mean to do that." (Anxious)
"Mom, I'm sorry for what Sei did earlier. She doesn't mean it like that. She's just a bit overwhelmed, since... there's too much going on in her skull right now."
"Huh?!!"
I'm very grateful for Saoto stepping in, but his last sentence makes me a bit furious. Without realizing it, I clench my fists, trying to hold back the anger rising inside me.
"It's okay. Mom already knows. Here, Sei. Have a cookie."
I hold back my emotions and walk over to the small table where a plate of cookies is placed. I move carefully, keeping my tail hidden from Saoto's view. In the dim light, I notice him watching me with a faint smile. As soon as I sit down, I take one of the cookies Mom had prepared and start eating it.
"Mom, Saoto thought of taking Sei out of this house and live with Saoto. You don't mind it, do you?"
"Wait... What are you talking about?"
I slam both hands on the table without even thinking. The biscuit I've been holding crumble under the pressure. No matter what, I can't stay silent when someone is trying to run me out and claim me as his future wife. Whatever the reason, I can't imagine myself taking on that kind of responsibility.
"Calm down, Sei. Sei should known already that Saoto is Mom's son..."
"But Mom. Saoto won't-"
"ENOUGH!!!"
Before I realized, Saoto is standing right beside me. He stomp on the table next to my left hand, turning the cookie crumbs into dust.
"Let me explain…"
I pull back my hands and place them on my lap, still fazed by Saoto's sudden action. Even so, I need a rational explanation for what he just did. Saoto sits down next to me while pulling a serious expression on his face.
"As you already know, I am Mitsua's brother. We are five years apart. As nobles, there is no place on this Earth that will be welcoming lowly nobles like us. Life was and always has been lived under the scorn and control of those who are above us. Being attacked with magic and humiliated in front of the crowd had become our daily routine..."
I'm shocked by hearing Saoto's words. His life is not much different from the life I'm living. I no longer wonder why he always puts on that flat face. It's the same as me before I meet Mitsua and Mother.
"I had already gone through the hell this world offered by the time I was three years old. However, I realized something that never changed. It is the strong who control the weak. As long as there is strength, the weak will tremble in fear. I fought and continued to fight until I was able to defeat one of the Five Great Demon Kings and took his place as successor. Thanks to that, those nobles didn't dare to cause any trouble"
I'm speechless while listening to every detail of his speech. I really understand why Saoto doesn't want to be disturbed at this moment. It is not easy to recall the bitter times that we try to forget. I'm aware of that.
"That's why, Sei, I intend to make you my queen. I can't bear to hear criticism from my subordinates who say I'm so creepy that no one likes me"
"Huh?!!"
("Where did the cool-hearted and brave man go?")
I take a deep breath. Even though it's tough I have to make up my mind. This decision will soon determine my future.
"One more thing.."
I'm surprised to hear Saoto about to add something again.
"As one of the Five Great Demon Kings, I can brings you directly to Queen Lumina's palace, the original palace of the Tyrant Demon King who ruled a thousand years ago. So, how is it?"
I'm getting stressed. My only reason for refusing no longer exists. I have been planning to investigate the dilapidated castle by myself but it seems that now Saoto has what I'm looking for. Not to mention, my journey will be far more easier as the wife of one of the Five Great Demon Kings.
However, one major problem that continues to haunt me is...
("I'm a man... How am I supposed to be someone's wife...") (Stressed out)
I scratch my head, even though it doesn't itch. I think for a moment before giving Saoto my final answer. I'm then startled by Saoto who suddenly hugs my head tighter and pulls it against his chest.
"It's okay, Sei. We'll take it slowly. I promise to take care of Sei as my wife"
For some reason, even though it is hard to accept such a statement, I feel calmer after hearing it from Saoto. Saoto continues to hug my head tightly while stroking it gently. I feel as if I'm being swept away by a calm feeling like floating in an endless ocean. Everything becomes quiet without any sound accompanied by lingering warmth.
"Onii-Chan. Wake up, Onii-Chan"
Mitsua shakes Sei on her shoulder but Sei doesn't show any response.
"Mom, Sei is unconscious. Please take Mitsua away from here"
"Eh, why so sudden, Onii-Chan?"
"Go with Mom to safer place. I'm worried you both will be in danger soon. If Sei's condition worsen, I'll handle it."
"Ehm..."
"Hurry Mitsua!"
Mitsua run after Mom, leaving the living room. Saoto then get up while carryings unconscious Sei outside and laid her across his lap at the yard. Saoto continue to use various healing magic on Sei but still, no reaction was shown from her. Saoto then reaches both Sei's shoulders and hug her tightly as a last resort. But before Saoto can ever do that, Sei opens both of her eyes again.
Saoto's left hand wanders around as if he had lost control over it. Saoto hastily lets go of Sei before retreating by jumping back to gain some distance. Something seems off right now. There is only one reason why Saoto's hand went on a rampage.
"Onii-Chan, where are you going? Let's come here and have some fun"
Sei lifts her shirt up revealing her figure to Saoto. Saoto continuously casts spells to free his left hand from control and finally manages to regain it.
("There's something weird about Sei right now. She's just not herself. I know she's a succubus but this isn't like her at all.")
Saoto looks around carefully to ascertain the strangeness that is happening. It didn't take long for him to detect what is strange about Sei.
("Her eyes turn pink. Usually, they shine a bright red just like Mitsua's.")
Succubuses are known for their ability to seduce their victims. Some are even able to control their victims' bodies to perform various adult actions in order to obtain the source of their life in the form of human lust and passion. Those who bear the symbol of lust on their stomachs are even strong enough to control someone's mind.
"Come here, Onii-Chan. If you insist, I'll come and GET YOU INSTEAD."
Saoto can sense a strong controlling desire trying to take over his body as soon as Sei approaches him. Therefore, he tries to distance himself from Sei as he continues to cast spell after spell to break any strange control targeting his body. In an instant, a high-speed chase breaks out between Saoto and out-of-control Sei in the home yard. Despite how difficult it is, Saoto manages to keep up with Sei, who continues trying to close the distance in order to take control of his body. Trees fall and craters form due to the pressure exerted by the two of them.
After a while, the chase finally stop for a moment as Saoto notices Sei disappear from his sight. Saoto stand still for a moment as he watches his surroundings. But it doesn't take long for Sei to take complete control over Saoto's body. Saoto sits stiffly on the ground and can't move even a single part of his body. In an instant, his ears catch a very seductive whisper.
"Onii-Chan, Onii-Chan was very agile during that chase. This make me very excited to have a taste of Onii-Chan inside me. I think I let out a little as soon as I imagining it. Onii-Chan, I want to try it so bad..."
Sei kneels in front of Saoto in a state of excitement. Saoto can clearly see the lust emanating from all over her face and body. Her breathing is so heavy and restless. Her weak legs are spread as she pulls down her pants to reveal her secret part which already filled with passion that has been in turmoil. Despite all of that, Saoto still stares at Sei with a flat face even after being shown such a scenery.
"Onii-Chan, Don't Onii-Chan like me? Where's the promise Onii-Ch-..."
"SHUT UP?!!"
Sei looks at Saoto in disgust. She looks annoyed by the words Saoto just said.
"Warrior, show yourself"
In an instant, a black sword hovers above Saoto,releasing him from all external control. Slowly, he stands and looks straight into Sei's face while pointing his sword on her neck.
"I WILL NOT BREAK OUR PROMISE. I WILL NEVER BREAK THE PROMISE WE EVER MADE."
"..."
"I just want for Sei herself willingly to open Sei's heart for me, not force it on me..."
Sei looks back with a smile on her face before falling back unconscious. Saoto then command the Warrior by fisting up his right hand that make the sword to be gradually disappear and tightly hugs the body of Sei that lying weak. Then, Saoto carries the weak and helpless body into the house so that no one will see her half-naked body.
("Despite my hesitation, I can't deny that the sight before me stirs something within me as a man. Still, I'm more concerned that she'll hate me if I do anything improper.")
Saoto places Sei's body gently on the floor and puts her head on a pillow he has summoned from his castle. He carefully pulls her shirt back down using movement magic, making sure not to wake her. Even though his thoughts wander, he keeps reminding himself to remain restrained.
"Don't do anything, don't do anything"
Saoto also lifts Sei's pants back up which she had slightly pulled down earlier while shocked upon seeing something.
("This symbol... It's a symbol of slavery that has been sealed on her stomach. A succubus shouldn't have a mark like this") (Surprised)
Saoto continues putting her pants back on carefully. Although the view is quite good, he can't deny the fact that Succubus's body is quite tempting. Despite that, Saoto still restrains his lust from doing anything terrible to her. Right after finishing it, Saoto sits stiffly while stroking Sei's head who is still unconscious.
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("Uh, did I pass out?")
For a moment I can't feel my legs and arms. It's as if all my nerves has stopped working because I can't even feel any part of my body at all. In that thick darkness, I really hoped for someone to come and save me. Vaguely, I see the life of a woman floating around me. I feel anxious and scared.
Will no one take me out of this void?
Am I going to be stuck in here forever?
("Ah, I am nobody in this world. I keep hoping for something that was meant to be impossible for me to achieve...")
"S e i..."
"Sei..."
"SEI..."
Faintly, I hear a voice calling me from a distance. My eyes are empty without expecting any help. I yield to the fate that has befallen me.
"SEI..."
I can sense a warm touch on the back of my body. I snap out of my reverie. There are still many of them who are waiting for me. I will not disappoint those who are still waiting for my return.
("I don't want to keep him waiting...")
I open my eyes slowly. My head feels so dizzy maybe due to fainting for in a long span. As soon as my vision returns, I realize that Saoto is hugging me and my hair tightly while hiding his face behind my body.
"Seinarin, please don't leave me again..."
I faintly hear Saoto's voice in a sad tone. That's the reason why the back of my body felt so warm earlier. I wanted to push the body in front of me really badly to make him move a little but I bury it away as I thought he now needs someone to calm him rather than push him away.
("Saoto, what do you mean by 'again'...")
I turn my body while patting Saoto's back to calm him down. I'm lucky he is only wearing normal clothes without any armor. I can't imagine how hard it would be for me to calm him down in that armor since I'd have to pat his back harder even I'm very weak right now. Just thinking about it already makes me lose my spirit.
Saoto pushes my shoulder back while looking at my face. He still has a straight face even though I can clearly hear him crying just now.
"Hey, Saoto. What happened to me? What happened when I passed out a while ago?"
I keep thinking about what happened to me. Even though I try with all my might to recall everything that just happened, it's all pointless. I still don't know what happened to me when I fainted a while ago and why my body is in such a weak condition.
Saoto looks at me while thinking for a moment. Maybe he was considering something after seeing my weak state right now.
"We should discuss this matter later, after Seinarin's condition becomes more stable"
What's up with that call? Why are you suddenly calling me by my name like that? Is it just as a training to be a proper couple later. Ah. My brain can't think straight right now. I keep imagining him doing all kinds of things to my weak body. In short, I have allowed my body to be treated in any way by him. After all, I can't afford to fight him in my current condition. I close my eyes while putting my hand on my forehead to get rid of the slight dizziness in my head.
"Saoto, please treat me... well"
Unconsciously, my vision gradually disappears in the cradle of endless darkness. I lay soundly on Saoto's lap, a man I have just met.
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A man with golden hair and armor stood and faced me directly. His mouth twitched and said something that I couldn't hear and even understand. For some reason, the man suddenly knelt in front of me and took out the golden sword he had. Then his sword was thrust straight into my heart"
I'm awake and find out I'm still in my room. A strange dream just now makes me think that I really got pierced by a sword. I observes my surroundings carefully.
("Looks like someone laid me on my bed. At first glance, nothing seems suspi-...")
"HUH?!!" (Shocked)
I'm shocked to see my body that doesn't wear any protection from the gaze of any seeing eye. I can clearly see my extremely seductive body shape. It is not for nothing that blood flows out of my nose profusely. To think about it again, I have never had a romantic relationship with a woman in my life. Not to mention I even killed some of them in a gruesome way. In an instant, I'm clear about the reason my nose is bleeding a lot as soon as I see the curves of my own body. And I'm not an ordinary woman, but rather a succubus, who is famous for her body shape that can seduce anyone who lays eyes on it.
Spontaneously, my hand deftly takes the blanket spread near me and wraps my whole body with it. I look around again to make sure of something.
From a distance, I can see Saoto sleeping on the wooden chair while holding his head with his hand on the table in the corner of my room. He sleeps well in his usual clothes while facing towards me. For a moment, sweat dripping all over my body after I realize something very important.
("Wait a minute... H-he is here w-while my b-body isn't covering up at all...") (Anxious)
I lie on the bed, remembering my fate now. My identity as a man has now disappeared since I have lost my virginity in this body. I can't imagine what Saoto has done to my body after I passed out that day.
("Aaaaah... I can't blame him because I myself have given up, accepting whatever he would have done to me at that time. But I don't think he would go this fa-")
"No, not that far yet"
I, have been scratching my head, stop for a moment after hearing a familiar voice in my ears. I quickly slip out of the blanket to see Saoto who was sleeping a while ago. Saoto, right next to me, hands me a piece of biscuit and a glass of water.
"Hurm?"
I wonder what he just said and try relating it to his actions.
"Anu, Saoto. What do you mean-"
"Sei's body was a little hot earlier. If Seinarin continues to wear a shirt and stay covered in blanket, I'm worried that Sei's body will slow down to heal. That's why I called Mitsua earlier and asked her to take off Sei's shirt."
I'm stunned by hearing Saoto's words just now. I keep making baseless accusations against him who has been helping me. For a moment, I feel that my pulse increases and my breathing feels heavier. I realize that my cheeks are now starting to turn red, quickly cover them with a blanket using both of my hands.
"T-thank you" I reply slowly.
"Don't even think about it. That is indeed my duty to my very cute wife"
I feel like throwing up when I hear what he just said. The words that came out of his mouth are enough to captivate anyone who listens but his flat face ruins the atmosphere.
"Well, eat this or you'll throw up later because catching a cold"
("Honestly, I almost throw up because of your word earlier")
Saoto serves me a plate of cookies and a glass of water. I look at the dish with a blank look, not in the mood to eat it. With a weak voice, I asks again,
"How long have I been unconscious?"
Saoto puts back the food prepared for me before looking at me and holding my hand tightly. Despite being treats like that, I don't brush it off since I don't hate it.
"Sei passed out in about three whole days since the incident that day"
I'm surprised to hear that. Although vague, I still remember there was a day when I feel too weak and lifeless. I who was trying to remember stop as Saoto continue his speech.
"Throughout those three days, I remained by Sei's side to recite spell after spell of healing magic that I knew with Mitsua's help"
"How many healing magic spells did yo-"
"4579 times in total and I used all healing spells that there are"
I gasp at that. Saoto says he only uses the magic he know but the amount is not so human. He even states that he has used all kinds of healing spells on me. From that point, I realize that the man next to me is neither an ordinary man nor the same as the son of a nobleman that I met before who, despite having pure blood, still can't give a scratch when fighting against me. Saoto must be very strong because he has faced various humiliations and sufferings alone since he is three years older than me.
"Is there something bothering you, Sei? You suddenly looks sad"
I'm surprised to hear a remark from the man next to me. I also don't realize when I put on a sad face. I look directly at Saoto's face. Although he still puts on a flat face, I can feel that he is very worried about me deep in his heart.
"It's fine. I'm just sad because I thought I'd get to eat something delicious after three days of not being conscious, but all I got was only a biscuit with a glass of water..."
Saoto stares at my face for a quiet some time. I, surprised by his gaze, look away while muttering. I don't want him to see my panicked face right now. In a moment, I hear the sound of the chair squeaking and my gaze become higher.
"Eep?!!"
Saoto carries my body with both of his hands and looks directly into my face. I get a little surprised to see his face that was so close to mine.
"Seinarin... Is that really what Sei worried about?... Sei aware that Sei isn't wearing any clothes right?"
I'm shocked to hear Saoto's words. I just remember something crucial. Right now, I being carries by him with only a blanket wraps around my body as the only barrier to him from being able to directly see my naked body. I panicked and worried for a moment because he looked at me with a serious face. If I do a small mistake, my fate will change drastically. I finally giving up and tell him the truth in a blushing state.
"Sei really sorry. Sei thought that Saoto, who is three years older than Sei, must have experienced a lot of suffering and humiliation to be as strong as Saoto is now. But when Sei thinks about it, for some reason Sei's heart breaks..."
I reveal everything hidden in my heart to him while hiding my face from his sight. I can't dare myself to look at his face directly in my current state.
For a moment, there is no reply from Saoto. He is just stone silent without saying anything or even reacting. I then looks at him, amazed. For a moment, I see tears falling on the blanket that wraps my body.
"T-thank you, Seinarin. This is the first time someone has worried about me"
I keep silent and say nothing. I then tightly hug the body of Saoto who is still carrying me by placing both my hands on his shoulders while stroking the back of his body. Saoto also welcomes my hug by hugging me tightly.
My body feels warm. My breathing becomes heavy and restless. My heartbeat fastened. My weak hands are unable to hold tightly the body of the man in front of me.
"Hey, Saoto..."
I call him softly. My body feels strange. My mind can't think clearly. Saoto let go of his embrace and looks at me with a puzzled face.
"Sa-Saoto can feels what is connected on Sei's hips, right? W-Why does Saoto want Sei as a life partner?"
I asks while looking at him with a blank face. I could feel his hand touching my tail when he hugged me just now. He should have known about it not only from that touch but from Mitsua and Mother.
Saoto looks at me with a small smile on his face. At the same time, he strokes my head with one of his hands while still holding my body.
"What's wrong with a relationship between a human and a succubus? Who decides it's wrong? Nobles? To hell with their rules. Only we have the right to decide who we like. And unfortunately, Saoto likes Sei"
I cover my mouth with both hands while making a little sound and looks at him with shining eyes. I don't expect that is the answer Saoto would give me. But at the same time, deep down in my heart, I feel so much calmer after knowing it. I look back at Saoto's face. I don't know why my heart now beating faster. My cheeks start to redden and my breathing feels heavier. My body also starting to feel strange. I looks at Saoto with a sad face.
"Sa-Saoto, p-please put Sei down. Sei's body feels strange. Sei afraid Sei won't be able to control Sei self anymore"
My tail came out of the blanket that wrapped my body while keep swaying to show my emotion that is not calm at the moment. Slowly, Sei lowers my body and places me back on the bed. I quickly uses the blanket that was wrapped around my body and cover my whole body with it so that my currently reddened face would not be seen by the man next to me.
"Don't forget to eat the cookies. Tomorrow morning we will move to the palace. Sei please go to bed early tonight. After all, Sei's body has not fully recover yet."
I can feel Saoto kisses my head before walking out of my room. My heart become restless at the moment just by thinking about him makes me neither dare to look at his face nor talk to him. In the depths of my heart, I wonder,
Is this what have I been seeking for eternal?
A true form of love?
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