A gloomy Alma Elma was flying at moderate speed from the Hellgondo Continent toward Succubus Village. The succubus queen was both unwilling to deal with the heavy ambiance at the castle and to deal with the Lilith Sisters either… Yet she had taken responsibilities for the latter. Maybe she could fully pass those to Succubus in due time. The mayor had definitively more skills than her when it came to managing a settlement, and if she trained, she could indeed take on the rowdier representatives of the race.
Still… Alma Elma didn't feel comfortable heaping her responsibilities on someone who, while older than her, was theoretically a subordinate. The feeling of being unable to fulfill her duties at the Succubus Queen was starting to weigh on her. She sighed as she arrived in sight of Succubus Village. Time to get to work…
Well, she shouldn't whine that much considering that the hero was on his way to deal with the last Ancestor, that Alice had to deal with two of them (thankfully with Tamamo's support), that Granberia had been busy running around to train human armies on their demands for several months, and that Erubetie had always managed and supported her kin for as long as she knew. She definitively shouldn't complain to any of them that she had some work for once, work that everybody had been doing for most of their lives.
She landed in front of the mayor's house. She smirked when the sound of the succubi's activities reached her ears. It looked like people got tired of waiting for a chance to get a taste of the Lilith Sisters, and, even if there was still a waiting line in front of their house, other succubi were more often than not getting their fill. She stepped in the town hall and saw Witch and Succubus already sitting at the table, discussing about the latter's training. They stopped when they saw Alma Elma enter.
"Please, don't stop for me… I take it there isn't much to say about the Lilith Sisters?"
Both succubi nodded negatively.
"No. It's still too early to tell if they're willing to keep up committing to that effort, but so far they've been model citizens. There have only been a few minor frictions with more perverted travelers and succubi, but those are on par with what usually happen in this village."
Alma Elma still frowned. "Could you care to develop? If they're acting up..."
Deep down, she was slightly ashamed to not even know what issues her subordinates were dealing with. Still, Succubus took the opportunity to explain her.
"Well, a few men always try to push their luck and their fetishes a little too far. While we welcome everyone, we still take taste and basic decency into account. Travelers that disrespect both are kicked out of the village." Her tired expression became an unusually devilish smile. "And people who try to slander us by saying they were rejected often carry a poor reputation."
"And what about the conflicts with other succubi?" An image of Astaroth and Morrigan bullying weaker monsters crossed Alma Elma's mind.
Succubus sighed. "Just succubi as a whole being incredibly selfish… There was more than one reason why the race didn't rebuild after that disaster with Black Alice. When they're bored, they fight and try to steal each other's men. And since more men currently go to the Lilith Sisters to get their share of pleasure…"
Alma Elma soberly nodded. "Well, there are no problems with them then?"
Succubus shook her head negatively and smiled. "No. There are currently no real problems. Everything is calm in the Gold Region for once…"
The succubus queen understood that the mayor of Succubus Village was also referring to the incidents with the spiders. Apparently, the race was also finally settling down, even if a still large number of them decided to aggressively strike on their own. Well, now that everybody was having some peace of mind, they could change the subject… Although Alma Elma was slightly reluctant to talk about the next one.
"Before we get started again on our Ancestor's little pet project, where are the twins?"
"They're currently travelling. I don't know where though. They're feeling slightly unwell." Witch frowned. "They're making less and less apparitions in public, I'm afraid that they're not taking their own responsibilities in the decline of the race very well."
"That was five hundred years ago. I had expected them to move on."
"For them it was yesterday."
"Well… In that case, we will see without them for now. So, as you know, Minagi, our Ancestor, had the project to create a chain of pleasure dens across the world to act as smaller, more accessible versions of Succubus Village for everyone and… Sorry for involving you in this mess, but since you're managing the closest comparable structure, we would really appreciate your word on the matter. I want to point out if we'd accept to develop her franchise or whatever she wants to call, it would first and foremost to be sure that we can control her activity and to give her an outlet for her lust more than anything else."
Succubus nodded. "Simply setting up the chain and getting the agreement of the human lords will get her hands full for several years... However there's a risk that she gets bored with the administrative tasks required."
Alma Elma shook her head negatively. "She will ask for Tamamo and her kitsunes for support to get it done faster, brainwash those that get in her way, and all around take any shortcut possible." She sighed. "And Tamamo is having the utmost difficulties teaching her anything. It's not that she doesn't understand. It's that she doesn't care."
"Mmh…" Succubus pondered what her leader just said and smirked. "For all their power, those old monsters show an alarming lack of flexibility. They still act as if they were living in the old time, at the top of the food chain."
"Luckily, not all of them are like that. That scylla Ancestor is as cute as she's creepy, but she's really making a lot of effort to be approachable."
"Really? Maybe we could even ask her for a hand to improve our service…"
"Yeah, in any… wait, what is happening outside?"
A magical explosion suddenly tore the mayor's house apart.
Lilith languidly stretched as she slowly got up after her latest night of debauchery. Eight exhausted men were lying around in her room, all of them barely covered and in a deep sleep. The purple-haired succubus opened the window to vent the place as the pleasant aroma she always emitted was almost overridden by the mix of body odors resulting from her nightly activities. She checked herself in a small mirror, dressed herself in her usual attire and sighed. So far, those last days had been pretty good. Sure, she was currently pretty much a glorified prostitute in an oversized brothel, but seeing men flock to her and do everything to submit to her touch was quite a gratifying recognition. Her sisters themselves were still often expressing discontent at their current punishment, but she only needed to remind them that the more men and women they positively influenced, the more people would support them should they make any request such as asking for more freedom or getting a part of their power restored. She entered the common room to see a few more unconscious, exhausted human men. Not all of them had been her partners, and none of them was at risk of dying. Good, her sisters were following her advices so far… She took out a small cloak to unsubtly hide her identity. Nobody would ask any question if a woman came out of their house, after all, but the adoration of all those men was annoying when she just wanted to have a breath of fresh air.
She left the house undisturbed. Most men were asleep, and, on Succubus suggestion, they had put a planning in place so that they weren't overwhelmed by men. Lilith smirked. In the old times, a succubus organizing something as mundane would have been seen as an anomaly, and would even have taken the risk of being derided as a joke amongst her kin. However, as she got to enjoy being on the receiving end of Succubus' work, she appreciated those efforts and understood that those men coming to the village appreciated it just as much. Besides, Succubus and that Witch were now apparently willing to train themselves and become more powerful. Maybe it was to act as a counterweight to balance the threat the Lilith Sisters themselves represented, but seeing succubi wanting to become more powerful was a pleasing new to her anyway. After a few minutes, a small voice echoed from behind her.
"Lady Lilith?"
She turned to see a small silhouette clad in a brown robe and wearing a mask to hide her identity. An unusual monster skilled in crafting, even moreso than herself or that small necromancer back in San Ilia. Still, she was surprised by the unfamiliar figure showing up.
"Herself. What can I do for you… Or to you?"
"I am Kagetsumugi." The monster bowed respectfully. "I am currently travelling the world looking for people that would be interested in joining me for a peculiar endeavor, and you would be one of, if not the most fitting monster in that regard."
Even if her interlocutor's expression was concealed, Lilith could already feel a certain malice in her tone. However, she decided to play along for now. "And what would that endeavor be I wonder? I can only imagine it if I am the most fitting creature you can find…" She licked her lips.
"I found out that a lot of our fellows are dissatisfied with that silly coexistence forced down our throat by the Monster Lord and that daft hero of Ilias. As monsters, dominating humanity is our divine right. It is in our very nature. And as one of the oldest monster, you know this better than anyone."
Lilith feigned surprise as she raised a hand in front of her mouth. She actually saw that one coming from a mile away. "You want to stand up against the Monster Lord? How bold of you!"
She could feel the amusement of the puppeteer. Whether the latter actually knew and cared that she was being mocked however was another problem entirely. "Indeed. I want to act as a counterpart to oppose her. Don't you think she has it easy with the lapdog she has?"
"I would argue that both have gone through a lot already… On that matter, with what force do you intend to oppose them exactly? Five of the Six Ancestors have now joined them after being beaten by the hero, and should they work together I do not think that -without wanting to disrespect you- you would stand much of a chance."
She made a dismissive gesture. "I doubt that they really support the Monster Lord, and besides, if their pathetic plans to take over this world are any evidence, they will be too busy quarreling for the hero."
Not a single muscle betrayed Lilith's rage at the small monster for disrespecting the Ancestors who included her own mistress and lord. "You may be right… However, I have to consider your offer. Such a decision needs time."
"Very well." Kagetsumugi bowed again. "But please do not linger on your decision. We do not want the Monster Lord's forces to regroup as they're still reeling from dealing with those bumbling old coots, do we?"
"Of course not. Now, I should remind you that the Succubus Queen is currently in this village…"
The puppeteer disappeared, and once Lilith was sure that she no longer was here, she returned to her home at a brisk pace. She entered her house to see Morigan stretching in the common room while Astaroth was cooking a sweet smelling meal.
"'Sup sis! How you doing?"
"Good morning Lilith. I saw that you were out for a walk so I started to make a breakfast… It looks like you need something sweet to wash that sour look on your face. Was last night that unsatisfying?"
"Not exactly…"
She counted her earlier encounter with Kagetsumugi. Morrigan looked passably indifferent, while Astaroth showed up a certain interest.
"Mmmh… A new opponent like that would indeed make things interesting. The Monster Lord would need to step up her game, and maybe we could even roll in to keep things interesting…"
Lilith sighed at her sister. "First, I shall remind you that mother is now more or less aligned on the Monster Lord, and second, do you remember who Kagetsumugi is?"
"I cannot say that she left an impression on my mind, no."
"The clan are lackeys of Black Alice, known as puppeteer heretics. They weren't just skilled at creating puppets, but also in turning monsters into puppets as well. The liberty of their creations didn't matter much to them."
Astaroth frowned. "I see what you do mean. What should we do then? It's the Monster Lord's problem, not ours."
"I concur!" Morrigan raised her hand, still wallowed on the couch.
"You are entirely right. I'm just going to inform that succubus queen and make sure that the information is passed to her lord. I can as well use that opportunity to get some goodwill from them."
"And if they choke on each other, then it's even better!"
Lilith ignored her sister's last comment and stepped out from her house at a brisk pace to walk toward the mayor's house. The sooner they were informed, the better…
A magic signature in the sky attracted her attention, and she looked up to see a comet falling straight on the large building. Before she could react, the projectile hit its target, blasting her back. When she hit the ground again, she fell unconscious.
Lilith awakened slightly later, her whole body sore in pain. She grimaced. If she had her full power, that attack would have been barely more than a scratch. Instead, it had knocked her down. She looked at the sky. Apparently, she had been out cold for even less than an hour. Then she looked around her and gasped in shock.
The house of the mayor was in ruin, which didn't surprise her. However, she could also see several succubi lying dead around. In a panic, she limped to her own house to see that both of her sisters were missing. There were traces of struggle, but the only sign of their assailant was a trace amount of teleporting magic. They had been brought away. If only she still had her power… She gritted her teeth as pain filled her body. Maybe some potions from that succubus witch had survived the bombing and could provide her with something to heal her wound. Still limping, she made her way to the ruins of the mayor's house. As she examined the rubbles, she saw the body of Succubus, her neck and limbs twisted at different unnatural angles. She snarled. So much potential wasted by that damn puppeteer.
Fortunately, that soothsayer had the good idea to build her study underground, and only very little rubble blocked the access. As she descended, Lilith could feel an unusual amount of energy close by. As she explored the place, she finally saw by herself the ceremonial room where the twins had likely been summoned. She examined the still remaining spell and giggled madly: That succubus witch had forgotten to stop the spell that siphonned energy during the Purple Sabbath, and it was still siphonning some essence when succubi drained men. That explained why they had so little endurance… She looked at the back of her hand. That little seal was the only seal preventing her from recovering enough energy to return to her full power. She started panting in rage and kicked open the door that led to the soothsayer's room. She only needed one precise thing, and ignored all the potions aligned on the shelves even as her limbs were screaming in pain. She checked the collection of ritual knives, and took the one that looked the sharpest and returned to the ritual room. She readied the knife and placed her hand with the seal on the ground. At least, she could still use her magic to cancel the pain...
In a swift motion, Lilith impaled her wrist with her knife, ignoring the blood that splashed around in her rage, and cutting the limb as fast as she could, groaning all the while. Eventually, the last nerve holding her hand gave up, and the precise second she lost her limb, she focused on all that energy that only begged her to be absorbed. Usually, she would have felt elated by the rush of energy, but she only felt her anger coalesce in a desire to annihilate the one that took away her sisters from her. She then looked at the stump where her left hand used to be, and used magic to grow one back. This time, she let pain take its toll. She needed the sensation to calm her down: giving in to anger would only help that damn Kagetsumugi. Once she had fully recovered her composure, she checked inwardly. She felt as powerful as when she first stepped on this world.
When Lilith stepped out of the house, she instantly saw an armored dragonkin with a large sword looking angrily at the devastation around her. When she saw Lilith stepping out of the house, covered in blood, the succubus talked before she could do anything.
"Kagetsumugi is the one responsible for this abomination. She's currently in her tower, flying not far from here with most of the village's inhabitants as her hostages."
The magic enhancement in her voice stunned the dragonkin who blinked repeatedly, apparently slightly confused.
"What…"
Lilih glared at her interlocutor. "I'm going to take her down. Do not get in my way."
"Then…" Granberia blinked repeatedly, having difficulties focusing before she raised her sword. "As a Heavenly Knight of the Monster Lord, it is my duty to accompany you!"
Lilith smirked. She still remembered her initial assault on the Monster Lord's Castle more than a month ago. At the time, the dragonkin had fallen to a simple ambiance spell. Now, she was still managing to think and answer properly against a more direct assault. If anything, that much progress in such a short time called for a fitting reward.
"Very well. Let us go together."
It didn't take long for Lilith to arrive in sight of the tower. Even with her partner bound by her tail, she could fly fast enough to find her target in less than a few minutes.
She just hoped that her ally would be fine. She had used her own brand of magic to dull her mind to make sure she wouldn't scream or attempt anything stupid during the flight. Well, she would just have to stimulate her warrior instincts and let the dragonkin's nature do the rest afterward.
She half expected salvos of spells or flying monsters to come meet her in the sky, but instead, she was faced with a whole lot of nothing. Did Kagetsumugi underestimate her that badly? Granted, she might have thought her dead, had taken the Heavenly Knight of wind hostage, and no one else but her knew about the puppeteer's plan. She already imagined herself tormenting the puppeteer under her sister's acclaim after having taken care of most monsters inside the tower in a storm of pleasure spells…
Lilith frowned and focused. Underestimating her opponents twice in the past had cost her enough already. She wouldn't do the same mistake a third time. The door at the entrance looked well-reinforced but… It was nothing her personal ram couldn't handle.
She took some momentum, heated up Granberia's spirit and tossed the dragonkin at the door. The latter rolled in the sky and slashed at the door with her sword when she landed, cleaving it in two in a single strike. Lilith hovered a bit behind her, and, just as she expected, monsters rushed outside like zombies to try to overwhelm Granberia and make her fall. To her credit, the dragonkin reacted extremely fast and jumped on the wall on the side like a spider, resulting in several monsters plummeting to their doom. Lilith was aghast at the senseless waste of life. She was even more dumbfounded when she noticed that some of them had an artificial nervous system.
Kagetsumugi had turned some of those monsters into her dolls, depriving them of their own ability to think and the ability to enjoy pleasure. They had become her mechanical toys.
"Lilith Orgia!"
The monsters at the entrance slowed down their assault, either dazed or unconscious from pleasure. She decided to let the dragonkin take the lead, and followed right after the latter entered the tower with a surprising grace. With the dragonkin, they were now surrounded by a relatively impressive army of monsters of all type. Lilith sneered. Those monsters were opposing the Monster Lord's unworldly co-existence policy to submit themselves to a tyrant clearly against their desire for freedom. While the former was laughable, the latter was an abomination.
An abomination that was hers to fix.
While several monsters around her showed hesitation to engage the duo in a fight, a few of them mechanically charged them. Unsurprisingly, each of them had been turned into one of Kagetsumugi's puppets.
She focused and summoned a storm around her and her partner. The longer the dragonkin was standing, the better, and besides, if she lived to tell the tale, it would be for the best…
She completely wrecked the mind of an elven amazoness in a single caress, and in the continuity of her movement took down a spider that had come too close in the same way. An altered vampire started stepping toward her, and Lilith was disgusted by the mechanical movement and the lack of expression from her opponent. Even if they were only a secondary species, seeing a monster of the lineage of Minagi reduced to a mechanical toy offended her. A gust of wind tossed the monster back before she could do anything. Three monsters tried to jump on her to pin her down, and, in the blink of an eye, she slipped under them and used another wind spell to toss the trio in the middle of their own allies.
She continued progressing towards the stairs that led to the upper part of the tower even as she pushed back all monsters that tried to assail her. She didn't want her sister and her fellows to suffer this fate. Even that succubus queen herself definitively deserved better.
Two more monsters used her distraction as an opportunity to jump on Lilith from behind, pinning her down on the ground. She closed her eyes, and her body started glowing intensely, and both monsters collapsed while moaning, pure expressions of bliss adorning their faces. She got up in a smooth motion and finally reached the stairs.
She checked behind her to get sure her ally was doing fine. Granberia was striking down monster after monster at an impressive rate, somehow without killing any enemy. Even from afar Lilith could see her focused expression as the dragonkin's moves always brought her out of reach from any attack. She would probably hold against that horde of monsters. Lilith blew a kiss in her direction, and even if she didn't notice the succubus' action, Granberia fought with a renewed vigor. The succubus herself moved upstairs, ready to face more monsters.
Instead, the second floor was covered with all kind of traps. From conventional mechanical spikes to magic circles that would summon fireballs or other unpleasant, possibly lethal spells, all kind were present. Taking care of them all would take much more time and energy than what she was comfortable losing. She returned downstairs, and locked eyes with an amazoness. Her eyes glowed ever so shortly before she talked in her usual honey-sweet tone.
"Would you kindly remove a few traps for me?"
The elf nodded, completely enthralled by the succubus. She ran upstairs and threw herself in the middle of the room, completely forgetting any form of self-preservation in her desire to please her new mistress. As she rushed in, she was burned by fireballs, impaled by spikes, and ultimately completely dismembered by razor-sharp wires.
Lilith shrugged the monster's death. That enemy had chosen her fate the moment that she had joined the one that attacked the succubus trio. And besides, if Kagetsumugi cared for them, she would have placed her traps on the first floor, not between her goons and herself. She walked quickly across the now empty room and reached the next floor. She felt relieved when she felt the signatures of unconscious succubi behind currently sealed doors on this very level. Her mood however was passably soured by the monster in front of her: It was a large, exaggeratedly feminine and perfectly smooth doll. The only visible marks where magic channeling lines which pattern reminded Lilith of a parody of her lord Minagi's own tattoos.
The expressionless doll raised her arm at a lightning speed and transformed it into a blade. She then charged at Lilith at a speed too fast for the eye to follow. The succubus dodged the attack elegantly and struck back with a blade of wind that scattered against the doll without dealing a single visible damage. The doll turned and swiped vertically at Lilith again. The blade ended up cutting the sweater under Lilith's armpit, and the succubus groaned when she saw the cloth slide from her arm. She moved slightly away from the doll and slowly exhaled, wriggling her fingers in preparation. The doll charged once again with her sword raised, and the moment she struck down, Lilith caught the flat of the blade with her two hands and gave it an additional momentum, making the doll strike her own leg and stumble forward. The succubus passed under the doll and wrapped an arm around its waist to throw it across the room. While the elastic material the doll was made of dampened the impact, Lilith could still hear the magical mechanisms inside crack. She dived at the doll and kicked it straight in the head, hearing more mechanical elements breaking and finally seeing the doll going limp. She stomped the remainders twice to be sure the doll wouldn't start moving again before snarling.
"An existence without feelings. Without passion. Without pleasure. Without point…"
She walked at a brisk pace towards the next set of stairs and reached the last floor to see Kagetsumugi sitting over a workbench, fiddling with something and muttering repeatedly "too soon…". The puppeteer slowly exhaled in exasperation before she gasped in shock when she saw the succubus moving toward her.
"I did not expect you to come so soon…"
"That is usually my line." There was no seduction in her sentence. "Do you have any last words?"
The still shocked puppeteer raised her hands. "I surrender."
Lilith decked her in the face, and her victim fell on the ground unconscious.
"This is more in-line with Astaroth or that succubus queen's method. But it's effective and possesses a notable catharsis factor."
Lilith exhaled slowly, the tension leaving her body as the afterglow of the fight was taking over her. With the crisis at hand, the recovery of her full power had become completely secondary, far from the day of liberation she imagined she would get to enjoy. Then again, since the moment she woke up, the safety of her sisters had been her priority. There was no reason to be elated. Only one to be relieved.
She briskly returned downstairs to the rooms where the population of Succubus Village had been brought to. Rows of unconscious succubi and humans were lining the ground, and without anyone to care for the wounded, a few additional members of each species had died. Lilith frowned again. Such an action was inexcusable, and yet… She stopped when she saw Alma Elma herself. Just like her fellows, the succubus queen was unconscious, with only her chest rising and falling indicating that she was indeed still alive. Lilith looked down on her. If she was to die, nobody would be none the wiser save for her.
Killing her, however, was the last thing on the oldest of the Lilith Sisters' mind.
She blew a kiss toward Alma Elma and continued moving toward her sisters while the little energy she gave the queen would bring her about. She saw Morrigan and Astaroth, and did the same before moving on to the remainder of the succubi. When she was done, Alma Elma was slowly getting up, confused and still clearly hurt. She looked at her surrounding before inquisitively staring at Lilith, clearly expecting an explanation as to what just happened. Her elder answered her with a straight face.
"I decided to recover my power using the large energy stock that was kept in Succubus Village then I decided to take care of our attackers. Kagetsumugi is now out of commission. Are you going to place me on trial for saving you because of a little detail?"
Alma Elma ignored the underhanded insult, too surprised by what she had just been told. "You took care of Kagetsumugi alone?"
This time, Lilith's expression became a salacious smile. "Not exactly. I had help from your girlfriend."
"Girlf- What did you do to her?"
"Nothing much compared to what you did…" Deciding that teasing the succubus queen even if she was weakened would only worsen the situation, Lilith became serious once again. "You can ask her for yourself. She should be done with Kagetsumugi's goons by now."
"Good. Also don't touch her again."
Lilith couldn't help but giggle as Alma Elma turned tail. Embarrassing the young succubus was fun, but it was time to do things by their rule again. She looked around her and saw that the other victims of Kagetsumugi's latest raid were all slowly coming to their senses. Her two younger sisters slowly came to her, Morrigan looking ashamed and Astaroth still looking as angry as ever.
"Sooo, huuuuh, you kicked ass I guess?"
Lilith soberly nodded.
"Sooo, what now?"
"I need to ask you a small favor… Make sure everyone returns to their home without issue."
Astaroth raised an eyebrow. "You want us to play baby-sitters?"
"Yes please… I'll have to deal with a few things in the meantime. I'll see you back in Succubus Village a bit later. And please be careful with them. We don't want anyone else to die."
Morrigan shrugged. "If you say so… Fine by me I guess."
Astaroth sighed as her shoulders slumped. "Fiiine… Let's get this over with."
"Good. See you soon." Lilith frowned as she moved down two floors to see Alma Elma and Granberia, surrounded by unconscious monsters. The dragonkin was still panting from her fight, and was looking elated while the succubus queen was looking even more confused than the last time Lilith saw her.
"So what now?" Lilith already had a solid idea of what the two Heavenly Knights would ask her to do, but showing concern right now wouldn't hurt. However, the succubus queen was still frowning each time she looked at her.
"Granberia will teleport to Grangold and make sure they will dispatch a team to take care of everyone. In the meantime… You and me are going to bring Kagetsumugi to the Monster Lord. She will want to judge her for…" Alma Elma pointed to one of the half-transformed monster. "What she did."
"Very well. I will accompany you as you need then. I will get Kagetsumugi to get this over as quickly as possible." She turned back and started walking away.
"And… Lilith?"
The elder succubus could feel her junior's hand on her shoulder. "Mmh?"
When she turned, she saw Alma Elma's face close to her and an emotion that she didn't expect: gratitude.
"Thank you for saving everyone. I mean it."
Lilith tried to clear her voice as much as possible of any trace of sarcasm.
"I serve the Succubus Queen."
"And this is what happened. I do not think I forgot any detail."
"Myself and Granberia testify in good will that the events unfolded exactly as described."
Both Lilith and Alma Elma were kneeling in the throne room of the Monster Lord's Castle in front of a completely dumbfounded Alice, who could also get to see an unconscious Kagetsumugi lying between both monsters. The Monster Lord herself had other issues in her mind when she heard that the duo of succubi had an emergency request, and when Lilith entered with her power unsealed and accompanied by Alma Elma, she had been seized by a gut feeling that something very wrong had just happened. And then the elder succubus made a full report while showing a proper deference instead of… Anything else that the Monster Lord expected from her. If it had been Alma Elma a few months ago, she would have gotten a third hand report after Tamamo would have had interrogated a direct eyewitness a month later. The fact that both succubi had barged in and followed the protocol has been so many hints pointing to the gravity of the new they would report.
She focused herself. She needed to find the proper balance of rewarding Lilith and keeping some measure of control over her.
"What became of the tower?"
"Granberia reported to Grangold, and, with the support of the remaining succubi, they will evacuate its remaining content."
"Good. I will have Tamamo cooperate with them afterward. Both of you get up."
She had so many questions to ask. Why and how Kagetsumugi attacked now, of all moments, when Luka was away? Did someone tip her off? And why and how Succubus Village had a reserve of energy that big underground?
Focus. Focus… Let's take care of the problem in front of me first.
…I know exactly what I should do.
"Let us start with you, Lilith. Although there are a lot of issues that needs to be addressed, I which first and foremost to thank you for the sheer effort you put on to rescue your fellows on your own, particularly given the impossible odds you apparently faced. Your quick-thinking saved a lot of lives. As a reward, you are free to keep your power and your sisters can be freed to get their own seals removed." Her eyes narrowed. "However, while you are free to enjoy this world, I shall remind you that you are still bound by its laws. Shall I learn that you once again attempted to ignore those…"
"I will not disappoint you. I will not abandon my kin and I will submit to these laws."
"I want to point out that these laws work both ways. We would have been here to defend you if you contacted us. You are not alone, and we will support you and your sisters alike should you require our help for a legitimate reason. Is it clear?"
Lilith simply nodded back.
"Very well. Alma Elma. Thank you for your services. I have only one question for you. Do you think Lilith is fit to lead Succubus Village in replacement of the late mayor?"
Neither succubi managed to hide their surprise. This was either the dumbest or smartest decision she was going to take.
Alma Elma cleared her throat before answering, her composure still visibly shaken. "With all respect, she would still need some following as well as advisors to lead the village, but she has the power to get her authority respected and can be given a chance."
"Very well. Lilith, do you accept this role? Before you do, I want to point out that refusing will have no consequence for your future. It is simply an additional opportunity for a specific place for you in this world."
"I accept."
"Perfect. In that case, I shall advise you to contact Witch and your current superior for any additional questions. Grangold will help you rebuild the village with our support." She smiled gently. "I am looking forward to the growth of Succubus Village. You are dismissed. Alma Elma is to stay."
Lilith bowed and left. Alice snapped her fingers, and right afterward two guards came out of the shadows and brought away the still unconscious Kagetsumugi. When all these people finally left the room, Alice released the single longest drawn-out sigh in her life and leaned back against her seating. Alma Elma flew as close to her as decency allowed and bowed.
"Sorry Alice… I didn't expect anything like that to happen."
Alice made a dismissive gesture. "The only one who would have would have done so is Tamamo, and she's currently away in Remina for… Personal reasons."
Alma Elma could tell that the Monster Lord was holding information back, but she decided to not push forward. Besides, the latter had more questions for her.
"You wouldn't happen to know why Kagetsumugi attacked now of all moments or why was there a mana reserve that huge under Succubus Village?"
"For the latter… I can only suppose that it's an after-effect of the spell casted by Witch during the Purple Sabbath. Also, I'm not fully convinced it was a good idea to give Lilith the reins of Succubus Village. She's not very popular there."
"Which means it will be the best opportunity for her to show everyone how much effort she's willing to do to integrate herself." Alice smiled devilishly.
"Oooh…" Alma Elma shivered. "That is quite devious… Did little Tamamo come up with that one?"
"In the sense that she gave me lessons, I suppose that yes…"
That spark of concern reappeared in Alice's eye. Before Alma Elma could ask her anything, and unusually pale succubus guard entered. She gulped and tried to talk a few times, but stopped herself each time, clearly shaken.
"…Lady Saja wishes to talk to you."
Alice steadied herself. She had almost forgotten that she would still have to deal with Saja. And the fact that the guard showed up so meekly informed her that the Ancestor had certainly somehow recovered from Luka's treatment. The Monster Lord gestured for the succubus to bring in the guest.
And the next instant, the doors opened to revealed Saja in all her glory. Alice herself felt almost overwhelmed by the sheer aura of supremacy that emanated from the yoma. There was no malignancy in her, but Alice knew that she had in front of her a monster that could end her very existence in a heartbeat if she wanted to. For a moment, she doubted even her own strength… Until Saja humbly bowed and looked down at the ground in submission.
"Greeting, descendant of the Dark Goddess. I came here to bring you news of the latest events that transpired."
"Get up and speak, please." Alice's voice was barely more than a whisper. She didn't want to give the yoma the impression she was ordering her.
"I am to inform you that I defended the village of the hero against a group of angels who then disappeared. Afterward, the hero and Tamamo knocked each other out, although their lives aren't at risk. I released Micaela in the latter's custody."
"...I see. Anything else to report?"
"No. I wanted to say that I am humbly and entirely at your service. As you are the descendant of our one mother, I swear I will protect your life with my own."
"Very well. I will see how your skills could be best used. In the meantime, you are to remain in the Monster Lord's Castle. Also if you would please try to convince your sister Kanon to behave herself..."
"Thank you, my lord. Your wish is my order." Saja bowed again and slithered away, leaving behind a dumbfounded Alice and a shocked Alma Elma.
"Alice? What was she talking about concerning Luka and little Tamamo?"
"…That was easier than I expected."
The Monster Lord relaxed before she started slithering off the throne.
"I'll explain to you in a few minutes. I'll go check on them and see what happened exactly first."
Meanwhile, Lilith was pondering the Monster Lord's words as she was flying back to Succubus Village. And the more she thought about it, the more she sardonically smiled: The latter had basically invited her to bind herself to a specific settlement and to take responsibility for her fellows. And she accepted of her own accord.
She wasn't even mad. She was impressed by the craftiness the Monster Lord had displayed. Granted, it was once again the education from that damn kitsune likely talking, but she would behave herself, if only by respect for all those that were trusting her after having beaten her. As silly as that co-existence was, she would find her own way to thoroughly enjoy it with her sisters in due time.
She frowned. Speaking of which… It was time to set a few things straight. She arrived in the village to see most succubi being disheartened. Some were getting busy with men, but there was an unusual affection in words and movements, as everybody was simply too glad to be alive this particular evening. She entered the house she shared with her sisters, and saw Morrigan awkwardly fiddling around while Astaroth was wallowed on the couch with her now-usual expression of anger.
"You're back. Soooo, what happened?"
Lilith ran them the gist of her exchange with Alice. Once done, and to her displeasure, Astaroth snarled.
"So that's it? You saved this village, and as thank, you get stuck with it and we have to follow her stupid obligations?"
"If you ignore the fact that we are trusted enough to get our full power back, that you are both free to travel and that I did chose to deal with that village by respect for Succubus, yes."
Astaroth sighed dramatically. "I expected you to seduce a better deal out of her, even maybe to get her to throw her husband in. Where's the seductress that beguiled an angel general and her lover before taking care of their army in a single night?"
Lilith leaned against the wall in front of her sister and looked her straight in the eyes.
"Gone with the one that was swallowed by her bloodlust as she tried to strangle the life out of one of the direct descendant of Minagi for the sake of her ego as she gave in to her darkest rage… I heard and saw that since then, she looked forward more to bringing violence than the pleasures of the flesh. And to this day, each time I look at her I wonder if she's just my reliable, cool-headed sister or a parody of who she used to be."
The room became eerily silent afterward. Morrigan silently took a few steps back in her own room, leaving her two sisters alone. After a small minute, Astaroth sat herself more correctly, still looking at Lilith.
"I'm…" She stopped herself and exhaled slowly. "...Sorry."
After a few more unbearable seconds of silence, Lilith finally asked her a question.
"What are you going to do once you have gotten your power back? This is not a trap question. I wouldn't be so crass as to deny you the right to recover your true might. I'm asking it as your older sister concerned for you."
"I'm going to… Travel. A lot." Astaroth got up from the couch with an unusual lack of grace.
"Just so you know, if you're attacked or caught acting out of line, I might not be able to step in and intercede in your favor. You will be on your own."
"I know, I know, thank you for reminding me… I think I just need some time for myself. Some real time, without being stuck in a prison. I'll be back in a few weeks. Maybe a few months at most."
She walked toward the house entrance with a shaky step. She looked outside, at the still calm village, then at the sun that was starting to set down. She made a few more steps outside, wandering with her mind completely lost as to what she would do next. The world was now a huge, unfamiliar place. Now, it was time to get better acquainted with it… Maybe she would finally get to fight in the colosseum. Or maybe she would drift from place to place until she found one to call her own.
"Sister?"
She turned toward the voice behind her and gasped in surprise when Lilith hugged her. It took her a few seconds to return the display of affection as her older sister patted her back.
"Please, stay safe. I don't want you to disappear forever. We've always been there for each other, and if we have to restrain ourselves to enjoy this again, then I'll do it... For you, for Morrigan, I'll do everything."
"Don't worry… I don't intend to die out there. If only because I don't want to leave you with both a village of horny demons and Morrigan at the same time. I don't know which one is going to be worse though."
Lilith giggled, and, after an additional minute, they let go of each other.
"See you later."
Astaroth took flight, and she soon disappeared of the sky. Lilith returned to the home they shared, and saw a concerned Morrigan at the doorstep.
"Soooo, she left?"
"Temporarily only. I think she feels even more lost than I was when I was alone."
"And she didn't even get her seal removed?"
"No. By the way, what are you going to do when yours will be removed?"
"I think a few of the new guys are getting a little too pushy with the more shocked succubi. I intend to give them a few kicks in the nuts."
"You don't need to have your seal removed to do that."
"Nope."
"I'm glad to see that you haven't changed in the slightest." Lilith chuckled and gave out her little sister a beaming smile. "Then let's see Witch and get that pesky seal off from you. Then we'll discuss a bit about that village and what we'll need to do next. Then… How about I cook a sweet soufflé?"
"Oooh, nice!"