Another day of work ahead… But first, breakfast.
Luka once again tried to struggle against Alice's coil in a desperate attempt to get out of their bed. The lamia groaned as her companion's movements annoyed her.
"Just five more minutes… You're so fidgety these days…"
"Sorry, but I'm hungry, and with so many Ancestors currently around, I'm concerned there won't be enough for breakfast."
In the blink of an eye, Alice had unwrapped herself from around him and was putting on her usual clothes while staring at him.
"What are you waiting for, you lazy hero? Come on, get up!"
Luka smiled and started to dress up himself. Granted, the Ancestors were quite a strain on their food stock, but there never was a single time where even the lowliest monster was threatened to go hungry by skipping a meal. Still, it had been enough to get his wife moving, and this is what mattered right now.
Once ready, the royal couple made their way to the usual dining room where they took their breakfast. They were greeted by the sight of Erubetie and Kanade casually discussing about existing plants to filter polluted water. Both slimes bowed respectfully before returning to their subject of discussion while tentacles periodically expanded from one or the other slime to grab a fruit to dissolve.
Luka noticed Alice's moody pout: Even if the table was still decently covered with different food items, it was still less than what she was used to. Maybe she could have a word with Tamamo on the matter… However, her curiosity was attracted by unusual looking, brown hairy-looking fruit that was standing on the bowl. She glared at it as if it was a poisoned bomb ready to kill her, but as she understood that it would simply remain as is, she hoped that someone would be able to break this enigma for her.
"What's this? I've never seen any fruit like that..."
Kanade shrugged before answering in her usual murmuring voice.
"It's an old fruit that disappeared during the Great Monster War. I do not know why she decided to create them again. You peel them off and eat the inside."
Alice cautiously peeled of the fruit, her eyes always zeroed in on the green flesh that revealed itself as its skin disappeared. She tried to assess the lethal properties the Ancestor of all plants could have shoved into the fruit, and as her keen senses couldn't detect a single trace of poisonous substance, she finally decided to take a small bite out of it. Her eyes opened wide as the sweet flavors exploded into her mouth. She then devoured it, then another, then continued even as she talked.
"Luka! You should try it! It's actually delicious!"
The hero slowly nodded. "Thanks Alice… But I think I will pass for today..."
"Mgnnh… Why?"
"Because you already ate them all…"
Alice looked at the large bowl that she had picked the fruits from, and could indeed see that it was now empty. At first, she shrugged it off, but as guilt took hold of her, she looked down in shame and slumped on her chair.
"…Sorry."
Luka shrugged it off and continued eating other fruits he was more familiar with, even as the two slimes continued discussing various matters about human behavior. Eventually, they left and Tamamo appeared.
"Greetings, Monster Lord and hero Luka! I take it the omens are favorable to you today?"
Alice sighed. "Tamamo… Please, what did we say about being formal between us? And besides, weren't you busy overseeing the reconstruction of Remina?"
The kitsune chuckled. "It's a slow day, I delegated the responsibilities to Yao." She sat herself to a chair and used her fan to point to Luka. "Now are you sure you still don't want to-"
"No. Sorry but no." Luka frantically shook his head negatively. "I don't think I'm made of the good material for reigning."
Tamamo nodded. "You're right. Even if your morality is there, we'd still need years of training to make you a good ruler."
Luka wallowed ever so slightly more on his chair. Even if he himself was glad Tamamo recognized this point, he felt wounded deep down by her words and his inability to lead. Alice gently patted his back.
"Come on, you… Luka. Not everybody can be a queen or a king in the first place. You've already been a hero every time this world needed… Maybe you can relax for a while. How about you enjoy this new garden? We can even see it from the window."
Luka nodded and mechanically got up, and gasped when he looked at the castle's gardens: From above, the place looked like a mix of rainbow-filled corridors as exotic plants and wildlife had spread in an organic but organized manner.
"Wow… This is magnificient..."
"Yup. I don't think any Monster Lord took the time of taking care of the garden after the Thirteenth. Kanon did some great work for once."
Alice frowned. "How is she doing by the way? Of all the Ancestors, she's the one I've seen the least."
"She's a bit moody, but she's doing alright right now. She didn't harm anyone if it's what you're wondering."
"She's doing fine with our new collaborators?"
"…She's still a bit stubborn on her plans, but they're doing mostly fine together. I check on her regularly to mediate any conflict they can have."
Luka nodded in understanding. After a few more weeks of debates, the castle had finally started to welcome other humans. Most of them were scholars and artists, with a few very rare warriors wanting to test themselves against the more powerful monsters, and all of them had a common point: they enjoyed a bit too much the attention of the local monsters to the hero's taste.
Surely they came here for more than just sex… Right? I mean Hellgondo was isolated for so long, I thought they'd try to learn more but instead it looks like they're all enjoying getting busy with local monsters…
At the very least, Alice is less jealous of her retainers now that they're no longer busy undressing me with their eyes.
…I'm still kinda missing all those fights against them. Maybe I should try challenging Saja again. I wonder what she's doing right now?
Granberia slowly exhaled, focusing as she steadied herself against this unusual opponent. She readied her sword high even as the large snake-like flying yoma in front of her remained perfectly still, gauging her. The monster's power alone had been enough to send most contenders scurrying away, but Granberia had still stepped up to her challenge, her hands not trembling in the slightest even as she was facing one of the most primal and dangerous monster walking the earth. Not a single other monster remained to witness the fight between the two titans.
The fight started the moment Granberia felt Saja starting to accumulate magic. The dragonkin closed the distance separating them in a blink of an eye and struck at the yoma using her momentum. The latter moved back as the barrier protecting her collapsed in a heartbeat, and she counter-attacked with a powerful frost breath that covered the floor with a thin ice sheet even as Granberia tanked the assault head on, barely shivering. She pushed on forward with a powerful earth strike that Saja dodged sideway before wrapping herself around the dragonkin in a single smooth motion as her snakes attempted to bite at Granberia. Just as fast, the Heavenly Knight of Fire managed to free her empty hand and punched straight at Saja's face, surprising the yoma who yelped and loosened her coils a short second in surprise. Granberia attempted to lunge forward, but Saja shoved her away with one of her wing, kicking her across the arena.
As she flew, Granberia bounced on the floor and landed on her feet, her talons digging across the floor as she slid back. As soon as she looked up, she saw the yoma charge full speed head first toward her. Granberia jumped on the side, wisely deciding that not attempting to block or even to parry this charge was the best tactic for the moment, even if it meant being forced to take in the shockwave the yoma kicked up as she flew. She managed to remain still, the wave of wind not shaking her in the slightest even as Saja was already blasting her with another ice wave from behind.
"Vaporizing Rebellion Sword!"
Granberia pierced through the wave of cold as the weakened blades of fire reached Saja who didn't look more inconvenienced than that by the attack. The yoma's eyes glowed, and Granberia could feel her body starting to unnaturally stiffen. She barely managed to react in time as Saja attempted to strike her down with both of her wings, jumping under the assault and slashing at her opponent's tail with her large sword. The attack left a small gash, and Saja gritted her teeth in surprise while her snakes spat a poisonous substance at Granberia. The dragonkin shivered, but kept assaulting a surprised Saja none the less.
"Vaporizing Rebellion Sword!"
Saja barely managed to parry the series of rapid strikes with her wings and groaned in pain as Granberia kept pushing. Several runes appeared in the air, and, sensing an imminent danger, Granberia jumped back in a bouncing leap. The next instant, several beams of energy crossed the area where she was a second earlier. The dragonkin readied herself against Saja's next attack, but she was taken by surprise when another salvo of liquid covered her. This time, however, she felt her body heat up and her heartbeat increase as a supernatural lust seized her. Saja struck her with her wings repeatedly, and Granberia barely managed to parry the first few attacks in time before being tossed across the room. This time, she landed violently, and as she shakily got up, the yoma struck her again on the head, and Granberia fell herself losing consciousness for the shortest of moment. After an undetermined amount of time, she felt energy being poured in her limbs while Saja was looking approvingly at her.
"Impressive… Not everybody can resist both my poison and my Demon Eyes of Petrification and still being able to dodge an attack afterward." Her expression turned into a frown. "However, you are weak to pleasure."
Granberia gritted her teeth. "I know. I can't resist it, no matter how hard I train…"
"You are still young and progressing. You will manage to resist it one day. You should train more against that succubus friend of yours, no matter how hard it is."
The dragonkin looked down in a mix of shame and self-loathing. She'd been defeated fifty times by Alma Elma already and every single time was handily. She would need time before being able to defend the Monster Lord against those succubi and more powerful monster.
"…Do you doubt your own power?"
"Yes. I mean no! I mean…" Granberia had been caught off guard by Saja's question and almost jumped reflexively. The yoma made her feel more like a child on her first lesson than Salamander ever did. "No matter how hard I train myself, I simply can't beat succubi…"
"So you gave up and bow down to them every time you fight them?"
"Of course not!" The Heavenly Knight of fire pumped her fist, her expression suddenly more determined. "I can't beat them, but I won't stop training until I can endure their perverted assault."
"Mmmh…" Granberia felt Saja's gaze pierce through her, a tingling sensation crawling up her spine. After a moment, a pout of displeasure appeared on the yoma's face.
"I think it's time to complete your training in a way Tamamo should have done way earlier. Let us get started as soon as possible."
Kanon sighed as she extended an arm toward a colorful shrub, making it grow from a small sprout to a large, man-sized luscious bush. She looked at her handiwork, pouting: that plant had completely disappeared after the Great Monster War as the forces of Ilias had made an active effort to destroy those to the last leaf, ignoring the therapeutic and medical properties and instead focusing on the fact that it was an affront created by one of the Six Ancestors. Creating one again was just a way as good as any to insult Ilias and her legacy. However, the Ancestor was unsatisfied… What was the point of further insulting a now dead goddess?
And the descendant of the Dark Goddess had been clear on the matter. She couldn't eat anyone unless they explicitly asked, whether human, monster or angels. She was free to groom her garden as she wished, as long as nobody suffered from it, but... She didn't enjoy it. Even when travelers came from far and wide to simply admire its beauty, she ignored their stupefaction and shrugged off their compliment. A few of them offered themselves, and while she appreciated the occasions to feed, the mix of frustration born from the inability to wallow in her cruelty coupled with her lack of any concrete goal was weighing down on her.
She looked at the set piece she completed. Anyone with the smallest modicum of artistic sense or with an interest in the beauty of nature would be completely swept away by the vibrant colors of the flowers and plants disposed around, while the more gluttonous passer-bys would likely enjoy the large, sweet fruits hanging around. It was a miracle that could only be brought by her hand, with nothing in the nature being able to equal its beauty.
And yet, for Kanon, it was just a petty pastime. Plants she used to grow when she was getting bored or even between two battles when she was out of preys to eat. Now… With the humans offering themselves to her with only expectations and no fear, it were the only things that currently defined her life.
There was no thrill to live it. No epic fight, no poisonous devouring traps, no panicking victim to feed on... Only plants to grow, and willing partners to tkae care of.
She slowly started walking away from her set piece under the enraptured gaze of several other gardeners. On her way out, she saw an alraune who was clearly waiting for her: The woman was wearing a translucent dress, while her green hair was disappearing in the large throne of the same color behind her, while two large pink flowers were hanging on her sides. Kanon analyzed her as the alraune humbly bowed: She had the same power as other queen class monsters, slightly below those Heavenly Knights. Likely the current queen alraune…
"Greetings, great Ancestor. I'm Priestess, and I wanted to look up to your wisdom and hoped to hear any precious advice you could give to reign over my kin."
"Do whatever you want. I don't care."
"But surely you-"
"No. I'll get some rest, please don't disturb me."
Kanon continued on her way until she reached one of the lower wing of the Monster Lord's Castle. After a moment, she snarled at a shadow.
"Please tell me you're not the one who told her to come here!"
"I didn't." Tamamo's small form came out from a corner. "But I expected as much. Even if you have a bad reputation, you do remain one of the famous Six Ancestor after all. Sending her away like that was rude."
Kanon glared at her sister. "And what the fuck did you expect me to do?! Not everybody enjoy spending their lives pretending to be good Samaritans to further their own goals!"
Tamamo started fanning herself and answered with an exhausted look. "I stopped playing those games years ago… I'm tired of all that bloodshed, and so is everyone else on this world… I simply ask you to understand that."
The alraune scoffed. "Whatever helps you sleep at night…"
Tamamo slowly breathed in and out. "…Look. You accepted to be released from your cell under the condition that you don't eat or antagonize anyone against their own will. Out of that, you're free to do whatever you want! Why don't you do something like travelling or-"
"Maybe later. Thank you, but I really need some rest right now…"
Kanon resumed her strolling under her sister's gaze.
"I thought you would enjoy throning in your newly-grown garden. While de you go to the castle's waterways instead?"
The alraune stopped dead in her track. She opened her mouth, but couldn't give out an answer that would satisfy herself at first. Tamamo was right… Why was she was she going there instead of in the middle of her plants where she always felt at ease? There was only reason that she was forced to eventually acknowledge.
"Because nobody will look for me there. Now leave me alone."
Tamamo's eyes remained stuck to Kanon's back until the alraune disappeared in the darkness.
How can I make you happy, dear sister... What can I do to make you change.
The sun was slowly setting down on the coastal city of Gold Port, resulting in shadows filling the town's streets. The place which used to welcome the headquarters of Ilias Kreuz, the anti-monster organization was now as cosmopolitan as any settlement: Several sea monsters had taken residence in the harbor and its proximity, supporting the fishermen and sailors that appreciated the help and the company, while one of the more luxurious house was rumored to welcome the ghost of a legendary pirate. Last, several chimera monsters that had attacked the town during the war against Ilias not so long ago were now also living in the city since the inhabitants mostly forgave them after settling for a few reparations. Most of them were trooperoids, biomechanical monsters equipped with a ranged weapon, and they were led by Assassinroid, a curvy chimera looking like an oni. She was especially designed to take down queen class monsters in the past. This particular group had used the opportunity to claim the old church used by Ilias Kreuz in the past as their lodgings, and regularly enjoyed « attacking » any intruder before releasing them after a day of debauchery. Assassinroid herself preferred to prowl in the streets at night to feed on the sailors, but the chimera felt her skills starting to dull and was considering moving on to the arena of Grand Noah to face actual opponents… Until a certain rumor reached her ears a day two trooperoids discussed.
« I'm telling you ! Those scientists who installed themselves in the old Biolab are inviting all chimeras to come to get upgraded ! »
Assassinroid decided to step in.
« This reeks of a trap… Why would they spend effort to upgrade us? We used to fight them not so long ago, and they have no reason to give us any new weapon. Besides, most of our creators are dead and they were the only ones who knew about our design. »
The trooper chimera shrugged. « They told something about efficiency and increasing lifespan though, not giving out weapons. I didn't understand everything myself, but apparently, they have a new skilled biologist… One of those old monsters if I got that right. Some chimera beasts got in, and just as many got out, it's all I know.»
The information made Assassinroid frown as she tried to understand what it could mean. Eventually, she stood on her position and informed her fellows that none of them should check the place by themselves. Eventually, the rumor died off as weeks passed even as she indulged in her stealth hunting games for a time… Until a certain evening, when one of her fellow Trooperoids came back in alone and out of breath.
« Someone captured unit thirty-three ! She needs our help ! »
« What ? When ? Where?! »
« Less than a few minutes ago by the harbor… We were patrolling together when we turned through those cramped streets, and when I turned… She had disappeared. I checked around and called her out, but she didn't answer… »
The eyes of Assassinroid narrowed when she heard the information. It looked like the Monster Lord and her forces were tiring of all of them after so much time…
« You and you three, with me. The remainder keeps the church safe. »
She opened the entrance door and saw that the sun had fully disappeared from the sky, the streets being now filled with darkness as even the moon was hidden by clouds. The perfect weather for ambushes…
« Show us where thirty-three disappeared. And stay on your guard, the enemy can attack at any time. »
The team made its way to the harbor at a brisk pace, the chimeras checking each dark corner with their weapons as they nervously moved forward. They only stopped when they arrived in sight of their goal, and Assassinroid growled when she saw the place her subordinate had disappeared: The dark street was perfect for an ambush, narrow and with various items scattered left and right getting in the way. There were just too many hiding spots for an opportunistic assailant. Her keen eyes checked the ground for steps while her ears remained opened wide: The steps of the trooperoid reached a certain point, and afterward they simply disappeared. There were no other markings around that could have indicated a struggle. Whoever took the trooperoid away was too strong to be a single local human. No, it was definitively one of the Monster Lord's goons acting on her mistress' order. Her initial judgment was right.
She sighed, and her passably sour mood worsened when she returned to her trooperoids even as the trio kept checking around with their weapons.
« I can't find anything. Get twenty-five, we're leaving. »
« We thought she was with you, chief ? »
Assassinroid frowned, wondering why the fourth trooperoid had decided to wander on her own when they were investigating the disappearance of one of her fellows, until hindsight offered her a new explanation.
The trooperoid had not wandered on her own.
Assassinroid felt her body tense in readiness as her predicament sunk in : The whole harbor was made of narrow streets, and it was very possible the one that had captured thirty-three was still around. In that case, they were only so many targets for them.
« We have to move to the main street, NOW ! »
Even as the group rushed away in a surprising silence, they still methodically checked dark corners and other street entrance. As she reached the main street, she heard a small squishing noise and could then see only two trooperoids accompanying her when she checked again. At least, they now had some open space between them and any hiding place. Both trooperoids kept their weapons pointed toward the dark street they came from while Assassinroid kept looking around. If their assailant came from there…
A shiver ran along Assassinroid's spine, and she suddenly stepped on the side. The next instant, several needles flew in the direction of the group, and while she managed to dodge them elegantly, the two trooperoids accompanying her weren't so lucky and instantly collapsed on the ground. In a single leap, she jumped on top of the highest building she could, then jumped in the direction of her headquarters. She then suddenly changed direction and started rushing at high speed toward the entrance of the city, assuming that if they knew that much about them, this mysterious attacker would definitively be waiting for them at the church. No, it was better to rush out of the city and regroup later…
As she jumped again, she felt a sharp pain in a thigh. She landed violently, her leg limp as she noticed the needle embedded in her limb. She quickly removed it, and right afterward energy came back in her limb. She became invisible and started running out of the city when she felt something slimy fall on her.
"Gotcha!"
Before she could get rid of her surprise load, she felt a pleasurable current run through her whole body, stunning her and making her collapse in a puddle. The sudden weight disappeared from her back, and a small girl wearing a red coat landed in front of her, her playful yellow eyes and smirk not reassuring the chimera in the slightest.
"Wow, that was actually pretty fun! Thank you, operating on all those trooperoids was kinda getting repetitive, and I was starting to get bored."
One of Hiruko's arms transformed into a bunch of tentacles, and she proceeded to effortlessly lift the chimera from the ground. She started talking again as she was carrying her quarry.
"But geeze, I heard that whole stuff about you being scared that the Monster Lord would dispose of you… Considering how a softie she is, it's hilarious you think she'd do that! In any case, I wanted to study you in particular and- oh, please stop making that whining noise, it was all in good jest! Didn't you say that you wanted to keep your skills sharp? That was as good an opportunity as any! And I'm pretty sure I'll be able to increase your efficiency by twenty percent without making you lose any of your power! …Unless you're interested in more? Before you answer, maybe you want to talk with those trooperoids of your..."
Assassinroid's mind ended up zoning out as she wondered if that monster that had captured her was real or a bad fever dream. She was however more preoccupied by the comments about operating on her, and when the duo started descending the small path leading to the church, the opened door looked more like an abyssal gaping maw revealing the darkest pit of hell than anything else, as all lights inside had been turned off. She attempted to let out a scream when the door shut off and she ended up swallowed by the darkness, but no sound came from her mouth. The next sentence she heard ended up throwing her straight into the extended arms of unconsciousness.
"Wait, where did I put the circular saw again? I really hope cutting all those parts didn't damage it."
When Hiruko released Assassinroid from her grasp, the latter didn't move in the slightest. The scylla checked her vitals by poking her face with a tentacle. Her pulse was still present, but she was unresponsive otherwise.
"Someone's a bit of a scaredy cat… I wanted to ask you about your invisibility before digging in, but… Oh well, it doesn't matter. Let's get to work!"
In the colosseum in Grand Noah, two soberly disguised purple haired succubi were watching the current show with a great interest: Another blue-haired succubus was fighting an amazingly large minotaur. While she could easily exploit her speed to strike a few times before running back, it was clear that her attacks didn't have half the effect she thought they had on the monstrous beast. As they enjoyed the show, food in hand, they started discussing.
"Mmh… I must admit, I might have let this world get the better of me a little too fast, after all. There's so much to enjoy..."
"Awww… You see that you don't need to turn every male into a dry fish to satisfy yourself."
Lilith answered with a chuckle. "I don't need to indeed… Although they don't know that, and playing on their fear makes it so much more exciting, wouldn't you agree?"
Alma Elma silently nodded. She enjoyed playing mind games with her own partners: It was in good fun for her, but sometimes she did it to remind the men that succubi were more than mere sluts that they could use to satisfy their lust. She focused again on the arena.
"But still… Putting your youngest sister through the same trial… Isn't it a little bit harsh?"
"It was Astaroth's ideas. She told me it did well for her, so it would likely do good for Morrigan too… Although I still harbor some doubts myself."
Right now, the blue-haired succubus was still showboating in the arena even if it was clear to everyone else's eye that she wasn't winning the fight against the minotaur, even if the latter hadn't hit her a single time.
"Still… even with so little of her power, she's holding well. No, wait, nevermind, here it is…" Alma Elma gritted her teeth as a powerful axe strike threw Morrigan across the arena. To her credit, the youngest of the Lilith Sisters managed to recover and dodge the next attack, although her next strikes were even weaker and even less coordinated, making Lilith sigh.
"Come on, Morrigan… Take some distance and drain her with your aura… don't- and it's already too late."
Another attack from the minotaur knocked down the blue-haired succubus across the arena. As the winner roared under public applauses, healers were already moving in to take care of the succubus that had made her victim.
"At least she didn't give up after the first attack…"
Lilith exhaled loudly and got up. "I don't think she will get the message that way… I'll check on her in the infirmary, you're welcome to follow me if you want."
A few minutes later, after she got the confirmation that Morrigan was doing alright, Lilith and Alma Elma were walking side by side in the colosseum's backstage until the elder succubus started talking.
"…They're all waiting for us."
"Mmh?"
"You can feel it, Can't you?" Lilith smirked. "They've heard about the legendary succubi from ancient times and what they can do. They want to see us facing each other in the arena, in a fight of skills and wits, hoping all the while that it will end in a melee of pleasure attacks where we both try to outdo each other using our mastery over sexual arts… Don't tell me you didn't notice?"
Alma Elma shrugged indifferently. "They've been anticipating a lot of things. Since the end of the war against Ilias they asked all my fellow Heavenly Knights to come face me in the arena, they want Luka-boy to get raped by me…" Alma Elma's shoulders slumped.
"And you don't seem more enthusiastic than that at the idea of giving out such shows… The world is at peace now, and I swear you won't have to concern yourself with us anymore… Well, in a given measure. I intend to have you show everyone that you deserve to reign over all succubi, and you know what this means…" Lilith giggled, and Alma Elma herself shivered while returning her smile.
"Oooh… Are you actually challenging me?"
"Maybe… How about we discuss it in more details in Succubus Village over a nice meal? I'll just have to make a small detour to do first, and I'll be there in less than an hour."
"Mmmh… Don't leave me hanging then, I might get started on the appetizers without you."
Alma Elma disappeared in a gust of wind while Lilith remained behind, her smile turning into a frown. That small detour was currently a necessity she abhorred for a number of reasons. She steadied her breathing. Hopefully this wouldn't take too long…
Minagi, the Ancestor of all succubi, was currently sitting at a desk in her comfortable room in the Monster Lord's castle, examining different text of laws. The job bored her to death, but it was her punishment for acting up repeatedly. She still had the company of her sisters occasionally passing by, but she tired of hearing them reminding her again and again that she had been lucky to not be sealed again… Although her current work felt worse at this given moment.
Granted, she was supposed to be helped by Endiel, and the fact that the angel was unable to support her was her own fault as she got swept by one of her own lustful impulse. The angel was unconscious in her tent, a blissful smile on her face even as Minagi herself was forced to examine the constraints her Chain of Pleasure would have to follow.
This is so inane… I preferred the old times when humans didn't impede themselves with all those laws and simply came to us to die in bliss.
She loudly exhaled and leaned back on her chair before taking a look at Endiel. The angel whore was a skilled partner, but her stamina was still far from enough to satisfy the succubus who was also wishing to at least get her hands on one of the numerous men that were now living in the castle. Of course, the Monster Lord had quickly made her word clear on the matter.
"You will not be able to approach anyone until we gauge that you will keep your partner sound of mind and body no matter the ordeal you put them through. If they approach you with anything in mind, however, the responsibility falls squarely on their shoulders…"
Minagi had a small smirk. If anything, she got to enjoy the lack of respect the Monster Lord had for the more perverted fringes of the human population. If she held up her part and considered that only people with a deathwish would deliberately search for Minagi, then she was showing an amount of pragmatism that surprised the succubus.
Still… Nothing looked more like one of those boring days of paperwork than another of those boring day of looking at those documents. The succubus even felt her mind dull slightly in lethargy.
After an undetermined amount of time, she heard someone knock at the door. Even before the newcomer stepped in, she recognized the familiar signature.
"Please, enter Lilith, and make yourself at ease."
The purple-haired succubus entered before closing the door, doing her best to keep a neutral expression as she visited her theoretically imprisoned mother. She humbly bowed.
"Greetings, mistress, I came to query news."
"It is as you see." Minagi gestured around her. "I am still completing the sentence given by the Monster Lord and my fellow sisters as they estimate I tried to overstep their authority. They didn't harm me afterward, and even let me have access to some basic leisure." Do not worry about me, I had made my own plans and lost, nothing more, nothing less. Now…" Minagi turned back to her desk. "I welcome you and you are free to stay as much as you want, but there's not much to entertain one here…" She pointed at the unconscious Endiel.
"Very well… I shall take my leave then." Minagi appreciated the fact that Lilith kept her emotions in check, even in front of the more than awkward situation.
"Before you do so, and if I may ask… Just shake up that succubus queen a little. We wouldn't want her to go soft."
"As you wish, my lord."
Lilith stepped away, and Minagi allowed herself a smirk again. It looked like her cute little daughters had gone a bit soft, but if anything, it made for less competition to get herself the hero and the first seraph. She looked at Endiel, and her small smile turned into a predatory grin. The angel whore and her closer followers were a keystone in her plan to get to the second. As to the first… Tamamo had so much focused on her own family that the little puppeteer they recently captured had apparently escaped their attention, and the succubus could take the time to occasionally observe her through a long-range spell. As time passed, she even managed to guess what her plans were and built her own from them.
At least one of her two plans would work this time… She would either bring the hero or the first seraph in her bed, whether they wanted or not.
Maybe even both if everything happened exactly as she desired.
Threads… Threads holding her back. An abomination to bind her and her fellows to a monster's will.
No matter how much she struggled, she couldn't break it. It only further dug in her flesh, marking her body further.
That damn puppeteer had trapped her. Those strings and artifices reacted poorly with her.
That heretic had no idea what she was doing.
That string was filled with magic to bind her own. But it wasn't enough.
She could transform it and charge it with her own to turn it back.
And then she would help her fellows.
And then she would return against this world that stood up to the goddess. She would isolate and kill this world's leaders, on by one if must be.
It would take time, but time was everything she had…