The guy kneels before me.
"Will you be my queen?"
It takes 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 stays silent for a moment, 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 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 reply softly, accepting the cup and taking a small sip. It's just a 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, HUH?!!—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 the 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 happened.
"Anu, Mitsua... it's not what it looks li-"
"It's nothing. I just came to visit and want to take Onee-Chan 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 have been staying in this house for so long, don't know anything about the man beside me? I grab my head with both hands, unable to process what I just heard.
("Why am I the only one who don't know about this...") (Depressed)
I realize 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 hear 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 to Saoto for 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 knew. 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 has 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 realize, Saoto is standing right beside me. He stomps 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 his intention. 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 welcomes 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 has been 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 bring 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 Saoto now has what I'm looking for. Not to mention, my journey will be far 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 then startled by Saoto who suddenly hugs my head tighter while pulling 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, leaving only a 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 a safer place. I'm worried that both of you might be in danger anytime soon. If Sei's condition worsens, I'll handle it."
"Ehm..."
"Hurry, Mitsua!"
Mitsua runs after Mom, leaving the living room. Saoto then get up while carryings unconscious Sei outside and lays her across his lap at the yard. Saoto continues to use various healing magic on Sei, but still, there is no reaction 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 has 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 don'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")
Succubi are known for their ability to seduce their victims. Some are even able to control their victims' bodies to perform various adult stuff in order to obtain the source of their life in the form of human lust and passion. Those who bear the lust crest 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 stops 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 makes 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 being shocked upon seeing something.
("This symbol... It's a slavery crest 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 dressing her, Saoto sits stiffly while stroking Sei's head who is still unconscious.
("Uh, did I pass out?")
For a moment, I can't feel my legs and arms. It's as if all my nerves have 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 already 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 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 despite being 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 right now.
Saoto looks at me while thinking for a moment. Maybe he was considering something after seeing my current state.
"We should discuss this matter later, after Sei's condition becomes more stable"
What's up with that call? Why are you suddenly calling me 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.
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 that I'm still in my room. A strange dream just now makes me think that I really got pierced by a sword. I observe my surroundings carefully.
("Looks like someone has laid me on my bed. At first glance, nothing seems suspi-")
"HUH?!!" (Shocked)
I'm shocked to see my body that doesn't covered by 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 too, but rather a succubus, who is known 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 still sleeping on a wooden chair, resting his head on his hand with his elbow on one of the tables in the corner of my room. He sleeps well in his usual clothes while facing toward 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 covered at all...") (Anxious)
I lie on the bed, remembering my fate. 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 had 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 check on Saoto, who was asleep a while ago. Saoto, standing right next to me, hands me a piece of biscuit along with 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 Sei continues wearing a shirt and stays covered by the 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 slightly heavy. 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 come out of his mouth are enough to captivate anyone who listens, but his flat face ruins the atmosphere.
"Well, Sei, eat this or Sei will throw up later for catching a cold"
("Honestly, I almost threw up because of your words 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 ask again,
"How long have I been unconscious?"
Saoto puts the food prepared for me back before looking at me and holding my hand tightly. Despite being treats like this, I don't brush it off since I don't find myself hating it.
"Sei passed out for 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. Still trying to remember, I stop the moment Saoto continues 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 in total and I used every healing spell there is"
I gasp at that. Saoto says he only uses the magic he knows, 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 every son of a nobleman I've ever met before, who, despite having pure blood, still can't give so much as 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 look 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 get are just biscuits 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 a squeaking chair, 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 so close to mine.
"Seinarin... Is that really what Sei was 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 am being carried by him with only a blanket wrapped around my body as the only barrier preventing him from directly seeing my naked body. I panic and worry for a moment because he looks at me with a serious look on his face. If I make a small mistake, my fate will change drastically. I finally give up and tell him the truth while blushing.
"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 think 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 bring myself to look at his face directly right now.
For a moment, there is no reply from Saoto. He remains completely silent, without saying anything or even reacting. I then look at him, puzzled. For a moment, I see tears falling onto the blanket that wraps my body.
"T-thank you, Seinarin. This is the first time someone has ever worried about me"
I keep silent and say nothing. I then tightly hug Saoto, who is still carrying me, placing both my hands on his shoulders while stroking his back. Saoto also welcomes my hug by hugging me tightly.
My body feels warm. My breathing becomes heavy and restless. My heartbeat becomes faster. 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 lets go of his embrace and looks at me with a puzzled face.
"Sa-Saoto can feel what is connected on Sei's hips, right? W-Why Saoto want Sei as a life partner?"
I ask 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, also but from Mitsua and Mom.
Saoto looks at me with a faint 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 like Sei"
I cover my mouth with both hands, letting out a squeak while looking at him with shining eyes. I don't expect that's the answer Saoto would give me. But at the same time, deep down in my heart, I feel so much calmer now that I know. I look back at Saoto's face. I don't know why my heart is beating faster right now. My cheeks redden while my breathing feels much heavier. My body is also starting to feel strange. I look 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 comes out of the blanket that was wrapped around my body before swaying rapidly back and forth to show my emotion, which is far from calm at the moment. Slowly, Saoto lowers my body before placing me back on the bed. I quickly used 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 head to the palace. Sei, please go to bed early tonight. After all, Sei's body has not fully recovered yet"
I can feel Saoto kisses my head before walking out of my room. My heart becomes restless at the moment. Just 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 this entire time?
A true form of love?
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