Chapter 49

The three of us—Mary, Lidia-san, and I—brainstormed various ways to make the marriage meeting end in failure.

We met at Mary’s mansion. It would have been unnatural to stay at the Orbein estate after our business there was finished, and at worst, there was a risk of our conversation being overheard.

“Listen, just as a fundamental point, what if we just take Cerulia away so the meeting can’t happen in the first place?” I suggested.

“No, that’s a bad idea. Running away from a marriage meeting is considered ‘desertion in the face of the enemy.’ If you tried something like that, her father would literally tear you to pieces, Franz.”

Mary’s words sent a chill down my spine. I’d really like to avoid being torn to pieces.

“I did some digging into the Incubus she’s meeting,” Lidia-san said. “This is an old article about him from a newspaper here. It even has his portrait.”

The man in the drawing was incredibly handsome.

“Apparently, ever since he was young, he’s been quite active as a lover to human noblewomen. Word is he’s earning a fortune in the Demon Realm now. They call him the ‘Madam Killer’.”

“Well, that’s depressing. It looks like winning on looks or income is out of the question… I hope Cerulia is okay…”

“But,” Lidia-san continued, “there’s a rumor that he has a bit of a weird fetish. Actually, this article was written specifically to deny that rumor. It might be worth testing it out.”

“A rumor? I can’t quite read the language used in these Demon Realm papers… it’s different from the script used for Dark Magic…”

“To put it simply, this Incubus has an extremely narrow ‘strike zone.’ We might be able to break his concentration enough to stop him from seducing Cerulia.”

I listened to Lidia-san’s explanation. It sounded like a pretty interesting plan.

“It’s a pretty ‘wicked’ plan, right? But there’s a ‘wicked’ catch too.”

I figured those two “wickeds” had different nuances in this context.

“I mean, even if we manage to break off the engagement, this guy is definitely going to snap, right? And if he snaps, he’s going to come after you, Franz. That’s the ‘wicked’ part. You get me?”

To an Incubus, a human male is a complete non-entity. If I earn his grudge, my life is on the line. But I didn’t care about that. If I started worrying about risks like that, I’d never get anything done.

“Protecting Cerulia comes first,” I said firmly.

“Got it. Then let’s give this plan everything we’ve got.”

●

The venue for the meeting was a spacious, high-end restaurant with a view of a garden. The three of us—the Sabotage Unit—were stationed in that garden, watching the situation unfold.

First, Cerulia entered. Her clothes were slightly different than usual; I took it as her being dressed up for the occasion. Her expression was gloomy. If she looked too happy, the opponent might find an opening to exploit. Though, beyond any tactical reason, I think she just wasn’t happy enough to smile.

I wanted to fly to her side right this second, but that would leave us with no excuse. I had to lead the situation so that the Incubus was the one who caused the problem.
After a while, the Incubus side appeared. He was exactly the handsome man I had seen in the newspaper.

“I am Halbald the Incubus. It is a pleasure to meet you today.”

Even his voice sounded affected and pretentious. I’m sure most men would feel the same way. It wasn’t just his voice; his expressions and movements were all exaggerated. It was so unnatural that I almost found it impressive.

“I am Cerulia. I feel quite embarrassed, as I don’t believe someone like myself is a match for you at all, Halbald-san…”

“That isn’t true. I have seen many Succubi, but I have never met someone as beautiful as you, who also possesses such a kind heart and sharp intellect.”

“You couldn’t possibly know my heart when we’ve only just met.”

“Not at all. Reading a woman’s heart is my job, after all.”

Suddenly, Halbald took Cerulia’s hand and tried to kiss it. Gah! Hey, watch your personal space, you creep!

But just before he could, Cerulia swiftly pulled her hand back, dodging him.

Good job, Cerulia! Hiding in the garden bushes, I almost shouted out loud.

“My parents have told me that the value of a woman is diminished if she becomes too ‘easy.’ I am sorry.”

“I see. It was my own rashness. Forgive me.”

That guy didn’t even look apologetic. I really wanted to punch him!

“Whoa, whoa, easy now. Franz, you have to endure for now. We can’t jump into the plan just yet,” Mary whispered, restraining me. She was right; it was too early.

“By the way, Cerulia-san,” Halbald asked with a smirk, “does that attitude mean there is someone you have already given your heart to?”

Cerulia looked slightly pained, and like she was whispering a deep secret, she replied:

“I have someone I serve. He is still young—he was a student until March—but he is a very sincere and wonderful person.”

She really did love me.

Someone clever might say that her love is different from the love of a normal couple. For example, they might point out that a Succubus doesn’t stop her man from being with other women. But that’s just a difference in values. Cerulia definitely loved me. I was absolutely sure of it.

“But that person is a human man, isn’t he? I don’t believe he is worthy of you,” Halbald said with a smug look. What do you know about me, you jerk?

“Because his life is too short for you to love for your entire existence. His looks will fade quickly. You should love a man of more value. If you come with me, I will have high-quality servants do all the cleaning and cooking—”

“And what of it?” Cerulia retorted with a powerful voice.

“I did not choose my Master for his looks. I am with him simply because life with him is joyful. I love him. The value of my love is for me to decide.”

I thought it was impossible for me to love Cerulia any more than I already did.
But I just fell for her even harder.