Succubus Among the Refugees
Succubus versus hero? If this turns into an eroge, we're screwed.
A refugee camp packed with evacuees from the Lionheart Kingdom. It was a massive nation, so the number of refugees was enormous. Even their knight orders were legendary, and they had dozens of Master-rankers, so there was no need to explain how powerful the kingdom had been—it would just hurt my mouth to try. Who could've imagined a kingdom with nearly three hundred years of deep history and prestige crumbling overnight? The survivors who fled for their lives probably never saw it coming either. They must've thought, It won't happen to me, letting their guard down. That's how anyone would live. Otherwise, you'd be too anxious to function.
Why had the Evil God come down to the kingdom? Did they have no fear of being repelled? Well, they were once gods themselves. Mortals like us wouldn't scare them. There had been clerics in the kingdom and temples too... but judging by the current state, their initial response must've been inadequate. Or maybe these were the only ones who made it out because they were the strongest. As long as the kingdom's people survived, it could be rebuilt anytime. Word was, even the king had fought alongside the knight orders against the Evil God to buy time for the citizens to escape. They say the blood of the lion's heart knows no fear or terror—the so-called royal blood. And this wasn't a joke; in a world where superior races actually existed, it seemed the nobles and royals had made tremendous sacrifices to defend the kingdom.
"Riko-chan, so what happened?"
"Hmm, I asked you to call me that expecting a little embarrassment~"
Embarrassing? No clue. Riko explained that aid was pouring in from various kingdoms right now. The Adventurer's Guild had spread the news, so relatives and families were coming. Some had married into other kingdoms, so those families were gathering here to retrieve their kin. At the same time, the guild and the All Gods Temple were mobilizing forces for full preparations to take down the Evil God. I could see adventurer parties who'd fortified themselves against charm effects—solid succubus countermeasures in place—and holy knight legions marching toward the walls. I wanted to join them, but with that much manpower, maybe they really could handle it?
"For now, they'll take supplies and the noble heirs. The common folk get the short end, but with so many countries hit by this Evil God crisis, I think they'll be welcomed anywhere."
In the Trust Union, there was no forced affiliation for the kingdom's citizens. If they wanted, they could migrate to other nations freely. It'd depend on circumstances, of course... but Riko said that with nationwide damage like this, every place would surely welcome them with open arms. Especially technicians and farmers—they'd be extra prized. Sure, there'd be some racial biases, but Feridae folk might even compete to take them in.
"No slaves around here, huh?"
"Well, aside from criminal slaves, it varies by kingdom, but the Trust Union guarantees a certain level of freedom and treatment. So be careful—here, formal slaves are hired as laborers or servants, but other kingdoms enslave and abuse even humans."
It hit home since she'd been sold into slavery herself. If that happened, the witches would pool their money to buy "Human-sama" back. How about a Human-sama harem in Witch Paradise? She grinned as she said it... but with Riko being the only guy around the witches, wasn't this personal? She put a hand to her chest and winked. Her heart's a girl's, you know. I miss Hyacinth.
Thankfully, they were handing out basics like bowls and canteens. When I took off my hood and revealed myself, eyes locked on instantly. Hmm... what now? I'd talked it over with Riko, but revealing my skills could make me a target. On the flip side, it might get me protection too. According to her, the continent had major kingdoms, self-proclaimed empires, and all sorts— the Trust Union was just freakishly unique. Probably because of the heroes. Total weirdos, every one. I decided not to hide.
Not just any race—a human had appeared. The refugee camp buzzed. With only minimal adventurers and guild staff left distributing supplies, I found a spot and sat. How do I best recruit people...? As I pondered, my eyes met a kid heading off with a plate and canteen for food. No parents? No guardian? Adults were keeping kids close... or maybe this one was in a bad spot. I quietly beckoned her over.
Her golden hair stuck out like a mane, spiky ears and tail just like a cat's. I'd never seen one this close... The girl stared at my round human ears in wonder too. I took her canteen and plate, filled the canteen with water—my hand gripped it, and it poured right in. Then piled her plate high with fried chicken. The kid blinked in shock at the impossible sight.
"Uh, um, uh..."
"I'll make as much as you want, so eat up."
That alone drew plenty of stares. Judging it enough, Riko took a deep breath and shouted: Free food and water here—come get it worry-free! It's a blessing from the gods, no poison—Human-sama says come! The rare combo of Levitfoot and human had people murmuring. Suspicion, fear, wonder at the unknown—eyes full of mixed emotions poured my way.
The quick-witted guild staff apologized for the intrusion and asked if they could form a line. They even brought a box of potions, offering them if my blessing drained stamina or mana. Stamina potions to restore energy... and mana ones too. Riko hummed happily, stashing them in her subspace. My conscience stung a bit, but if they're offering, no refusing. Potions are always better in bulk.
The hesitant kid with nowhere to go lingered by me, so I spread my hood on the ground for her. Stroked her head, told her to sit. She obeyed meekly, munching fried chicken busily. Then crowds followed her lead. I could provide unlimited if they wanted. Unlimited refills thrilled the refugees. At a guild staff's request, I filled a wheeled water tank too. For kids, I sometimes slipped them glow-in-the-dark dinosaur toys.
"The gods must be pleased too."
Riko sat beside me, smiling at the brighter faces. Want a lap pillow if you're tired? She teased, rubbing the exposed skin between her miniskirt and leggings. I asked her to watch the seemingly orphaned kid instead. Riko agreed, giving the lost girl a lap pillow and head pats.
"Looks like almost no one escaped the capital. If even the king barely made it out, what more is there to say? This kid fled alone, then some relatives grabbed her and brought her here."
"Lots of orphans?"
"Miraculously, the capital was hit first, and the knights bought time, so most citizens got out safe. A miracle."
And here's someone making another miracle, Riko teased with canned praise, handing me cool matcha. Judging tastes perfectly is a good wife's basics... To avoid witch suspicions, we're pretending to be married. I saw through her 90% teasing and nodded curtly. Sure, whatever.
"Once they repel the Evil God and reclaim the kingdom, the king'll go down in history. So he got minimal treatment and rushed off to slay it—devoted to his people, a fine king."
How long since the subjugation force left? Night was falling. Dinner was fried chicken too, but no complaints. We kept the homeless kid with us.
"No relatives, family friends, anyone?"
She shook her head sadly. Riko noted her golden mane suggested upper Feridae— even in the Trust Union, kidnapping risks. We decided on temporary guardianship. Worried about dragging her to our single room inn, then a robed figure approached as the crowd thinned. She slowly shed the robe, revealing stunning beauty—the kind that makes eyes pop, even in a world full of hotties. She approached the kid with a seductive smile and steps... but soon turned to me, drawn like a moth to flame. Her path curved unnaturally, like iron filings to a magnet. Pink manicured nails extended toward me—hand so perfect it could be a mannequin's. The instant it neared my body,
Clear Mind resists "Charm".
Holy Sword's stats rise due to worldly desires.
I drew the holy sword from my waist and slashed upward diagonally. Should I be relieved it went as planned? Dismissing the two windows, I sheathed the blade gleaming white. Adventurers and guild staff rushed over in alarm. Carefully peeling back the dead woman's robe—slashed through vitals for instant kill—revealed devilish wings at her waist.
"Succubus...! When did it slip in?!"
"You okay? We'll call a priest. Not charmed, right?"
"I'm fine."
The succubus had targeted the girl beside me, not me. She wouldn't have expected pheromones luring her own kind. Hiding among refugees, biding time? ...Adventurers drew weapons, searching with priests. Luckily, only one succubus lurked among them.
"It was after the kid, right?"
I nodded to Riko. Unease wouldn't fade. Leaving the kid with her, she silently engraved every protection rune she knew—on my robe, armor, weapons.
"Might not help, but I carved all the blessings and wards I know... You'll tell me not to follow, huh?"
"I'll come back if things go south."
Just scouting. I'd told her my skills; seeing it charm a succubus convinced her, but worry lingered. Succubus Lords could charm anything, though. Better not cut down allies. ...Let's go. Legs should've felt heavy, but Clear Mind made steps light. Was the fight dragging? Or worst-case unfolding? To check, I headed alone to the capital.
Off solo. Like a hero storming the Demon King.