Chapter 40
Chapter 40
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 40
Chapter Title: The Succubus Queen's Domain
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As we set foot near the domain of the Succubus Queen Belamora, a sweet sound began to resonate, so much so that it was hard to believe this was the Demon Realm.
The tone of a pipe organ and piano playing together, the clear, pure sound of ringing bells, and the sound of singing as if people were gathered in one heart and one mind.
— Welcome to the one and only fantasy land in this world, the first paradise and the last refuge♬
This collection of sweet sounds first informed us that this place was fundamentally different from the Demon Realm we had seen so far.
"...This is singing. Is it a device made to make people fall into dreams more easily?"
- I feel sick. The Demon Realm I knew was clearly a place where demons and monsters killed and toyed with people indiscriminately….
Victoria was speaking while holding my hand tightly as if she might miss something, and hearing her words, the multi-armed demon smiled brightly and began to explain.
"No, this singing merely signifies that you have come closer to the fantasy land that blurs the boundary between reality and dream, the Nightmare Theater."
"That's a peculiar name for a domain."
I retorted pointlessly while looking at the demon who was mimicking a guide all around.
Even if you hid your intentions like this, incubi and succubi were ultimately a breed that burrowed into people's dreams to look after their own interests.
"Haha, if you felt that way, you have good instincts. It's because our lord, Lady Belamora, is someone who enjoys even the nightmares people fear as a form of entertainment."
The demon then chuckled as if he found me amusing. He was politely guiding me because of the ticket I was holding now.
"...So you're saying you use people's sorrow or pain as your own nourishment."
"Everyone thinks that at first, but Lady Belamora wishes for all people in this world to live in happy dreams."
"If she truly desires such an ideal, shouldn't she not extort money from people? That's contradictory."
It didn't add up. If Belamora really was like a benevolent goddess trying to save people, she should have accepted all the pitiful types we saw earlier.
Seeing that she deliberately divided it with an item called a ticket and even created a hierarchy among people, she was really using her head well.
Because she structurally created discrimination and envy among people, ultimately making them want to climb higher.
"This fantasy land is not yet perfect. In exchange for showing people dreams, Lady Belamora must expend magical power!"
"So she can't do charity work penniless. That's why she grew her power while blocking people's dreams and memories."
I acted irritably toward the guide who was advocating Belamora's sophistry, to the point of momentarily forgetting I was using perception hindrance magic to remain inconspicuous.
I hated demons to the point my skin crawled.
Because their way of life was to mimic human hearts, deceive, and have a corner that was insane.
Just the fact that I was walking side by side with such a race didn't feel very good either.
"...Darling, aren't you being too serious?"
Then, Victoria deliberately wrapped her arms around mine, pressing her chest against it, and interjected into the conversation.
"Darling?"
Hearing this term for the first time, my mind went blank for a moment. Why on earth had she started calling me by a word used for a lover?
"Yes, darling. We came here on a date as lovers, right...?"
- If I make the first move like this, Lord Astal won't be able to say anything! After all, to subjugate Belamora, we also need to deceive the opponent!
Victoria slowly closed one eye, giving me a look to follow her lead.
Her judgment wasn't completely wrong either.
Right now, we were willingly entering Belamora's maw. Therefore, this method of deceiving the opponent was also necessary.
"Right, that's how it was."
I had no choice but to look at Victoria obediently and force a smile.
Since we had already used the VVIP ticket, it was highly likely Belamora would know we had come to the Nightmare Theater.
That meant she could, like last time, plunge everyone into an illusionary dream and torment them.
"...We came here to have happy dreams."
I muttered to myself so that those around could hear me saying something I didn't truly mean. If our reactions differed from ordinary guests, a demon suspicious of our identities might appear.
"Huhu, why won't you call me darling? You talk so well normally, are you perhaps embarrassed?"
"......"
- I'll use this chance to make Lord Astal call me darling…!
Victoria, covering her mouth and laughing, had inner thoughts so transparent you didn't need to read them to know, but I decided to pretend not to know.
This farce would also end once we killed Belamora. Our contract relationship was gradually heading toward its conclusion.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The impression I felt upon first seeing Belamora's domain was astonishment mixed with bewilderment.
"Her self-consciousness is incredibly excessive…."
Wherever you went, wherever you turned your gaze, her image was visible.
Busts and paintings containing the alluring figure of the Succubus Queen, even objects like frames that seemed to actually move and live, were attached to the building exteriors.
Countless lights and illuminations made the night appear as bright as day, and the procession of buildings decorated with glowing letters made it feel as if we weren't living in the same era.
"Indeed. As expected of a succubus who covets male essence, you could say. She may have dressed differently as if to stand out, but that vulgarity is something that cannot be hidden."
- Annoyingannoyingannoying…. Why does it seem like he's looking more intently at another woman than me….
Victoria showed a calm face while gnawing her fingernails click-clack beside me, expressing her anger.
Listening to her inner thoughts, it seemed she was angry because I appeared interested in Belamora.
"...You should wear your own clothes properly first before talking."
I frowned and spoke about Victoria's attire. She had modified her holy garments to her own taste, deliberately leaving the lower part of her chest visible.
I could confidently say that even the Succubus Queen Belamora's attire was more modest or chaste.
"Hmm, I think this level of exposure is quite appropriate. Does it bother you, perhaps?"
- Because I changed my clothes so you'd pay attention to me.
Victoria stuck her tongue out slightly and even took the action of spreading the heart-shaped hole in her chest with her finger, trying to seduce me.
The heart-shaped hole was precisely near where her heart was, and if you looked there, a lewd sight was visible.
"No, not at all."
"Then that's a shame. I did my best in my own way though…."
Victoria let out a hot sigh and gripped my arm a little tighter. No matter how many times I experienced it, I couldn't get used to this soft sensation.
The feeling of reason becoming paralyzed, all bodily sensations concentrating on my arm.
- Last night you lifted me up with something so hot and hard….
While recalling last night's events in her inner thoughts, she looked up at me with fox-like eyes. It was as if an invisible tail was wagging left and right behind her back.
"So, what do we do now? If we used the ticket Belamora gave us, she must have realized we came here."
The Hero Kyle gathered his comrades around him and began checking their plans once more. His face looked deeply concerned.
Originally, he probably thought the best course was to sneak in among the spectators and assassinate Belamora without anyone knowing.
That's why they tried to enter through legitimate means by purchasing tickets rather than storming into the domain without question.
"...I think our priority should be searching this area to find where Belamora is."
In response to Kyle's statement, the archer Taryon looked at the surrounding buildings and spoke. At the end of his gaze were geometrically shaped signs decorated with various colors lined up in rows.
- [Ignite your passion for adventure! Treasure Hunter! We present the dream containing the life of an archaeologist who set out to find treasure chests!]
- [Tonight, a forbidden love story no one else has experienced unfolds. Watch a film containing the entire life of an elf who lives forever and their reincarnated lover remembering and meeting each other again! Eternal Love!]
- [Lilith's Kiss. Succubi carefully selected just for you offer supreme pleasure. If you learn of this, you might not be able to return to ordinary life.]
"These are…. What exactly?"
"They appear to be a type of illusionary dream…. But there are many strange aspects that make it hard to say they're completely fake."
When Taryon slightly moved his finger, the images slid sideways, revealing the faces of people corresponding to each one.
As if they were the original owners of those dreams or memories, they made expressions full of vitality.
- We have to escape from here! It's a mimic with legs!
- Please remember me. Next time, I'll remember you.
- You know mating with a succubus feels much better than with an ordinary person, right? Huhu, how adorable…. You're trembling like a puppy.
The images that made sounds, changed forms, and moved seemed to be tempting people to enter their respective buildings.
How was this even possible?
Even when checking with eyes that could see magical power, it didn't seem like any special magic was being used.
At that moment,
"This is called a 'movie.' It's fascinating, right? Dozens, thousands of images are connected continuously to make them appear as if they're moving."
The click-clack sound of high heels echoed before us, and instantly an incredibly seductive voice felt like it was being driven directly into my head.
"Of course, the raw materials used here contain real people's lives and memories intact. That way they're more vivid, don't you think?"
A black-haired woman looking at me and my comrades with a bright smile. A red carpet was already laid at her feet, though I didn't know when she had noticed our arrival.
"...Belamora Rictis."
"Oh my, you remembered me. I'm honored. Huhu."
The identity of the woman wearing an overly revealing red dress, different from last time, bowing to show herself to me, was the Succubus Queen who ruled this place, Belamora Rictis.
"Lord Astal, welcome to my domain. Seeing you even used a VVIP ticket, it seems you really wanted to see me? Or…, should I think something else was urgent?"
"Shut up."
My perception hindrance magic didn't work on Belamora. She saw right through our identities and acted as if she knew.
"So impatient…. If you fight here now, innocent people will get caught up in the battle, won't they?"
We immediately drew our weapons, preparing to attack Belamora, but instead she smiled slyly and slowly opened her mouth.
The surroundings were bustling with countless crowds. No matter how strong we were, we couldn't avoid casualties if we fought in a place like this.
"Hey, if you're thinking of killing me, why don't we call a temporary truce until a week from now? I'll prepare a separate place for you by then."
"How can I trust you?"
"The ticket I gave you wasn't a trap, was it? Originally, I could have given you a fake that would make demons kill you immediately upon use."
The words from Belamora's mouth were so reasonable that we could only think for a moment. She spoke of her own death so lightly.
"In exchange, there's a movie I'd like to watch with just Lord Astal…. How about it? That's the end of the negotiation conditions. By the way, this is a date request?"
Belamora extended her palm forward, making a gesture for me to take it, and winked with one eye closed as if sending a special signal.
"Sorry, that would be difficult."
"Why…? An opportunity like this is rare."
"Because she's my girlfriend right now. Right, darling?"
I spoke while looking at Victoria, who was tightly squeezing my arm against her chest, and instantly her pupils widened enormously.
After all, the frontal approach was best for deflecting such temptations.
"......"
Victoria couldn't say anything and bowed her head deeply to hide her reddened face, but,
- He called me darling, he called me darling, he called me darling….
Judging by how she didn't let go of my arm or the noisy inner thoughts I could hear, she seemed happier than anyone.
"Ha…?"
Belamora's expression upon hearing my words gradually filled with astonishment and despair as if she hadn't anticipated it at all, and her voice began to tremble.