Chapter 175
Chapter 175
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 175
Chapter Title: S3.5. Lilac Waltz + Word-Extinguishing Squad -4
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Knock knock knock.
Along with the knock came the women's voices echoing from beyond the door.
"Your Highness, we've arrived. We've brought a new encounter to accompany the familiar comfort you know so well."
A new encounter. That must refer to her—the one he'd locked eyes with by the window. Just that brief glance had set his heart racing and then dropping.
Third Prince Sledo tensed up all over. He was nervous.
If a mere distant glance had done this to him, what would happen if he saw her up close? Could he really maintain his cool-headed reason?
He even felt a twinge of fear behind his pounding excitement.
But he couldn't turn away the women outside the door. He needed them to fall asleep. Sledo tried to steady the tremor in his voice as he said,
"...C-come in."
No sooner had he replied than the door creaked open lightly.
One succubus bowed gracefully and politely. It wasn't a bow to Sledo. It was to exalt the black-haired woman following behind her.
The woman accepted it as naturally as if she were used to being served. Her hair, which seemed to absorb all colors, swayed gently, and every gesture captivated Sledo's gaze.
How could he describe her presence?
Her eyes, her walk—every part of her was beautiful. Noble and alluring. It stirred a man's instincts without being vulgar. She was like a statue meticulously carved by a master artisan.
Like a being from another dimension.
Her lips, curved in a faint smile, parted, and a clear, nightingale-like voice flowed out.
"Pleased to meet you, Third Prince. You can call me Lady."
"...L-Lady."
Only then did Sledo realize that the woman he'd seen from afar was now right before him.
However, as his view cleared and he caught the subtle exchange of glances between Lady and her succubus attendant...
"Milady. This is Third Prince Sledo."
"I got too eager... I should have waited for the introduction. Will you forgive me for stealing your role, Yuri?"
"Of course. If you'll let me serve you even more from now on."
"That's exactly what I desire."
The two of them matched like a single painting. That was the impression.
It's game on.
The goal of this scene is to extract information from the Third Prince and subdue him if necessary.
I could just chair-shot him right now and force the info out... but Elaine and Irid have an inner affinity for him. Ideally, I'd fix his head up nice and deliver him in one piece.
Alright, let's open the conversation.
Pinkles and Blackles disguised as succubi familiar with the prince, and me with only TS Illusion Magic active.
The reason I introduced a new 'Succubus Lady' character to the stage is to use the shield of being strangers to gloss over any awkward bits.
For example, like this.
"When I heard the Empire's prince would be joining us, curiosity got the better of me, so I came. I hope my visit isn't an imposition?"
"No, not at all. It's n-not an imposition... I get help from you all regularly anyway."
The Third Prince stammered his reply. He glanced around the room, his eyes landing on the teacups neatly arranged in the cabinet.
He seemed to hesitate whether to bring them out himself. I'd pegged him as spoiled from the drug rumors, but he seemed surprisingly down-to-earth.
"Ah... What kind of help?"
"Sleep therapy. It's hard for me to fall asleep..."
If his regular succubi visitors asked, 'Your Highness, what now?' it'd look suspicious no matter what. Unless he's got amnesia, he wouldn't forget.
But with the new face shield, it's this easy.
Yuri Lanster chimed in from the side.
"Yes, milady. We've been working to ensure His Highness has sweet dreams. Sleep is vital for skin beauty, after all."
"Oh, really? Then does that mean you have somnambulism, Yuri?"
"Since I dream of you even in my sleep, it might not be much different?"
"We've been sharing the same dreams every night?"
A light exchange of blows.
I casually scanned the room with my eyes. There's a table and chairs. As I moved toward them, Yuri pulled out a chair ahead of me.
I sat demurely under her service, gazing at the Third Prince with curious eyes.
"Shall we sit and talk? I have so much I want to hear. Including what kind of man the famous Third Prince really is."
"Lady doesn't go out much. She's very curious, so please understand, Your Highness."
Yuri's assist. Creating similarity between the shut-in prince and me to build a bit more intimacy. Clever.
"I-is that so? I see. That's just like me..."
"Wow, you're right! Your skin and mine look similar. Side by side like this..."
I reached out, lightly took his hand, and pulled it next to mine. Subtly layering Illusion Magic to match our skin tones even closer.
"Y-yeah. It does."
"Oh, you have a mole on your chest. So do I. That's two similarities already, right?"
"......"
"Who knows? Maybe we have even more in common. We look so alike? If you're not too busy, I'd love to find out more."
I added a bit more pressure to the hand I'd pulled. The Third Prince froze like a mouse caught by a cat, unsure what to do.
Then Yuri took my hand gently and pulled it away. A flicker of jealousy in her eyes. She whispered softly,
"You're making His Highness uncomfortable, milady. Holding hands like that."
"Ah, sorry. I got a little excited..."
I smiled sheepishly, but my eyes held a dangerous playfulness and delight at her jealousy.
And as I tickled her palm carefully with my finger, I subtly asked,
"Right. Holding hands so casually... that wouldn't be for anyone but the closest..."
"Yes, milady. Only for lovers that close."
"Hmm..."
I slipped my fingers between hers, interlocking them tightly as if they'd always been one. Shaking them like lovers would.
Making it seem like we were a couple.
Yuri smiled shyly. Fitting her unrequited love setting.
I held on leisurely—long enough for any onlooker to notice—then released like a butterfly fluttering away. But the final brush carried a hint of reluctance.
People crave more intensely what they've had and lost.
A beautiful girl shows interest, but Yuri intervenes and takes it away. Redirecting the attention to herself.
Designed to make the Third Prince resent Yuri and fall deeper for my character. And Yuri's disguised as his usual succubus, right?
This amps up hostility toward the 'existing succubus faction.'
At this timing, giving the 'I'm different from them' vibe will make him immerse deeper into my role.
We sync perfectly without a word. I tapped Yuri's thigh under the table out of sight. Nice job.
She nudged my shoe in response. You're too kind.
Now, gauge his reaction and decide the next move. If hate for Yuri spiked, plant a seed of doubt. If he's hooked on me, draw out his secrets...
"......"
What?
His expression's weird. What emotion is that?
The Third Prince's face was ambiguous.
Can't read it. Positive, but not admiration. Confusing. Need more info.
Yuri Lanster seemed puzzled too, leaning in to whisper in my ear,
"What is it, crazy wizard?"
"Dunno... Hehe, Yuri's so jealous. You don't need permission for that. Go ahead, pretty it up nice. Make anyone fall for it."
"Yes. I'll make your hair so beautiful even I'd fall for you."
"That'd be great."
Matching my sudden line, Yuri started fixing my hair. Touches laced with affection carry a subtle mood. You can feel the desire in every indulgent stroke.
I giggled as if ticklish, shivering slightly. Yuri responded with deliberately teasing motions.
"This tickles."
"You like being tickled, milady."
"I know you like tickling me. Go wild; I forgive you."
I glanced slyly at the Third Prince. His face... kinda like a yuri fan cheering a couple on. Yuri noticed too.
Time to test it.
Yuri trailed her fingers down my neck teasingly on purpose, and I let out a breathy "Ahh." A bit more overt signal.
"......"
Why... does he seem to like watching Yuri and me flirt more?
It kinda pisses me off. I went all out creating this girl character and showing off my skills, and this guy's ignoring her for yuri...!!
Calm down. It's not incomprehensible. Like how no one confesses to the top caste girl, her intense character might be a wall.
Not 'shove her aside and claim you,' but 'they look so good together...' He might've given up already.
Or maybe he's just born a yuri fan.
What's done is done. Pivot from seduction to building rapport and intimacy as core. Drift there.
"What do you usually enjoy, Your Highness?"
"Sleeping..."
"...That's it?"
"......"
Regret, sorrow, frustration. The Third Prince despairs at his situation. From the stories, it sounds like he really holes up and sleeps all day.
First, hook him.
"Another similarity added."
"...Y-you too, Lady? Sleep?"
"Yes. I have so much to do in dreams. Or rather, I have to be there... So this walk is really rare for me."
"Milady..."
Yuri made a poignant face. Perfect timing support. Bolstered, I feigned composure but laced my eyelids with near-resigned sorrow. Poignantly.
With two setting a funeral vibe, the third gets dyed too.
Write 'lots to do' read 'half-imprisoned.' This lady can't live fully due to some sad circumstance.
Plant the hook. He'll fill in the details himself. Next is key.
"...And you, Your Highness? Are you carrying something too?"
"I... well..."
I shared a secret, so spill yours—silent pressure. But my expression conversely showed consideration: no need if uncomfortable. Kindness.
Usually, that opens mouths.
"...I'm cursed. Nothing goes right. That's why I sleep."
"We're both suffering."
"......"
"We've only just met... but how about being friends? I'm lucky to have Yuri, but you seem so lonely."
Friend declaration. The Third Prince sniffled, reminiscing, then nodded.
He's open. Ease it out slowly. He'll spill from his tragic past to recent events. Softer-hearted than expected. Easy.
Blackles muttered blankly from behind.
"...Did they conspire without me?"
Yuri subtly kicked Blackles' shin from an unseen angle. Variable control success.
In the end, he brought the teacups himself. Brewed tea with a magic tool and poured. He prepared four cups. Treating Yuri and Blackles, close to servants.
Thinking how Irid improved after sessions, maybe the Third Prince started with a kind base.
And he began his tale.
The Third Prince's life was a chain of contrived misfortunes.
On the day of the imperial audience, Third Prince Sledo read affectionate concern from the Emperor and steeled himself. He resolved.
He must grow strong. Become a superhuman who overcomes any obstacle, so he wouldn't lose loved ones.
Become superhuman and return to the happy family days. He'd make it happen.
He burned all time in training mania to grow strong.
But upon arriving at the academy, everything went wrong.
Nothing worked out. Loved ones left miserably, followers distanced one by one. Sparring led to freak injuries, realm stagnant.
As if fate itself forced pain and failure on him.
Like the horrific misfortune from his childhood painting palace continued unbroken. That sensation.
Learned helplessness locked him in his room. Nothing works. Can't achieve anything. No rewards for effort break people.
Hearing this far, I recalled the Second Prince's report.
Roderus, Envers, Kim Lulu's red-flavor ducal secret facility raid. They felt 'fateful misfortune' there.
Magical Girl Odaesoo's guess: red duke's apotheosis affects fate. If black mages targeted him hard, it fits.
They made hypnosis statues, so Illusion Magic to shatter mind is obvious.
Then deploy succubi to shake spirit.
Funnel world's unfairness via fateful misfortune.
Boost despair through academy magic circles that worked fine before I came.
A deliberate combo to ruin one life.
Felt like a hateful TRPG run by a GM full of spite.
The Third Prince muttered gloomily.
"...I, I just wanted my family to get along. But Elaine and Irid fight over the throne, even targeting me. Impossible dream, so I sleep..."
"That must hurt so much..."
"Y-yeah. Seeing people get along... I'm jealous. Good you have someone like that."
"......"
I see. Longing for harmonious relationships. Not yuri per se, maybe sisterly warmth.
Then. In this setup. I could flip it.
Good, let's reverse.
"...Third Prince. What if it's all someone's scheme...?"
"Milady! That's...!!"
I started, Yuri followed. She got my play instantly. Third Prince panicked.
"...W-what do you mean?"
"Milady, no. Even if the Third Prince is pitiful, that's betrayal of Her Majesty...!!"
"But, Yuri. This can't go on. Mother's on the wrong path. You know..."
"What nonsense is this."
This time I kicked Blackles' shin.
Instant setting.
I'm the Succubus Queen's daughter, cooperating unknowingly—or ignoring—her evil deeds.
But this sparks kinship with Third Prince, deciding no more. Becoming a whistleblower.
"...Listen well, Your Highness. The First Princess and Second Prince... they've reconciled. Didn't send assassins, no grudge."
"W-what...?"
"It's true. Info from peeking dreams, no lies."
"Milady..."
Yuri clung desperately to my arm. She knows defying the Queen means doom.
But loving Lady, can't stop her dangerous path... just agonizes. That's the set.
Yuri's face full of panic. Mine: resolute determination. Plus a spoon of purity. Trustworthy vibe.
Third Prince seemed to grasp the 'situation' from the exchange.
"...W-was I deceived? But why tell me...?"
"Though brief... we know the pain of dream imprisonment. How agonizing."
"......"
"...Don't be used, Your Highness. Time to wake from the nightmare."
Yeah, he felt it. Why black mages? They crush souls cruelly.
He knew no pure goodwill reason to help. Just ignored it.
"...Th-then. What should I do?"
"I'll get you out. Academy has Defense Bureau agents now. Contact them."
"B-but. If Elaine and Irid..."
"Trust me. They truly mean no harm. Come on, up!"
Grab his hand, pull him up. He hesitated, wobbled, but followed my lead. Momentum for breakthrough.
Nail it with mood. Tension, anxiety, yet righteous gaze. Borrow early Niore's eyes.
Resolve like fire spreads to sides. Third Prince gained courage midway, walking himself.
Leading him out of the mansion, guards blocked.
"Halt! Why drag the Third Prince out?"
"Emergency procedure... Mansion facilities insufficient. Need better place."
"What? Last time you said everything's here... Huh?!"
I shoved the guard with my body, yelled to Third Prince,
"Run! To the professor!"
"...B-but. You!"
"I'm the Queen's daughter. Big scolding, but won't die. Don't worry, hurry!"
"What is this, betrayal! Third Prince escaping!"
"Kyaa!"
Guard shoves me down. Third Prince hesitates, then flees. Brave succubus's sacrifice chance. Can't waste.
Third Prince mustered courage. They could've left him, but conscience helped.
Weak from shut-in life, he ran desperately. Yelled,
"I-I'll get help! I'll bring people!"
"......"
I see. Calling reinforcements to rescue. Satisfied inwardly. Proper human repaying grace.
Guards hearing yell shouted,
"Chase!"
"Can't let you! 'Direction Loss'!"
Cast Illusion on mansion guards. They flailed, ran wrong ways. Guard drew sword, furious.
Yuri embraced slumped me protectively.
"...Milady."
"...Yuri, sorry. My stubbornness. But couldn't stand by."
"No. I knew your personality, failed to stop you. Should've flatly refused your outing pleas..."
"Take me away, Yuri. All my selfish decision; you shouldn't be punished."
Poignantly consoling each other. Powerless justice saddens like this. My eyes fill with guilt.
Yuri soothed as if okay...
"...Cut?"
"Cut."
Scene end.
"What are you blabber── Gah, urk!"
I tripped the guard's leg, disrupting balance; Pinkles landed left straight in open guard.
Seeing it, Blackles drew whip with a drained face.
"...Acting done?"
"Yeah, done."
"Crazy wizard. To meet Third Prince as ourselves... clean these up quick, get to lab first?"
"Right. Handle fast."
I stretched, dropped disguise. No beauty left; gloomy black-haired red-eyed male appeared. Guard clutching solar plexus gawked wide-eyed.
Even sky falling wouldn't make that face.
"Too bad no kiss scene, crazy wizard."
"With Third Prince as lead, how kiss you? Knew it'd blue-ball us, right?"
"Knew. Still hoped, even without plot logic."
"Talk smooth as ever."
Regret mixed with refreshment.
I smacked lips, scanned. Troops recovering from Illusion daze. Some prepping soul extraction—black mages.
End quick, return. Full power from start.
Except Wavesoul Phantom. Post-black mage suicide, save for right time/place.
Snap fingers, command.
"From the sea of information, emerge, 'Heavenly Demon / Evil God'."
Boom!
"I... huff... I'm the Empire's Third Prince, Sledo Crown. I need... help!"
Third Prince desperately ran to pale, gasping rescuers. Must save his savior.
The codename Crazy Wizard, hooded, replied calmly,
"Third Prince... Heard all from Second Prince. He said if you seek aid, he'd pay; help you. What's wrong?"
I see. Irid truly worried. Not him sending assassins. Their words true. She was real benefactor.
Then.
Clutching chest, Third Prince squeezed out,
"The women who freed me... in danger. Must save them...?"
Third Prince steadied breath, eyed wizard and suited woman behind alternately.
They were sweat-drenched, subtly panting. Like ran hard from afar.
Before he asked, they excused,
"...Ah, it's hot. D-don't mind."
"...Yes. We sweat a lot."
Three ran back the way they came.