Chapter 706: Bewitchment
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 706: Bewitchment
"Something doesn't seem right."
The light was soft, the atmosphere sensual. Pink silken curtains swayed in the breeze like a coquette beckoning a lover. Unfortunately, no one present was in the mood to appreciate such beauty or romance. Muen and his two companions stood huddled around a small, vibrating toy, staring at one another with expressions more solemn than they had ever worn before.
As men... or rather, as biological men currently masquerading as women, they understood better than anyone exactly what this room was designed for the moment they stepped inside.
The massive pink bed, the bathroom with its silhouette-revealing glass, and the walls lined with various "toys"—combined, these things would have excited ninety-nine percent of the men in the world.
However, that excitement was predicated on being the one doing the bending over, not the one being bent over.
And certainly not being bent over while disguised as a woman!
The mere thought of the Grand Duke of Bewitchment entering this room like a big bad wolf, extending her claws toward them—the poor, helpless little white rabbits—and using these toys to play "something fun" with a wicked smirk... it was enough to make one's skin crawl.
It wasn't just fear; it was pure, unadulterated revulsion.
Actually, even before that, their disguises would likely be seen through instantly. Muen didn't believe for a second that these flashy tricks could deceive the Grand Duke of Bewitchment.
She wasn't blind.
An enraged Grand Duke might just castrate them on the spot, forcing them to live as girls for the rest of their lives.
And then she would bend them over—or rather, "them" as women—and ravish them properly.
Given the vicious rumors surrounding the Grand Duke of Bewitchment, none of this seemed outside the realm of possibility.
"No matter how you look at it, that Grand Duke is a total sadist."
Maven sighed despondently, idly snapping a long whip. Even though he wasn't skilled with such a weapon, the tip of the whip still whistled through the air in several elegant flourishes.
The grip was light, the body of the whip supple. In the hands of an expert, this whip could undoubtedly be used in dozens of different ways.
"Now is not the time for that," Muen said.
Unsure if the Grand Duke kept her senses expanded while "busy," Muen pointed to the adjacent wall. He didn't make a sound, instead mouthing the words:
What do we do? If we stay here, it’s only a matter of time before we’re chosen.
These two had run in here on purpose. Muen didn't believe they lacked some trump card to slip away.
Otherwise, why come in? To satisfy some twisted cross-dressing fetish?
What do we do? What can we do?
Maven blinked, looking entirely innocent as he mouthed back:
The demons are watching so closely. I’m just a weak, ignorant young girl. Do you really think I can just run out of here?
As he spoke, Maven even lifted his floral skirt, running a finger "seductively" over his hairy calf. Maybe the Grand Duke will be captivated by my peerless beauty. Not only will she not hurt me, but she might even pamper me in every way possible.
"..."
Right, Leita?
"...Gag."
Tsk. None of you know how to appreciate true art.
Maven huffed and flopped onto the large bed. What’s the saying? If you can’t fight it, you might as well enjoy it. I figure as long as the Grand Duke likes playing these games, our lives aren't in immediate danger.
Muen’s cheek twitched.
Big brother, don't you think that even if she likes your "peerless beauty," her rage when she excitedly lifts your skirt only to find something that shouldn't be there will be far more terrifying than a direct threat to your life?
Or is it that you actually have a tiny bit of secret anticipation for that kind of thing?
Muen shuddered again and silently moved a bit further away from the guy.
He hadn't realized this fellow had such tendencies. If he ever met the Platinum Princess again, he’d have to have a long talk with her.
That said, Muen knew Maven was just talking big while likely planning something else entirely in secret.
The reason was simple: to Maven, "Miss Muse" was still a stranger. He could beat his chest and promise protection, sure, but showing Miss Muse his "hidden treasures"—his trump cards—was out of the question. Maven knew how to prioritize.
"In that case, there's nothing more to say."
Muen couldn't exactly lift his skirt right now and declare they were all on the same side, so there was no need to be shy. Instead, he found a spot to lie down and rest.
Regardless, he had to wait for these two to make their move before he could act.
Someone was bound to get impatient first.
*
Time flowed by, and soon, the "wonderful" night had passed.
Under the service of a succubus whose curvaceous body was barely covered by scraps of fabric, the Grand Duke of Bewitchment stretched her impressively arched waist and donned a magnificent robe.
Her stunning face was slightly flushed, giving her a shy, demure look, yet she exuded an extraordinary, predatory allure and majesty. It felt as though one's soul would be sucked away just by meeting her gaze.
Behind her, on the massive bed, several poor girls lay unconscious in various states of disarray. Their bodies were sprawled out in charming poses, but a closer look revealed that their once alabaster skin was now covered in welts and bloodstains. Various "toys" were scattered around them, making the scene look utterly wretched.
And yet, on each of those pretty faces, there remained a lingering glow of bliss, as if they had just fallen from the heights of ecstasy.
"The quality was decent."
The Grand Duke licked her red lips, seemingly savoring the memory.
"The taste of human adventurers is much better than I imagined."
"After all, they live on such fertile land. It would be impossible for them not to taste sweet," the succubus chimed in with a giggle, swaying her long tail. "Your Grace will surely be able to feast to your heart's content this time."
"True, but even among humans, there are differences in flavor. Those captured in the Abyss are a prime example. Last night's batch was delicious, but the ones from a few days ago were revolting. I wonder, in the vast human kingdoms, among the countless masses, if there are those with even more exquisite flavors?"
The Grand Duke showed a hint of anticipation. Despite being a Great Duke of the Demon Race, her expression at this moment held the innocent longing of a young girl.
She truly did love beauties of all kinds.
She had even made a trade with a certain individual for this very reason, allowing her to sneak into the human world. The human kingdoms were noisy and chaotic, but they had people—countless people—for her to pick and choose from as she pleased.
Unfortunately, the aura of the Demon Race was too conspicuous. The moment she made a move, she would draw the attention of human powerhouses, so she didn't dare venture too deep.
As for the humans who frequently fought demons in the Abyss or those on the borderlands, their flavor was quite poor, perhaps due to the pollution of the Abyssal aura.
"There certainly will be," the succubus flattered with a sweet smile. "Lord Bewitchment will surely fulfill her wish."
"Then let us look forward to it. On the day we invade the human kingdoms, I hope the 'cake' Divine Will promised us is actually edible."
The Grand Duke rose languidly and glanced at the girls on the bed.
"As for them... the flavor was good, but they’re too fragile. Perhaps they are like flowers—the more beautiful and vibrant they are, the more delicate they become. A pity. A withered flower is meaningless... As usual, throw them away."
"Yes."
The succubus leaned down and pressed a well-hidden mechanism by the bedside.
With the low rumble of machinery, the pink bed slid slowly aside, revealing a pitch-black, deep hole.
The succubus grabbed the limp limbs and dragged the girls off the bed.
Her movements were brutal. The girls' delicate bodies collided and scraped against the floor, yet not a single one showed any sign of waking.
The lingering bliss remained on their lips, but if one stared at those pale faces long enough, they would realize that behind that bliss, there was only a hollow void.
It was as if their souls had been completely dissolved by something at the very peak of their pleasure.
The succubus casually tossed the girls' bodies into the hole like broken dolls.
A few seconds later, a faint, muffled thud echoed from below. By the flickering candlelight of the room, one could see that in the depths of the darkness, several skeletons had been dislodged from a mountain of remains by the impact, sliding down the pile.
Clack, clack.
The mechanism closed, and the pink bed returned to its place. The soft candlelight flickered, and the room was once again filled with a sensual, beautiful atmosphere.
"How many 'little flowers' do I have now?"
The Grand Duke stepped out of the room, taking in the entire corridor and the numbered doors.
"Reporting to Lord Bewitchment, there are eighty-seven in total."
"Quite a few."
The Grand Duke wiped the corner of her mouth with her finger. "With this many, I should be able to enjoy myself for a good while. Hehe, Divine Will really did give me a wonderful assignment."
"Indeed, but..." The succubus hesitated.
"Speak."
"But... Lord Divine Will might blame you for the delay. At this rate, it might take a very long time," the succubus said, bowing respectfully. "After all, Lord Divine Will seems to place great importance on that matter."
"True. It concerns the future of the entire Demon Race, so I shouldn't be negligent. However..."
"Does Your Grace have another question?"
"Not a question, exactly. I just find it strange..."
The Grand Duke suddenly leaned in close, her slender fingers tracing the succubus's lovely face, forcing her to look up and meet her eyes.
"I don't believe... I ever mentioned a single word about 'that matter' to you. How did you know? What, did Divine Will specifically send you to keep an eye on me?"
"No..."
The succubus's face drained of color. She shook her head violently, her voice trembling. "No, Lord Bewitchment, please listen to me. I didn't... I would never betray you. I just—"
"Whether you did or didn't doesn't matter anymore."
The Grand Duke took a light breath.
The succubus's eyes suddenly bulged, like a frog being squeezed. She struggled fruitlessly as wisps of white mist formed a bizarre phantom, drifting out of her nose and mouth before being inhaled by the Grand Duke.
Soon, the succubus's body went limp and collapsed. The Grand Duke tossed her aside like trash, just as the girls on the bed had been discarded moments ago.
"Truly foul..."
The Grand Duke pulled out a handkerchief to cover her mouth, frowning. "The souls of demons are as rancid as ever."
She raised a hand in displeasure, and another enchanting succubus stepped forward, swaying her hips. She dragged the previous succubus away as if it were a common occurrence.
"Hurry? Of course I'm not in a hurry."
The Grand Duke scanned the bright numbered plates on the doors, chuckling as if answering the previous question.
"Why should I be in a hurry? Let’s take it slow. Someone is bound to lose their patience eventually. If a rat only runs in circles in its cage, where’s the fun in that?"