The Next Day
Living Room
It’s just the four of us: the king, Roka, a half-elf woman in green, and me.
Half-elf… so what’s the other half?
“Ryu-san, this is Rebecca Silversnake, my court magician,” the king says, gesturing to her.
Before I can respond, Rebecca suddenly steps forward and grabs my hand.
“A pleasure to finally meet you, Ryu-san—ah, I mean, Lord Kaijuu.”
Her eyes flick to Roka standing at my left.
“Hello, Princess Roka. Or I guess you’re not a princess anymore, are you?”
Roka’s gaze drops to where Rebecca is still holding my hand. Slowly, she looks up.
“Long time no see, Rebecca.”
Rebecca follows her stare.
“Oh? Ohhh.”
With deliberate slowness, she presses closer, her chest brushing against my arm.
Heat surges through me.
Before I even realize what I’m doing, my hand moves.
Rebecca yelps and jumps back, darting behind the king.
“Sexual harassment!”
Roka covers her face with her palm.
“You really haven’t changed.”
Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!
But that’s not what’s bothering me.
Why did I just do that?
In front of my wife.
It felt like my body moved on its own.
I clutch my head.
Why me!?
Rebecca peeks out from behind the king, pointing at herself with mock innocence.
“Oho? Are you jealous? You are, you are!”
She bursts into laughter.
Roka grabs her own head.
“AAAAARGH. I can’t take this. I’m getting Felmina.”
She spins and storms for the door.
“Wait—don’t leave me alone with her!”
She ignores me.
I rush after her, wrap my arms around her waist, and lift her clean off the floor. She lets out a surprised little “oh” as I turn her around to face me.
Rebecca starts approaching again.
I hold Roka between us like a living shield.
“That’s enough, Rebecca.”
She finally stops, then turns and bows lightly to the king.
“You are excused,” he says.
She sighs, suddenly all dramatic disappointment.
“Yes, my king.”
She leaves.
I set Roka down and turn back to the king.
“You see what I mean?”
“I do,” I say. “But why did I—?”
Roka pats my shoulder.
“It’s not your fault, husband.”
“Indeed,” the king says. “Rebecca is half-elf. The other half is succubus.”
…Ah.
“Those racial traits amplify each other. Her magic far exceeds that of any full-blooded elf. Conversely, her succubus abilities are impossible to resist without that necklace.”
He gestures to the pendant around my neck.
“You cannot approach within five meters of her without it. And if her skin makes contact with yours…”
He winces.
“…a man will lose control.”
I swallow.
“She caused quite a stir when she first arrived at the palace,” he adds. “Just remembering it gives me a headache.”
I take that in, then ask the obvious question.
“Then why did you bring her?”
He lowers his head slightly.
“Before I answer… what is your decision?”
“We’ll fight.”
The words leave me without hesitation.
Even I’m surprised by how firm they sound.
“In that case,” the king says, “she is here for security. I have also brought ministers to manage your territory during your absence.”
He produces a black sack and sets it on the table.
“This is for all male staff in the mansion.”
I stare at it, then at him.
“…Understood.”
“What else needs to be done before we leave?” I ask.
“Roka,” he says, “go inform Felmina to meet Ministers Rockefeller and Greenwich. Then proceed to the construction site and report to Foreman Billings.”
Roka nods and heads out.
The king turns to me.
“Ryu-san, you will begin packing your laboratory. Loyd will assist you. A research facility has been prepared at the training grounds. Once you assume Shanon’s role, you may continue your work while the army trains.”
He pauses.
“Management also advised that Roka assist in repairing your gravity suit—whatever that means.
Felmina will help test it. We depart tomorrow morning.”
“I understand.”
Roka leaves.
A moment later, I follow.
Time to find Felmina.
