Volume 9 Chapter 23 Finale
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Ha— ha—
No way—
How could Hero…
Very bad.
This is bad. I have to do something.
If I use Daydream, I can at least pull her into a dream for a moment. Even with my power, that moment will be short. Still — it’s better than nothing.
But then what?
Who could defeat her in that one instant…?
Very bad.
No. It’s because no one can defeat her that we’re here.
What should I do? How can I break this deadlock—
It felt like standing before a raging storm, a force that was anything but ordinary.
A cold, sharp killing intent that froze the blood.
Even the queen could not move her feet.
It was like a tsunami coming in.
There was no escape. You could already imagine being swallowed whole, and then, even as death closed in, you stood there helpless and stunned.
Like a lion that failed to be collared, its eyes unreadable, staring.
The trap had sprung too suddenly.
There was no time left even to feel regret.
They only stood there, bewildered, unable to take their eyes off the angelic reaper before them.
* * *
”What’s with that look?”
”Actually, what’s wrong with you? Why aren’t you changing form?”
Though he wore the small body of a boy, his face still gave off the same feeling as the usual Klock.
Cianie tilted her head without expression at him.
Seeing her so ordinary and calm made the corner of his mouth twitch into a smile.
”By the way — how did you get here?”
”How? I guess… I kind of seeped into the dream. …No, never mind. Don’t worry about it.”
”Seep…into the dream…?”
”It’s nothing.”
Klock pulled a face of shocked disbelief at Hero coming to help.
His mouth twitched and he took a half step back.
Cianie reached out and grabbed his sleeve, pulling on it with a frown at his odd behavior.
Don’t get the wrong idea. She was Hero, not some pretender.
Klock should have manfully taken her hand and led her, pulling her along.
It would be shameful to let the one who came all this way be embarrassed.
Klock scratched his cheek, looked away, and patted her head.
Maybe that awkward mix of movements bothered her — Cianie stared at him with a piercing, long look.
”Hero… sama…?”
”…You are…?”
Gina and Cianie looked at each other.
”I’m Gina — her younger sister.”
Cianie’s eyes widened.
Gina flustered as if it were the most shameful thing to say.
They met face to face after fifteen years.
If Klock had rightfully become the head of Livorno, perhaps the two would have met long ago.
Or maybe Gina would have already been married off to Amadei.
Either way, fate had brought them together now, oddly enough.
”So, anyway—”
There would be time to catch up later.
Right now, someone else should be the focus. Someone who stood frozen there.
”What will you do, Kispe? Will you fight?”
”…!!”
Klock’s question left Kispe clearly shaken.
She opened her mouth for a moment, but no words came out.
She seemed to try to say something, but nothing followed. She was clearly panicking.
She could not have expected the real Cianie to appear.
When a copy returned to knife, this is what happened.
Someone without the whole story would never imagine such a thing.
Kara, kara — light sounds tapped the stone floor.
Unfamiliar footsteps came, separating Klock and the others from Kispe.
A colorful robe with floral patterns.
Strange wooden shoes.
Long, well-brushed black hair.
A pair of striking red horns that jutted from the forehead.
”Who—”
Cianie answered in the coldest voice possible.
”Lady Kispe’s slender, elegant sixth finger. Princess Juju of the Offering Room.”
At that name, Cianie narrowed her eyes.
Cianie did not reply. She had already lost interest.
Her gaze turned instead to Kispe behind her.
Executives and the like did not matter. Cianie only cared for the queen of succubi herself.
Her barely contained killing intent pressed even on Klock standing nearby.
”My father is the head of the Oni people. I’m here as a hostage in the Crimson Spire. Hero. So glad you came.”
”…Huh?”
”Huh?”
Princess Juju of the Oni people spoke in an extremely odd way.
”Since you came all this way, I should be polite and tend to you, but now is not the time. Please forgive my rudeness.”
”…Um.”
Princess Juju’s strange speech and solemn expression left everyone unsettled. They probably didn’t understand a word she said.
Cianie looked back and glanced at Klock, as if asking for help.
”Of all things, to meet like this as enemies… I don’t want Kispe killed. The Oni were saved by her. Kispe isn’t just a beast. Because of her, our people were spared. Please, spare her life.”
”…”
Cianie furrowed her brow and fell silent.
This reaction was rare. Her fierce killing intent seemed to weaken.
She looked as if she couldn’t tell what Princess Juju was saying and was at a loss.
”So you’re saying Kispe saved you?”
”Exactly. The Oni lost against the Majin in the first battle and were cut down to the last. But Kispe reached out her hand. While many wanted us destroyed, she invited us to join. She saved us.”
”I— I see.”
In short, the Oni had been defeated by the Majin, but Kispe’s pleading spared them from annihilation.
Princess Juju had been taken as a hostage to the Crimson Spire, and the Oni people were folded into the Demon Lord’s Army.
Because of Kispe, they had been saved. Kispe — maybe not so bad after all.
That was the gist of her argument.
”What are you trying to say? In the end, you’re still our enemy, right?”
Cianie snapped, rejecting the plea.
”Kispe isn’t a bad person. Please spare her.”
”…Ridiculous. It’s a waste of time to listen.”
Cianie’s reaction was not favorable. Understandably so.
The castle was a ruin. It had been smashed to pieces. Knife revived, and Cianie rushed here at that speed.
Until today, what must she have felt waiting outside?
”Kispe Shisa. Stand where you are. If you have a weapon, take it. I will not spare you. I will kill you here. I will never forgive you.”
”…Hero…”
Cianie stepped forward with her sword in hand.
She crushed the rubble and sand beneath her feet and faced Kispe.
Kispe did not move an inch.
In fact, she looked terrified.
She tried hard not to show it, but her face looked half as though she would cry.
Her usual cheeky provocation did not come out at all.
Only the faint sound of ragged breathing.
No way.
Was she really that strong before?
Even Viola showed more spirit.
No — she had only ever been a copy when she fought.
Well, when you’re about to die, anyone would be scared.
This is over. The outcome of the fight was already clear.
I thought there might be another twist, but Kispe had clearly lost the will to fight.
A fight does not go to someone who has given up.
Cianie stepped forward once more.
There was a crack — the blade creaked on its own.
Just walking caused the stone floor to split under her feet.
”Kispe!”
Princess Juju turned and called out to Kispe.
”Tama…”
”Hurry and bow your head already!! Don’t just stand there — if you keep dawdling, everyone will die!!”
Princess Juju raised her voice and scolded Kispe sharply.
Though she was a hostage, or under her command, they seemed almost equals in reality.
Kispe looked like a child about to burst into tears.
She really did look like a young girl at this point.
For someone who might be queen, to show such weakness…
…Hm?
Ha. I see. So that’s it.
It was a fortune-telling trick after all.
So Athena’s ability had already revealed the outcome before the fight began.
No wonder. That would kill anyone’s will to fight.
If you already know how it ends, what’s the point?
If it came to a physical battle, Cianie’s victory was certain from the start.
For Kispe to have any advantage, she should never have called Cianie to the Crimson Spire.
The moment she did, her defeat was sealed.
In this world, the succubi under Kispe would die.
If they fought, total destruction was guaranteed. No matter what plan she made, there was no way to defeat someone with unmatched strength—and even immortality.
Kispe didn’t know all of Hero’s hidden power.
She only saw the outcome through Athena’s divination—and once she knew it, she froze.
She was too smart for her own good, unable even to lash out like a cornered cat.
”…Hero. I’ve lost. Please… spare the lives of my people.”
She sank to her knees, her skirt brushing the floor, and bowed her head.
Kispe Shisa, queen of the succubi.
Without a fight, she surrendered.
Before the Hero, she yielded completely.
”Klock.”
”Yeah?”
”Kispe can’t be allowed to live. The succubi behind her—all of them must be eliminated.”
Cianie’s judgment was merciless.
”If you aren’t one of them, then leave. You have ten seconds.”
”Hero…”
The sentence was passed coldly.
At her words, the succubi behind Kispe screamed.
”Hii—!”
”No… please…”
The succubi lived as spirits in the wasteland, but here in the Crimson Spire they had bodies.
If they were killed here, they would die for real. Everyone knew it.
Some collapsed. Some trembled. Some began to cry silently.
Only moments ago they had seemed fierce soldiers—now they were terrified young girls.
They had just been sentenced to death by an overwhelming power.
Even succubi were still young women. Of course they would cry.
Klock glanced at Gina.
She hadn’t spoken a word. Tense, yes, but calm.
She was watching carefully, keeping her composure.
”Please, forgive Lady Kispe.”
Princess Juju stepped back, dropped to her knees.
She placed both hands and knees on the ground and bowed low.
Her forehead nearly scraped the floor as she pleaded for mercy.
”How dare you. You’ve killed more than enough people to deserve this. And you took my family hostage—how could anyone forgive that?”
Her voice broke open.
The anger she had been holding back now poured out.
Even the weight of a princess bowing to the ground meant nothing to Cianie now.
Sorry, Cianie.
But things have changed.
If Kispe dies, it’ll cause trouble for me.
There’s something I still need her to do.
Cianie, still furious.
Klock grabbed her arm.
”Wait, Cianie. Why do you want to kill them so badly?”
”Why? Because these women are a threat to us. Among the Demon Lord’s Army, they’re priority enemies. And worst of all, they kidnapped you, Klock. They crossed a line that can’t be forgiven. That’s why I’ll never let them go.”
Her tone made it clear she thought the question itself absurd.
Klock frowned. Fair enough.
If he were in her place, he’d feel the same.
Stealing someone’s lover wasn’t something to forgive.
”But they’re surrendering.”
”I won’t accept it. Just knowing they exist disgusts me. They went after you because they couldn’t beat me. That’s unforgivable.”
”Yeah… can’t blame you. But aren’t you supposed to be the Hero?”
”…What?”
It wasn’t easy to say, especially after she’d come to save him.
”If you kill them now, I might start to lose respect for you.”
”Wh—what? Why?”
”Think about it. Cutting down people who’ve already surrendered? That’s scary, isn’t it? It means you’d never forgive anyone, no matter how much they apologized. If I saw that… I’d start wondering if one day, if I made you mad, you’d do the same to me.”
”I’d never do that to you, Klock!”
For once, Cianie’s usually calm eyes went wide in shock.
Klock’s words were part warning, part truth.
”People who can’t forgive only spread fear. Maybe you don’t mean to, but others judge you by what they see. A Hero shouldn’t act like that. Yeah, Kispe used some rotten tricks, and you have every right to be angry—but try to hold it in this time.”
”Klock… but…”
”Look at it this way. If you even forgive someone like Kispe, everyone will see you as the kindest person alive.”
What a shameless way to twist things.
Even Klock knew how manipulative he sounded.
Cianie clenched her teeth.
She probably thought he was just saying whatever suited him.
But Klock wasn’t lying.
A Hero was close to a ruler.
He had studied for that since childhood—this was his own kind of reasoning.
Someone like her couldn’t act on anger.
When a strong man showed aggression, people feared him no matter the reason.
And when someone too powerful acted violently, even allies started to fear them.
”The more a Hero kills with overwhelming power, the more people fear her—and pull away. Then she becomes the next one they want gone. Because she’s terrifying. And no one defends her. No one wants to get caught up in it. By the time she notices, even her trusted friends have left.”
Even Suzette and Meina wouldn’t stay by her side forever.
They stayed because trust bound them now.
But people’s hearts change. If Cianie acted out of anger, even they might start to fear her someday.
”Cianie. You’re the strongest warrior alive, worthy of the Hero’s name. You’ll never lose to anyone. So let them go. If they rebel again, you can just beat them then. When you act scary, everyone trembles—but when you show kindness, others will get angry for you instead.”
Of course, letting Kispe live felt impossible.
And truly, she was dangerous. With her Cursed Eye alone, she could wreck the world.
Few were as terrifyingly unreasonable as her.
”…Klock. I…”
Still, Cianie hesitated.
Klock turned to face her fully.
”Hero. Please, forgive Kispe and the others.”
”…Klock…!!?”
Klock bowed his head to her.
A well-mannered boy, bowing like a child begging a wandering savior.
”W–wait, Klock!! Why?! Stop—! If you bow like that, I won’t know what to do…!!”
Cianie, usually composed, was flustered for once.
Having her lover bow to her like that—it was too much.
Feeling a bit guilty for pushing too far, Klock kept his head lowered.
”F–fine! Fine, I get it! Stop already… I won’t kill them. Just raise your head.”
”…Really?”
”Y-yeah. It’s fine now…”
Klock lifted his head and smiled—a bright, boyish smile.
Cianie looked torn, almost ready to cry.
Maybe he’d gone a little too far. It hadn’t needed to come to this.
He’d been a bit cruel.
”Thanks, Cianie.”
”…Yeah.”
He gently patted her head.
Since Klock had returned to his younger form, it almost looked like a sister comforting her little brother.
Usually she had to look down at him—but now, they were nearly the same height.
”Leave their punishment to me,” Klock said.
”Understood,” Cianie replied.
The two had been talking as if there were no enemies nearby.
When they finally looked around, the others were frozen in place, just staring at them in shock.
”…Hey, Kispe.”
”Yes.”
”You’re surrendering, right?”
”…I will accept any punishment you see fit.”
Her voice was calm, almost solemn.
Gone was her usual arrogance and smirk.
Who would have imagined that Kispe Shisa would ever bow her head like this?
So this was what it meant to truly win a battle.
”All right then. Let’s make a contract.”
”…A contract?”
”A slave contract.”
Even if she said she’d forgive her, the opponent was Kispe — the demon girl whose eyes alone could sway half the population and split kingdoms in two.
There was no way to let someone like that go unbound. She needed chains, literal or magical.
”As you wish,” Kispe said quietly.
”Good. Just so you know, I understand how dangerous you are. The contract will include absolute obedience.”
”As long as my people are spared, I will give you anything you ask.”
Kispe accepted without argument.
She seemed resigned, her will to resist completely gone.
Normally, she would have tried to talk her way out of it, bargain for leniency.
But not this time — not before the Hero.
Maybe even her divination had told her that silence was safest.
”I just need to mark the seal, right?” Cianie asked.
”Yeah. Kispe’s magic power is huge. Only you can handle it. I’ll take ownership of the contract.”
”You’ll hold the mark, Klock?”
”Yeah. You don’t need it. Even if she betrays you, you can beat her. And if she runs, you can find her again anytime. But me? I’ll be safer if I hold the mark myself.”
”You’re right. That’s better.”
A slave contract prevented harm to the master.
But it didn’t have to be the official master — as long as it was written into the binding, anyone could be protected.
It would be annoying for Cianie to carry the seal of someone she despised on her body.
Better for Klock to bear it himself.
If Cianie had to see that mark every day, it would just bring her stress.
”I understand,” Kispe said, lowering her head. “From this moment, I acknowledge you as my master, Sir Klock Livorno. I thank you deeply for your mercy.”
”Uh… yeah.”
He barely stopped himself from saying “this is awkward.”
Even Klock frowned at how humbly the once-proud succubus queen behaved.
Winning didn’t feel satisfying at all.
He sighed — a little too heavily for a boy his age.
The slave mark glowed faintly as it was carved into her shoulder — the sign of defeat burned into the Queen of Succubi.
With that, the battle finally ended.
This was fine. This would have to be fine.
He’d probably get scolded once they returned — Suzette or Primlena would call him crazy for sure.
Well, too late now. More important things awaited.
Klock looked down at the heavy black blade in his hand.
Moments ago, it had been the shape of the former Cianie.
He remembered the memories it carried — and his face tightened.
The vampires had killed the past-life Cianie.
And not just any vampires — nobles.
Viola had been a villager taken from the Sand Village.
The double’s memories of the Crimson Spire must have been a reconstruction — but that meant it had really happened.
His grip tightened, knuckles white.
The emotions in those memories burned vividly in his mind:
The grief of losing Viola and Rugandia. The helpless fury of being unable to stop it.
It felt strange, carrying someone else’s memories inside him — yet when he recalled them, anger welled up as if they were his own.
Cianie’s regret was something he had to avenge.
Kispe had been close to Viola. Through her, Klock could reach her again — and then, the Moon Court would finally open to them.
He would take Viola back from the vampires.
”…Lady Kispe…”
The succubus girls looked at her anxiously.
They exchanged worried glances.
They had sworn absolute loyalty to their queen — and now they’d seen her kneel and surrender completely.
Maybe they were wondering whether to rebel, to try rescuing her.
Klock decided to speak up.
”Listen up. I don’t plan to harm her. As long as you follow the rules and don’t raise your blades against us, we’ve got no reason to fight you. Our goal is to defeat the Demon Lord and drive the Majin off the Human Continent. We’re not here to wipe out your kind.”
The succubi turned their eyes toward him — every one of them.
Even Alice and Athena were among them.
Would they believe him?
Or hate him?
”If you don’t oppose us, there’s nothing more to fear. Kispe will remain your queen.”
”…But isn’t she your slave now?” asked Celestina timidly.
She flinched, not at Klock, but at Cianie standing beside him.
”Until we defeat the Demon Lord or drive away the Majin,” Klock said, “that’s all. If you stay loyal until then, we’ll reconsider the relationship.”
”Reconsider… the relationship?”
”We’ve already made peace with the Forestkin and Fishkin. If you help us too, you won’t stay slaves forever.”
Who knew what the future held?
But in moments like this, big promises worked best.
Hinting at Kispe’s freedom — at possible peace — would calm them for now.
They exchanged serious looks.
Maybe it helped.
At least, none of them looked ready to attack.
Kispe was clearly loved by her people.
Even Princess Juju’s deep bow showed how much she respected her.
When the time came, a person’s true nature showed through.
If Klock treated Kispe harshly, her people might rise and fight to the death.
To avoid any more conflict, it was best to keep this contract temporary.
”For now,” Klock said, “we’ll seal your leadership until the Demon Lord’s Army is gone. In return, we’ll leave your people alone. Agreed, Princess Juju?”
”Truly, we are grateful. I’ll never forget this kindness,” Juju said, lowering her head, her long black hair flowing like silk.
Klock turned to the queen beside her.
”Kispe. Don’t try anything stupid. If you want your freedom, behave yourself. Got it?”
”Yes, Master. As you command.”
”Mas— wh—? …Right.”
Princess Asura Kispe, Seventh Seat of the Demon Lord’s Army—
defeated, kneeling before the Hero.
With that, the long conflict with the Incubi and Succubi came to its end.
—
Fight with all your might — terrible fortune.
Join forces with your kin — terrible fortune.
Try to flee — terrible fortune.
Save only your people — terrible fortune.
Cry and beg — bad fortune.
Plead desperately — bad fortune.
Abandon the fight, do nothing — good fortune.
Win sympathy through tears — good fortune.
Obey with humility — good fortune.
Accept the contract — great fortune.
To think it would end with such light punishment.
You’re kinder than I thought, Hero.
To think you’d even bow your head for me.
Could it be… you’re weak to a woman’s tears?
Or maybe… you just wanted to make me yours? ♡
Men always think that shouting or using force will make women obey.
But we’re not nearly as weak as you think.
Notes:
• Cianie – A noble girl with a fluffy white and light blue dress, indicating her high status. She has a hesitant and flustered personality but is kind and courteous. Her relationship with Klock begins as an accidental encounter and develops into a romantic interest. She has a fiancé but expresses feelings for Klock, complicating their relationship.
• Gina – A kind choir member who shows genuine concern for Adelina. She’s a rare ally in this unfamiliar place, offering some comfort and companionship.
• Athena – Harpies adventurer; appears alongside Alice at Barreith gathering, flirtatious, joins Klock and volunteers for upcoming battles
• Meina – She is a golden-haired catgirl employee of the beastman (Larana the cat woman) Inn, appeared performing fellatio, desperate and tear-streaked, with an inexperienced yet earnest approach to her work.
• Suzette – The older maid from Viscount Fennec. The head maid at the Viscount Fennec’s villa. She is confident, clear-spoken, and professional.
• Primlena – Orange-haired merfolk priestess, fierce yet elegant | First v8c3 | Sister of Sea General Primjune, subordinate to Primrity | Once captured and violated by Klock, now obsessed with reclaiming honor | Commands Obsidian Riders on giant fish, fights with trident | Seeks to drag Klock to Seabed Temple for marriage trial or execution | Unique note: revenge-driven siren bride who masks fury under ritual grace
• Rugandia – Human maid from Sand Village appearing before Croce Estate’s fire, assigned by Sylvia’s father as her loyal, diligent servant.
• Alice – Rabbitkin adventurer; appears at the same Barreith gathering, playful and mischievous, interacts with Klock, part of recruited volunteers
• Celes – A bear-type Beastkin Succubus living with Alice after Klock’s arrival. She’s playful, physically strong, and driven by her species’ “mating season” instincts. She teases Alice often and treats life with freedom and spontaneity. No known family or formal ties; she’s Alice’s companion and occasional housemate.
• Celestina – Another child from Kispe household, playful and mischievous, shows up with Alice Lau in recruitment scenes, frail but lively appearance, beast-like ears marking heritage.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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