Volume 9 Chapter 13 The Battle-Tested Fox Princess
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Celes. How’s he doing? Is he behaving himself?”
”He’s been a good boy. Staying right here at home with the three of us, getting along just fine.”
It had been a little while since Celestina had left Alice’s house.
Kispe greeted her subordinate with a soft smile. Celestina walked up beside the throne where she sat and plopped down onto the floor with a thud.
”That’s a relief. No matter how much you charm them into liking you, kids that age still wander off to play whenever the mood strikes.”
”Well, he’s right on that line between boy and man. Raised like nobility, too—he’s not the type to ditch his favorite girl for some wild adventure.”
”Your favorite girl… heh heh♡”
It was a rotten joke. Manipulating someone else’s feelings on purpose like that.
And yet Celestina found herself smiling as she said it.
Controlling a man.
There was no greater thrill. Even after a hundred years of life, it never lost its shine—this delicious rush of fun.
It was a hobby most female succubi shared.
”Anyway, Lady Kispe. You got some job for me?”
”Yes. I happened to spot you, so I called you over. I was hoping you’d bring him here.”
”Hm? You mean that guy? What’s up—did something come up that needs him?”
Kispe rose from her throne.
She reached into empty space and dug her claws in.
Then, as if drawing back a curtain, she tore through the fabric of reality itself, striding forward. What emerged was a blank white void. And in it, the figure of a girl.
Celestina blinked in surprise at the unfamiliar girl with her eyes closed.
”The Hero.”
”…Huh? This kid…?”
She looked like the daughter of some noble family—neat and tidy.
But her face was plain as a country bumpkin.
”For real? This is the legendary Hero? She looks like some dirt-smelling villager you’d pass on the street.”
”Aw, come on. I think she’s pretty cute. I like her.”
If you asked whether she looked like a Hero, the answer was no. Her clothes were bright and elegant, a sure sign of money at home.
But nothing else about her stood out, and she wasn’t flashy enough to impress Celes, who loved a bit of glitz. No warrior gear or fierce aura, either.
”Well, Lady Kispe’s never been one for over-the-top decorations. I guess this plain style is more your taste.”
”Excessive ornamentation is just a distraction. If you’re trying to show off a gem as grand as myself, there’s no need for gold and jewels. A well-tailored outfit, wrapped around you nicely—that’s all it takes to look adorable.”
Celes waved a hand in exasperation.
Of course, she wasn’t actually annoyed. She just found Kispe’s usual arrogance reassuring, as always.
The more beautiful and bold their kind was, the better it reflected on all succubi.
The more confident she was, the prouder it made every one of their sisters feel.
”But to the point—I want to form a contract with her.”
”Yeah. Might as well, while you’ve got the chance.”
”Exactly. But naturally, she refused. She’s begging me to return him. So—”
”I get it. That’s why you want me to fetch him.”
The corners of both succubi’s mouths curled up.
The girl—Cianie—stirred at the sound of her name.
But she stayed fast asleep.
Kispe gazed down at her with a gentle smile, like an older sister.
”I’m not trying to resort to something as tasteless as threatening a fragile little girl, you know? But… seeing how a Hero weeps when her loved one is right in front of her? That’s just too intriguing to pass up…”
”Mm, that sounds like the twisted glee of a total sadist itching to make her squirm!!”
Kispe pressed a finger to the girl’s lower belly.
She traced a slow heart shape, gazing down at her with affection.
A playful tease on the sleeping girl.
The forbidden thrill of touching a sacred Hero without permission.
”Hero. Your lover… or your pride. Which matters more to you…? Before you’re a Hero, show me you’re just a girl…♡”
She leaned in close, her face inches from the girl’s lips.
Staring intently, she brought her mouth to her ear.
”What I’m after is the throne of the next Demon Lord. To claim it, I’ll have to eliminate the current one. I was planning to enlist your help in conquering the Empire… but once I become Demon Lord, I can pull back from the humans if you’d like. It wouldn’t inconvenience you at all. So please… lend me your power.”
”Lady Kispe~~”
With a sudden crash, the throne room’s doors burst open, slamming against the air itself.
”Athena? What’s got you in such a rush… and why do you smell like smoke?!”
”Oh, Athena. I can’t believe it—you, of all people, who pride yourself on being so clean. Did you try seducing some dragon and get a face full of fire from his wife?”
”That’s not—!! I didn’t try to snag a husband-dragon and end up scorched by his wife!!”
Athena, the sparrow succubus, had clawed her way into the throne room, talons scraping across the stone floor as she gripped the edges of the doors.
No doubt their charms didn’t work on anything outside humanoid form. The two succubi greeted her with a teasing joke.
”You seem a little off today. Puffing out your cheeks like that… it just makes your cute face even cuter, you know?”
”Thanks! But this isn’t the time for that!! They’ve been kidnapped!!”
”Huh?”
”Klock!! He got kidnapped!!”
The little bird-girl puffed out her cheeks in the most adorable pout.
The two succubi blinked.
They exchanged a glance, then turned back to the teary-eyed sparrow succubus.
”What happened?”
It was clearly big news, but they stayed calm as ever.
They weren’t the type to panic easily.
”Attackers broke into our house. Two of them. Both kids, but they’re probably from the wasteland!”
”Attackers from the wasteland…? How did they even get into the Crimson Spire…? Tell me more about them.”
”Both were little girls. One was about Alice’s size—probably human. The other was even younger, not even ten yet. She was a dog-like Beastkin… but those fluffy ears? Definitely fox!! A black-furred fox Beastkin!!”
”A black-furred fox Beastkin, you say?”
Kispe hummed thoughtfully, lost in consideration for a moment.
”Oh yeah, I forgot. Sir Bors sent someone over here, didn’t he?”
Oops.
Celes scratched her head roughly with her thick claws.
”What’s that about?”
”Well, turns out Sir Bors shipped someone our way. I ran into this girl he fought with at the Crimson Spire the other day. If she showed up here, that means…”
”I see. Talk about rotten timing. So one of the attackers is her?”
”Definitely. Though honestly? The timing’s perfect—couldn’t be better.”
”What do you mean…?”
”I think her name was Gina or something. Get this: the one he sent over? She’s apparently Klock’s little sister.”
Time seemed to freeze for a beat.
Athena and Kispe blinked in unison.
”…So the brother sent his own sister as a hostage? And it wasn’t on purpose—just a fluke…? What an incredible twist of fate.”
”Isn’t it hilarious? I meant to tell you, Lady Kispe, but the days slipped by and I forgot.”
”Oh, Celes. Forgetting something that fun? You’re such a scatterbrain, as always.”
”Hey—! This isn’t the time!!”
She stomped her feet, talons clicking against the stone floor.
”No need to panic that much. Alright, Celes.”
”You got it. I’ve got her tracked, of course.”
”Thanks. Athena, you go with her.”
”Yeah! We’ll get him back in no time!!”
＊
”You’re pretty clued in on our world, huh. Who the heck is this fox girl, anyway? And how many intruders are sneaking into the Crimson Spire when they shouldn’t even be able to get in?”
Celes leaned out the window frame, her bulk filling the opening.
Klock and the others scrambled outside in a panic. They spilled into a narrow street, dark and hemmed in by towering buildings like some forgotten back alley. Celes came charging after them right away, bursting through the door as if she meant to shatter it. Kuzuha stepped forward to meet her head-on, ready for the fight.
”Kids. Hand over that brother of yours nice and easy. You don’t wanna end up in a world of hurt.”
With that, Celes flashed the claws on both hands, letting them gleam in the dim light. She was a bear Beastkin succubus, and those claws were a fearsome mark of her kind—thick, razor-sharp blades that could slice through flesh with a single swipe. Just looking at them carried an overwhelming sense of menace.
”Oh? If you really think we’re just kids, why not finish us off quick? What’s with all the chit-chat?”
Kuzuha, out in front, held up two fingers in a sharp flick.
Celes frowned at the retort.
”Rosetta would’ve come at us without a word, gone straight for the kill. Even if we spotted her first, she’d be coiled and waiting for her moment. At this range? If it was her, we’d already be done for.”
The fox girl let out an exaggerated sigh.
”But you? You’re all gaps and no rush. Sure, you’re a big, strong bear Beastkin, but at the end of the day, you’re just a succubus. Unbeatable in this world, right? That’s why you’re so sloppy. It’s written all over you—you’ve lived soft and easy your whole life.”
It was a blatant taunt.
Kuzuha looked down her nose at her, utterly dismissive. Her attitude had a touch of theater to it, probably because her body was still so young.
”Hah. Quite the mouth on you, little miss.”
”Those cute beast ears and that sharp tongue—kinda reminds me of Alice. Adorable~”
The first line was Celes’s.
But the second came from behind them. A high-pitched voice, full of bubbly energy—that way of talking screamed…
She came along after all.
Of course she did. No way the pursuit would be just one person.
With a light tap of her claws, she landed on the ground, the momentum making her breasts bounce. What emerged was a harpy succubus. The sparrow girl, Athena. It looked like Celes had charged out to flush them into the open, planning to trap them between her and Athena waiting in the wings. Now the harpy had sealed off the street behind them.
”…Shameless woman…”
Gina’s face twisted in disgust at the sight of her.
Athena was basically naked as always. Her huge breasts were right out there, and if you looked closely, you could even make out the slit of her vagina peeking through the feathers on her lower half.
Harpy nature meant no arms, after all. She couldn’t dress herself without help. Anyone who knew that would cut her some slack for the species. But Athena? She owned it, flaunting those big tits like a badge of pride. Strangers reacted just like Gina did. Guys, though? They’d be glued to the spot.
”There we go—caught in a pincer now. What’s your move, little fox miss?”
”Oh? So you did put a tiny bit of thought into this. I’m impressed.”
Kuzuha let out a modest little chuckle.
She was obviously mocking them. It was such forced laughter, so out of sync with the girl from moments ago.
Celes just smirked back, cool as ever, brushing off the jab.
A pre-fight exchange of barbs.
The tension ratcheted up, bit by bit.
”By the way, you’re a bear Beastkin succubus, right? If you’re gonna look down on us kids, maybe start by keeping your emotions off your ears. You act all chill, but those things are screaming caution. Makes you look ridiculous.”
Kuzuha’s shot was a straight-up insult.
Ah, so that’s what those ears meant—they were on high alert.
A beat later, Celes clapped a hand over them. Her face flushed red, but it quickly shifted to shock.
”Like a tame little pet. Your reactions are way too slow.”
Flames ignited at Celes’s feet.
A roaring mass of fire, big enough to engulf her whole lower body.
Kuzuha had murmured “Foxfire” the instant she’d finished her taunt—Klock had caught it.
The battle was on.
”Over there—?!”
Celes couldn’t react in time to the sudden blaze.
Distracted by the provocation, she’d missed her chance to dodge. The bear girl’s face twisted in agony.
”Celes?!”
”Battle’s started. Where’re you looking?”
Athena had been hanging back, watching from above with casual interest.
But seeing Celes caught off guard threw her into a fluster too. Black fabric snaked out like shadows from the ground, wrapping around her bird legs and wings. It had come from her feet, and she’d been too slow to counter.
Athena tried to take off in a hurry.
Too late. Kuzuha spun around, zeroing in on the winged girl first. Athena tumbled as the black cloth yanked her down, dragging her straight to the fox girl’s feet. In that split second, Kuzuha’s geta-clad leg whipped out in a brutal arc. The young Fox Princess had kicked the harpy skyward with everything she had.
”Ow—that huuuurts?!?!?!!!”
”You succubi think you can match me in a straight fight? I’ve been on the front lines. All you’re good for is seducing men, you inferior trash.”
The kick landed with insane power.
Even for a lightweight harpy with an adult build, it sent her flying seven or eight meters. No way a Beastkin kid that small should pack that kind of leg strength. It was magic. Magic that amplified the blow several times over, slamming into Athena full force.
Athena writhed on the ground. She looked so pitiful, it almost hurt to watch. She staggered to her feet, her face scrunched up like she might cry, then launched into the air. She perched on a rooftop, putting some real distance between them.
”Kuzu-kuzu, whoa…”
This was a true magic user. The Crimson Spire’s body regression hadn’t dulled her at all. Her physical age might’ve dropped, but her mind—and her skills—were unchanged.
Magic’s edge didn’t fade.
Athena moved again. She leaped off the roof and beat her wings toward the sky. Even after that brutal hit, she wasn’t backing down. She climbed higher and higher, circling right over Klock and the others, aiming for altitude.
This had to be prep for a dive attack.
Aerial strikes were a harpy’s specialty. It was a natural edge—tough as hell for ground-bound humans to counter.
”You little—!! I’ll make you pay for that, you damn fox!!”
From up ahead, Celes bellowed in rage.
”I’m not holding back anymore!! I’ll rip every hair off you and turn it into a blanket!!”
A rough shout echoed from the sky too.
Apparently, she wanted a fox-fur throw. Maybe for a new nest?
”Heh, scary stuff. Guess that means I gotta take you out fast—before you get your revenge.”
The air around Kuzuha shifted.
Celes caught it, sensing the change in her vibe. She’d been about to charge in fury, but instead, she fell back, widening the gap. The bear girl scowled.
This fox princess was no joke—a seasoned magic user through and through.
Celes was on the defensive now. She’d lost the initiative, forced to watch and wait for Kuzuha’s next play. Athena, who would’ve synced with Celes’s moves, was stuck too, thanks to her partner’s hesitation.
They had them pinned, but Kuzuha was running the show.
She outclassed them in raw power and battle smarts. Stronger than her childlike frame had any right to be.
”Um, you ladies—”
”…Huh?”
An unfamiliar man’s voice cut in from the side.
”A magic user who’s all about the brawling? I don’t hate that!!”
Celes crouched low.
The signal to charge. She’d hesitated for a split second, but she was committing now.
Would it work, though? A straightforward rush like that? Kuzuha wasn’t some pushover who’d eat a basic attack.
Celes proved it—she kicked off the ground anyway.
Here it comes—
Kuzuha’s body was just a kid’s right now. No way she could brace against a bear’s full-on tackle with raw muscle.
But factoring in her magic? Even Celes would be at a serious disadvantage going toe-to-toe.
Magic users needed time to pick their spells, to weave them.
Kuzuha? She cast at speeds that laughed that off.
Warriors thrived on attack speed. Mages? On sheer volume of strikes.
Inevitably, Celes and her partner had no choice but to brace for whatever came next.
This was impressive. Most adventurers stuck to the rear guard for casting spells—they never built up experience weaving magic up front. In a pinch like this, they’d freeze up, lose the initiative, and get crushed. But Kuzuha? She was a magic user who moved like she belonged on the front lines. She’d faced down some brutal foes, no doubt. Survived more tight spots than most. If she were an adventurer, she’d be A-rank for sure—top tier, even.
But Celes wasn’t alone.
Athena loomed behind Kuzuha.
Two against one? That changed things. It wouldn’t be so straightforward.
”I’m not great with types like you. Sneaky foxes? Total pain!”
When Celes lunged, Athena synced right up, just as expected.
She was a succubus, sure—but a harpy succubus, built for blistering speed in the air.
She dove in silent as a shadow, no wingbeats to warn them. One second it looked like she’d pounce; the next, she streaked across the sky midair.
Kuzuha’s black cloth familiar lunged but missed its mark.
Athena had anticipated the counter, banking hard in an instant. Fast. This must’ve been her real speed.
An enemy that quick at her back? Even Kuzuha couldn’t afford to turn her away for long. One slip, and it’d be over.
That’s when it happened.
The moment Athena wheeled around for another pass, she was there—blocking her path.
”Exorcising—”
”Divine Shield—”
Just as Kuzuha started invoking some spell, Gina thrust her right hand forward, shielding the fox girl’s back. From the ground, purple crystal flowers unfurled like blooming spines. They cracked and popped as they spread, swallowing the surroundings in a glittering haze.
A field of gemstone blossoms erupted in the slum alley.
It hemmed in Klock, Kuzuha, and Gina, encircling their feet completely.
Compared to the first time he’d seen it, this casting was on another level—way bigger reach.
”Oh?”
”Tch—”
Celes tried to bull through the flowers, but her arm fell short.
The crystals formed a bizarre wall.
She charged ahead, but made no ground. Her outstretched hand grasped at empty air, the girl right in front of her suddenly worlds away.
”What the—?!?!”
Gina’s absurd skill had them all boxed in.
It hit Athena mid-dive too. Unlike Celes, this was her first taste. Her claws slashed toward Gina but never connected. She couldn’t even touch down—realizing something was off, she tried to leap back, only to stall out.
It was a weird sight, like her spot in space was locked down.
The air around her warped, as if distances kept stacking on themselves. Athena thrashed her wings, flapping wildly, until she broke free of the expanded gap. Then she rocketed skyward at full tilt. She’d escaped by sheer velocity.
In those few heartbeats, Athena was panting hard, drenched in sweat.
”Gina. Don’t push yourself.”
”I’m fine.”
The crystal flowers shattered with a brittle crunch.
They crumbled to dust, scattering like sand and fading away.
Less than ten seconds, all told. Short-lived, but Gina’s skill was a monster. Without a way to crack it, it neutered any assault cold.
”Gina. Keep an eye on that noisy bird succubus. I’ll finish off this bear while you’re at it.”
The odds were stacked hard in their favor.
Kuzuha was overwhelming the pair solo, and Gina’s unique skill had Celes and Athena sealed tight. No openings for the succubi—not even a glimmer.
Game over?
Celes’s face soured as she clocked the hopelessness.
”…Athena?”
”Huh?”
A man’s voice cut in.
The same one from before.
He glanced back, and there he was—a stranger, right beside them.
Dressed in a cassock, a bit on the plump side.
”Eh? A local?”
”He’s from the dream world. Just an illusion. Ignore him.”
”But…”
Athena-san.
That’s what he’d said, clear as day.
Klock looked up, and—
”Huh?”
The dream world’s resident stepped forward.
Positioning himself right in Athena’s way.
Or maybe… announcing himself to her.
”Gah?! B-Boston?!?!”
”Athena. Fancy meeting you again.”
”Urk?!”
Athena backed off in a slink, perching on the rooftop.
She huddled her wings over those breasts she’d flaunted so boldly before, twisting sideways to hide her exposed slit.
What the hell?
It was like a virgin caught peeking in the bath.
”…This guy’s no dream phantom.”
”Eh? Then… who is he…?”
This was the Theocracy’s slums, right?
Meaning someone had spun out this dream, stretched this mental realm wide.
If the guy in front of them wasn’t some figment… didn’t that make him the one pulling the strings?
”Athena. You came after me with such passion last time. I was ready to give in, you know. Have you lost interest already?”
”S-Sorryyyyy!!”
”Wait—what, Athena?!?”
The cassocked man edged closer to Athena.
She bolted straight up into the sky.
Keep away—that was the vibe. The second she had distance, she fled for the horizon.
”Bad omens are a hard pass for me~~~!!!”
And just like that, she was gone.
Everyone stood there, jaws slack.
Their pursuer had peaced out mid-fight.
The charged standoff fizzled into total nonsense.
They were still catching up when Celes finally snapped to.
She clicked her tongue and spun on her heel, bolting the other way.
Running for it. Kuzuha noticed and moved to give chase, but held off on the spell.
Too far now.
She let her bristling tail droop.
Her big fox ears flopped down too, battle mode off.
The gesture was so damn cute, Klock couldn’t help thinking—yeah, Beastkin girlfriends? Not a bad deal.
”You. Who the hell are you? How do you know that succubus’s name?”
Kuzuha’s gaze—shared by all three of them—locked onto the unfamiliar man.
Notes:
• 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.
• Alice – Rabbitkin adventurer; appears at the same Barreith gathering, playful and mischievous, interacts with Klock, part of recruited volunteers
• 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.
• 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.
• Athena – Harpies adventurer; appears alongside Alice at Barreith gathering, flirtatious, joins Klock and volunteers for upcoming battles
• 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.
• Boston – Adelina’s father, who holds a position of power within the church hierarchy. He has a dark secret regarding the death of his wife, Adelina’s mother.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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