Knock, knock, knock .Along with the rapping on the door, the voices of women echoed through the hall.
“Your Highness, we have arrived. As always, we bring you what is familiar, but today we offer something new as well.”
Something new. That must mean her—the woman with whom he had briefly locked eyes from the window. Even that brief moment had made his heart pound.
Prince Sledo, the Third Prince, tensed his entire body. He was anxious.
If just eye contact at a distance could do that to him, what would happen once he saw her up close? Would he be able to hold onto his rational reasoning?
Beneath the nervous excitement, a faint trace of fear stirred within him.
But he couldn’t keep the women waiting outside. He needed them if he wanted to sleep. Forcing himself to calm his trembling voice, Sledo called out,
“⋯⋯Com-come in.”
As soon as he responded, the door swung open abruptly with a creak.
A succubus entered, bowing low in a respectful greeting. But this gesture was not for him. It was to honor the woman following behind—the one with the long, black hair.The woman accepted the reverence with effortless grace, as though she were accustomed to such worship. Her black hair seemed to drink in the light, and every movement of hers captured Sledo’s full attention.
How could one even begin to describe such a presence?
Her gaze, her walk—everything about her radiated beauty, elegance, and allure. She ignited a man’s instincts without ever crossing the line into vulgarity. She was like a masterpiece sculpted by the hands of a master artist.
It was as though he was gazing upon a being from another world.
Her lips, barely curved into a smile, parted, and a voice as sweet as a songbird’s melody flowed out.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Third Prince. You may call me Princess.”
“⋯⋯Pri-princess.”
Only then did Sledo fully grasp that the woman he had seen from a distance was now standing before him.
His eyes widened further as he noticed a strange, silent exchange between the succubus and Gongnyeo.
“My lady, this is the Third Prince, Sledo.”
“I was too eager⋯⋯ I should have waited for your introduction. Will you forgive me for taking your part, Yuri?”
“Of course, my lady, as long as you allow me to serve you more in the future.”
“That’s something I’d be more than happy about.”
The way the two of them complemented each other was like watching a masterpiece come to life. That was how it felt.
===============================================================
Now it was the time for the lead to step in.
The purpose of this scene was clear—extract information from the Third Prince, and if necessary subdue him.
I could easily knock him out with a chair and force the information out of him⋯⋯ but I have a soft spot for Elaine and Irid. If possible, I’d rather twist his mind back into shape and leave him intact.
Alright, let’s get the conversation going.
Pink-Haired Lesbian and Black Lesbian, who had disguised themselves as succubi familiar to the Third Prince, and I, who had turned on the TS illusion magic.
The reason I was playing the role of a ‘Succubus Princess’ was to use the guise of a first meeting as a buffer, to avoid any awkwardness that might arise during the conversation.
For example, something like this:
“I heard the esteemed prince of the empire was staying with us, and my curiosity got the better of me, so I had to come find you. I hope my visit isn’t an inconvenience?”
“N-no, not at all. It’s not an inconvenience⋯⋯ you all have been helping me regularly, after all.”
The prince stammered as he replied, then glanced around the room before his eyes landed on the neatly arranged teacups in the cabinet.
It seemed like he was debating whether or not he should take it out himself. I had expected him to be more arrogant, considering that he was involved in drug dealings. Maybe he was more modest than I thought.
“Ah⋯⋯ and what kind of help is that?”
“I’ve been receiving sleep therapy. I’ve had trouble falling asleep, so⋯⋯.”
If a succubus who visited regularly were to ask, ‘Your Highness, what do we do now?’, it would be suspicious no matter how you looked at it—no one would forget their routine, unless they had dementia or something.
But by presenting a new face like this, it made it that much easier.
Yuri Lanster chimed in from the side.
“We’ve been working diligently to ensure His Highness enjoys pleasant dreams. After all, sleep is truly essential for beautiful skin.”
“Oh, is that so? Then, Yuri, do you have trouble with sleepwalking?”
“Well, Princess, since I think about you even in my dreams, perhaps it’s not so different from sleepwalking.”
“Does that mean we’ve been sharing the same dream each night?”
We exchanged light banter.
I let my eyes wander briefly around the room. There was a table and a chair. As I approached, Yuri quickly pulled out the chair for me.
With her assistance, I sat down elegantly and gazed at the prince with eyes full of curiosity.
“Shall we sit and talk? There are many stories I’d love to hear, like the truth behind all the rumors surrounding the Third Prince.”
“The Princess doesn’t go out much, so she’s very curious about everything. Please understand, Your Highness.”
It was Yuri’s assist. She was building a bridge between the hikkimori prince and me, to subtly build rapport. Clever.
“I-is that so? I see. It’s the same with me⋯⋯.”
“Wow, it really is! Even our skin tones are quite similar. Look, if we place them side by side⋯⋯.”
I reached out, gently grasping the prince’s hand and pulling it closer to mine. With a subtle cast of illusion magic, I made our skin tones match even more closely.
“Yo-you’re right. They do look the same.”
“Oh, I see you have a mole on your chest. I have one too. That makes two things we share already, doesn’t it?”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
“Who knows, we might have even more in common. We already seem so alike, don’t we? If you’re not too busy, I’d love to get to know you a little better.”
I tightened my grip slightly on his hand, pulling it closer. The Third Prince froze in place, like a mouse caught in a hawk’s talons, unsure of how to react.
At that moment, Yuri gently placed her hand on mine and pulled it away. A flicker of jealousy passed briefly in her eyes, and she whispered quietly.
“My lady, you’re making the prince uncomfortable, holding his hand like that.”
“Ah, I’m sorry. I got a bit excited⋯⋯.”
I smiled sheepishly, as though secretly delighted by her jealousy. I put on a mischievous glint in my eyes.
I lightly tickled her palm with my finger, and asked subtly.
“You’re right, holding hands like that is only for those who have a really close relationship, isn’t it⋯⋯?”
“Yes, my lady. Only those who are as close as lovers.”
“Hmmm⋯⋯.”
I slid my fingers between Yuri’s, interlacing them so naturally it seemed like they were meant to be entwined. I squeezed her hand firmly and shook it.
As if asking: In that case, are we lovers?
Yuri laughed shyly, as if embarrassed. It was because her setting was that she had a one-sided crush.
I held her hand for a long time even from an outsider’s perspective, then released it as delicately as a butterfly’s wings brushing past. But I allowed the faintest hint of regret to linger in the final graze of our fingers.
People desire things more fiercely when they’re given a taste and then have it taken away.
The situation had been carefully staged—a beautiful young woman showing interest in him, only to have Yuri step in and steal that attention away.
This was meant to sow a seed of displeasure towards Yuri in the prince, pushing him further toward me. Yuri, after all, was disguised as the succubus he usually met.
By creating friction between him and the ‘established succubus faction’.
If I gave him the impression that ‘I’m different from them,’ the Third Prince would likely become more immersed with the character I was playing.
Yuri and I coordinated this flawlessly, without uttering a single word. I tapped her thigh lightly under the table in a gesture that meant: Not bad, huh?
In response, she lightly kicked my shoe, as if to say: It’s nothing .
Now, let’s see how the Third Prince reacts. If his hatred for Yuri has increased, we’ll exploit that fracture in his heart. If he’s fallen for me completely, we’ll coax out his true feelings⋯⋯.
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
What’s this?
That bastard’s expression is strange. What kind of emotion is that?
The Third Prince’s face was ambiguous.
I couldn’t figure it out. It looked favorable, but there was no longing in his eyes. It was confusing. I needed more information.
Yuri Lanster, also seemingly unsure in her judgment, leaned in close and quietly whispered in my ear.
“What do you think, Crazy Wizard?”
“I’m not sure either⋯⋯ Hohoho, Yuri, really. You don’t need permission for things like that. Yes, style it nicely, something that would make anyone fall for you.”
“Alright. I’ll style it beautifully enough that even I’ll fall for you. Your hair.”
“Yes, I’d like that.”
Yuri began adjusting my hair to match the line that I had suddenly thrown out. Touches filled with affection always tend to carry something intimate, a kind of unspoken desire in each movement.
I giggled and shivered slightly as if trying to say that tickles. Yuri responded by stroking my hair with deliberate motions.
“Hey, that tickles.”
“You like being tickled, don’t you, my lady?”
“I know you like tickling too. I’ll forgive you, so feel free to continue as much as you want.”
With that, I glanced at the Third Prince. His expression was⋯⋯ similar to Yuna cheering for on a couple from the sidelines. Yuri seems to have noticed that too.
Shall we push it further? Why not.
As Yuri trailed her fingers down my neckline, teasingly, I let out a soft, deliberate sigh—just enough to send a clearer signal.
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Why⋯⋯ why does he seem more interested in Yuri and me being lovey-dovey more?
I felt a little bit annoyed. I had created such a beautiful young female character and shown him all kinds of skills, but why wasn’t this man interested in my character and instead focused on the yuri⋯⋯!!
Calm down. It’s not entirely unreasonable. It’s like when someone hesitates to confess their feelings to the most popular girl in school—maybe my intense persona created an invisible barrier.
Instead of thinking, I need to get rid of her friend and have her for myself , he might’ve given up from the start, thinking, This is quite nice to watch from afar ⋯⋯
Or maybe he just liked yuri from birth.
What’s done is done. In that case, seduction isn’t the right approach. We’ll need to pivot and focus more on creating a sense of familiarity and closeness, and steer the conversation from there.
“Your Highness, what do you usually enjoy doing?”
“I tend to⋯⋯ to sleep.”
“⋯⋯Is that it?”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Remorse, sadness, frustration. The Third Prince looked defeated by his own circumstances. From what I’d heard, it sounded like he was spending most of his days cooped up in his room, asleep.
Time to toss out a hook.
“Well, that’s yet another thing we have in common.”
“⋯⋯P-Princess, you sleep a lot too?”
“Yes. I have so much to do in the dream world. You could say I’m required to be there⋯⋯ So outings like this are a rare occasion for me.”
“My lady⋯⋯.”
Yuri made a sorrowful face. Perfectly timed support. Bolstered by her assist, I made sure to appear composed but added a trace of resignation in my eyes—just enough to seem pitiful.
When two people set a somber tone, the third is almost bound to be infected.
I subtly suggested I had many responsibilities but crafted it in a way that read as though I was half-confined. The character of this “Princess”was unable to properly enjoy life due to some tragic circumstances.
This context alone was enough to set the stage. The Third Prince’s imagination would fill in the rest. What mattered most was what came next.
“⋯⋯And you, Your Highness? Are you also burdened by something?”
“I’m. Well⋯⋯.”
It was a gentle nudge, urging him to share since I had opened up. However, my expression conveyed the opposite, consideration and kindness indicating it was okay not to talk if it was uncomfortable.
When you balanced that unspoken push with empathy, people usually opened up.
“⋯⋯I’m cursed. Nothing works out for me, no matter how hard I try. That’s why I sleep.”
“Life really sucks. For both of us”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
“We haven’t known each other long, but⋯⋯ how about becoming friends? Fortunately for me, I have Yuri by my side, but Your Highness seems so lonely.”
I’ve even made an offer of friendship. The Third Prince sniffled, as if recalling lost time, and nodded.
The door was open. Now, all I had to do was gently coax the rest out. He’d likely start sharing everything—from painful memories to current frustrations. His heart was more fragile than I had anticipated. Too easy.
Black Lesbian who had been awkwardly standing behind, mumbled:
“⋯⋯Did you two plan this without telli⋯⋯ “
Yuri discreetly kicked Black Lesbian’s shin under the table, where it couldn’t be seen. Crisis management, handled.
===============================================================
He eventually brought the teacups himself, brewing and serving the tea using Magic Tools. He prepared four cups, meaning even Yuri and Black Lesbian—who were nearly in a servant-like position—were being offered tea.
It was curious. Considering Irid’s personality only improved after going through the session, perhaps the Third Prince always had a kind nature from the beginning.
And then, he began to speak.
The life of the Third Prince, as he told it, was a string of relentless, manufactured misfortunes.
On the day he had an audience with the Emperor, Prince Sledo could sense the genuine concern in his father’s words and steeled himself with determination. He made a decision then and there.
He needed to become powerful. If he could transform into someone who could overcome any obstacle, he would no longer have to lose the people he cared about.
He vowed to become superhuman and to restore the happiness his family once had. That was his resolve.
Thus he became a training addict, to the point where every waking moment was dedicated to becoming stronger.
However, from the moment he arrived at the Academy, things began to become strange.
No matter what he did, nothing went right. The person he loved left him in a miserable manner, and those who once supported him gradually distanced themselves one by one. His sparring sessions led to unexpected injuries, and his abilities stagnated, refusing to improve.
It was as if fate itself had conspired against him, punishing him at every turn.
It was a continuation of the same misfortunes that had plagued him as a child in the Pagoda Palace, an unbroken chain of suffering. It was that kind of feeling.
Eventually, he locked himself away, trapped by a sense of learned helplessness. No matter how hard he tried, nothing ever went his way. He could no longer achieve anything. When hard work yields no results, people inevitably break.
Listening to his story, I couldn’t help but recall the contents of the report from the Second Prince.
The raid on Duke Redburn’s secret facility, where Roderus, Envers, and Kim Ruru were deployed. They had described an overwhelming sense of “fateful misfortune” from that place.
According to Magical Girl Oh Dae-soo’s theory, the Red Flavor Duke’s Metamorphosis could manipulate fate itself. If the black wizard faction had deliberately targeted the Third Prince specifically, the story started to make sense.
This was the same group that created hypnotic brainwashing statues, so they undoubtedly knew how to torment a mind using illusion magic.
After unsettling his mind by deploying succubi.
Then bombarding him with endless misfortunes, manipulated by fate.
Finally, they fueled his despair through the Academy’s magical circle—one that had functioned perfectly before my arrival.
It was a deliberate chain of attacks to deliberately ruin a single person’s life.
⋯⋯I felt that it resembled an unpleasant TRPG run by a GM bent on torturing their player out of spite.
===============================================================
The Third Prince muttered in a dejected tone.
“⋯⋯I-I just wanted my family to get along well. But Elaine and Irid are fighting over the throne, and they’re even after me. Since it’s a hopeless dream, all I can do is sleep⋯⋯.”
“That must have been very hard for you⋯⋯.”
“Tha-that’s why. Seeing people get along with each other makes me feel envious. You’re lucky⋯⋯ to have someone like that.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
I see. Was it a more of an admiration for people who shared a close bond? Then maybe he wasn’t particularly fond of yuri, but was looking at it as a sibling-like connection.
If that’s the case. This situation could easily be turned in our favor.
Alright, let’s flip it.
“⋯⋯Your Highness. What if all of this⋯⋯ was part of someone’s scheme?”
“My lady! That’s⋯⋯!!”
The moment I spoke, Yuri jumped in, immediately understanding the angle I was taking. The Third Prince’s expression shifted, startled and confused.
“⋯⋯W-what do you mean by that?”
“My Lady, no! No matter how much you sympathize with the Third Prince, this would be a betrayal of the Queen ⋯⋯!!”
“But Yuri, this isn’t right. Mother is heading down the wrong path. You realize that too, don’t you⋯⋯?”
“Seriously, what in the world are you even talkin— ow “
This time I kicked Black Lesbian’s shin.
It was an impromptu setting.
I was the daughter of the Succubus Queen, and although I had been cooperating with her, I was unknowingly being used for her evil deeds. Or perhaps I had known all along but chose to turn a blind eye towards it.
But now, after seeing the Third Prince’s plight and feeling a growing sense of kinship, I realized this couldn’t continue. So, I decided to become a whistleblower.
“⋯⋯Listen closely, Your Highness. The First Princess and Second Prince⋯⋯ have reconciled. They never sent assassins after you, nor do they bear any grudge.”
“Wh-Wha⋯⋯?”
“It’s the truth. I learned this by peeking into dreams. There are no lies.”
“My Lady⋯⋯.”
Yuri clung desperately to my arm. She knew it too. What fate awaited those who defied the Succubus Queen.
But, because she loved the Princess, even if the Princess was on a dangerous path, she couldn’t bring herself to stop her⋯⋯ She can only watch in torment. That was the setting.
Yuri’s face was filled with turmoil. Meanwhile, I hardened my gaze with firm resolve. And I added a touch of innocence too, to make me appear trustworthy.
The Third Prince, having witnessed the back-and-forth, seemed to have grasped the gravity of the situation—though none of it was real.
“⋯⋯Was I, was I being deceived all along. But, why would you tell me this⋯⋯.”
“Our meeting may have been short, but⋯⋯ I understand the torment of being trapped in endless dreams. I know how unbearable that is.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
“⋯⋯Don’t let yourself be a pawn, Your Highness. The time has come to wake up from this nightmare.”
Surely the Third Prince felt it too. Why else are black wizards called black wizards? They were violent bastards who literally crushed people’s souls for their own use.
He must’ve known there was absolutely no reason for them to help him out of genuine kindness. He simply chose to ignore it.
“⋯⋯T-then. What should I do?”
“I’ll help you get out of here. Afterward, you must seek out the Defense Bureau—there are agents currently stationed at the Academy⋯⋯ Find them and make contact.”
“B-but. What if by some chance, Elaine and Irid⋯⋯”
“Please trust me. They⋯⋯ really have no desire to harm you. Now, stand up!”
I grabbed the Third Prince’s hand and pulled him to his feet. Though he hesitated and staggered, he allowed himself to be guided in the direction I was leading him. I needed to take advantage of this momentum and whisk him away.
I hammer the nail in with the atmosphere⋯⋯someone who is doing the right thing, despite the tension and fear. Yes, I borrowed that look from Niolle during her early days and used it.
Determination is like fire; once ignited, it spreads to those nearby. The Third Prince, too, seemed to have mustered his courage, and began walking on his own partway through.
As I tried to guide him out of the mansion, a guard blocked our path.
“Stop! Why are you dragging out the Third Prince?”
“He needs an urgent surgery⋯⋯ This mansion doesn’t have the proper facilities. We need to take him somewhere better equipped.”
“What? But earlier, you said the mansion had everything⋯⋯ He-hey!”
Without hesitation, I shoved the guard aside and yelled to the Third Prince.
“Run away! Head for the professor!”
“⋯⋯B-but. What about you!”
“I’m mother’s, the Queen’s daughter. I’ll probably get scolded badly, but they won’t kill me. Don’t worry, hurry!”
“What the… Treachery! The Third Prince is escaping!”
“Kyaa!”
The guard shoved me back, but in that moment, the Third Prince hesitated briefly, then turned and ran. It was a chance created by the brave succubus who sacrificed herself—he wasn’t going to waste it.
The Third Prince found his courage. He could have remained trapped in his miserable life, but someone followed the call of their conscience and saved him.
So even though his body was severely weakened from being cooped up in his room without moving, he ran with all his might. And as he did, he shouted:
“Bring people… don’t worry! I’ll… people!”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Ah, I see. Was he saying he’ll call for reinforcements and come rescue us? That thought made me inwardly satisfied. He was the kind of person who repaid kindness when he received it.
Hearing his shouts, the guard yelled loudly:
“Chase him!”
“I can’t let you do that! 『Direction Loss』!”
I cast an illusion spell on the guards patrolling the mansion. They immediately became disoriented, scattering in all directions, completely confused. The guard who had pushed me earlier drew his sword, his face flushed with anger.
Yuri threw her arms around me, almost as if she were shielding me.
“⋯⋯My Lady.”
“⋯⋯Yuri, I’m sorry. This is all because of my stubbornness. But I couldn’t just stand by and watch.”
“No. It’s my fault. I know your personality all too well—I should have stopped you. When you begged to go see the outside, I should have flatly refused⋯⋯.”
“Take me away, Yuri. I acted alone, so there’s no need for you to be punished.”
We comforted each other mournfully. Powerless justice always ends in heartbreak. Guilt weighed heavy on my heart, clouding my eyes with sadness.
But Yuri caressed me gently, as if telling me it was okay.
“⋯⋯Cut?”
“Cut.”
The scene came to an end.
“What are you two babbling abou── Kuck, aargh!”
I tripped the guard’s leg, sending him off balance, and Pink-Haired Lesbian drove a left straight into the gap in his defenses.
Seeing this, Black Lesbian pulled out her whip with a look of exasperation.
“⋯⋯Are we done with the acting?”
“Yeah, it’s over.”
“Crazy Wizard. To meet the Third Prince in your original appearance⋯⋯ Shouldn’t we wrap this up quickly and beat him to the lab?”
“Right. We need to quickly take care of this.”
stretched as I reversed my transformation. The beautiful woman vanished, replaced by my true form: a gloomy, black-haired, red-eyed male figure. The guard, still reeling from the blow to his solar plexus, looked utterly dumbfounded.
He wouldn’t have made such an expression even if the sky suddenly collapsed.
“It’s a shame we couldn’t shoot the kiss scene, Mr.Crazy Wizard.”
“You expect me to kiss you when the Third Prince is the lead? We both knew it was just a tease that wasn’t going anywhere, right?”
“I knew, but even if it didn’t fit the story, I still would’ve liked it.”
“You really have a way with words, don’t you.”
It’s a shame, but I had mixed feelings about it.
I smacked my lips and looked around. The soldiers disoriented by the illusion magic were starting to regain their senses. A few of them began preparing to extract souls—it seemed they were black wizards.
Time to finish this quickly. I decided to go all in from the start.
Except for Stygian Arrow of Mind Destruction —after the Heavenly Demon Self Destruction incident, I reserved that for the right moment.
With a flick of my finger, I gave the command.
“Come forth from the sea of information,『Heavenly Demon / Evil God』
===============================================================
Crash!
“I-Iam⋯⋯ Huff. I am the Empire’s Third Prince, Sledo Crown. I-I need help!”
After his desperate run, the Third Prince was gasping for air, his face pale as he called for reinforcements. He had to save the benefactor who rescued him.
Codename Crazy Wizard, his hood covering his face, responded calmly,
“The Third Prince⋯⋯ I’ve heard about you from the Second Prince. His Highness mentioned that should you request for help, I was to provide it, and I’d be generously compensated for doing so. What’s the problem?”
So it was true. Irid really was worried about him. The one who sent the assassin wasn’t him. What those women had told him was true—she really was his savior.
In that case.
The Third Prince squeezed his chest and barely managed to squeeze out the words.
“The-the women⋯⋯ who helped me escape⋯⋯ they’re in danger. I have to save th-them⋯⋯?”
Catching his breath, the Third Prince glanced at the wizard and the woman in a suit standing beside him.
Both of them were drenched in sweat and panting, as if they had just run a marathon
Before the Third Prince could even ask, the two of them started making excuses.
“⋯⋯Ah, it’s just a bit hot. Please, don’t worry about it.”
“⋯⋯Yes. We normally sweat quite a bit.”
The three of them ran back toward the mansion.