Chapter 11: Rumors

Finihiya walked slowly forward, aimless under the hazy, illusory moonlight.

The boundary between forest and plain stretched endlessly, or so it seemed.

Stars shimmered brilliantly in the night sky, appearing as if at any moment they might turn into golden beams of light and descend.

Her legs gradually grew weary, and soon Finihiya found a large stone nearby to rest upon.

They weren’t far from the Demon Camp; her gaze could clearly reach the two tall, sturdy bull-headed Demon soldiers standing guard.

Night had deepened, enveloping everything in silence.

Listening carefully, faint insect chirps could be heard.

A gentle breeze blew by.

It carried the scent of moist earth, and in the distance, shadows of swaying trees flickered.

“Hm?”

Sensing an unusual dampness carried by the wind, Finihiya’s brows furrowed slightly.

Tilting her head toward the direction the breeze came from, she stared into the deep darkness ahead for a moment.

She then withdrew her gaze and glanced toward the camp’s entrance.

After a brief hesitation within, she finally moved her steps into the forest before her.

Though the moonlight was bright, the dense canopy sharply reduced visibility.

“With my words…”

Finihiya intended to chant a spell that could illuminate her surroundings, but immediately realized the special collar wrapped tightly around her neck.

In that instant, a wave of relief—like having narrowly escaped disaster—washed over her chest.

“Phew.”

Finihiya let out a heavy sigh, a small smile blooming on her delicate, refined face.

“Good thing I didn’t pass out.”

Treading softly on the muddy ground and over exposed tree roots, she ventured a little deeper into the forest.

Soon, at the edge of her sight, a crystal-clear glow shimmered like glass.

Exiting that boundary, her vision suddenly cleared.

The night wind blew from the surface of a lake, bringing with it a moist, cool breath.

Soft murmurs slipped from Finihiya’s cherry-red lips.

Gazing at the serene, mirror-like lake before her, a faint happiness bloomed on her charming face.

Stepping over the gravel-covered shore, Finihiya lifted her nightgown, folded it up, and clutched it between her legs to prevent it from falling.

Then, barefoot, she stepped into the water.

“A…”

The lake water covered her ankles, its slight chill passing through her skin.

Though the season had moved into early summer, the night lake water still carried a hint of coldness.

After carefully feeling the temperature and confirming it was within what she could endure, Finihiya lifted her eyes to survey the forest outline at the lake’s edge.

There shouldn’t be anyone here…

After a brief inspection, Finihiya returned to the shore, then with small hands grasping the pure cotton nightgown’s hem, slowly slid off the pale white dress.

The faint moonlight draped over the girl, causing her skin—pure and white as new snow—to glow softly.

***

The Demon Camp.

In the large tent at the camp’s center, the lights still burned brightly even at two in the morning.

Darlian sat in a teakwood chair, her eyes narrowed coldly as she looked down at a Succubus kneeling on the ground.

After a moment of silence, Darlian spoke in her usual icy tone.

“Laili.”

“Yes, Darlian-sama.”

The Succubus named Laili bowed nervously, leaning slightly forward.

“Do you know why I called you here?”

Darlian’s cold gaze fixed on the silent Laili.

She twirled a lock of her jet-black hair with her fingers, then continued with slow but authoritative voice,

“I’ve heard some strange rumors these past few days. Do you know what they are?”

“Darlian-sama…”

“They say I like women.”

At these words, Laili bit her lip tightly, beads of sticky sweat forming on her forehead from anxiety.

“They say they often see a young woman, disheveled and full of lust, coming out of my room.”

“Forgive me!” Laili lowered her head earnestly as the truth came to light. “Darlian-sama, this is all my fault.”

“Of course it’s your fault,” Darlian said evenly. “But… how do you intend to take responsibility for this?”

“Guh! Since it’s come to this, I’ll prove Darlian-sama’s honor and innocence with my death.”

“Ugh…” Darlian frowned deeply, then sighed as if resigned. “That’s not necessary.”

Perhaps from reviewing a large pile of official documents, fatigue suddenly surged in Darlian’s heart, and her interest in Laili’s matter waned instantly.

“The war with humans just ended. You showed remarkable bravery and wisdom during the battle—I don’t want to punish you at a time like this.”

“Thank you for your mercy, Darlian-sama.”

“But…” Her voice faltered slightly, her face turning cold again, eyes serious. “I don’t want to hear such misunderstandings again.”

“Yes! I promise.”

Watching Laili straighten her back and press her fist over her heart, Darlian’s gaze flicked subtly.

“What exactly were you doing in my room?”

Seeing Laili stammer, Darlian’s expression darkened with disdain.

“Tell me clearly.”

After a pause, Laili’s small voice finally answered, “I was lying on the bed Darlian-sama has slept in, hugging the quilt… smelling the scent you left behind.”

“…And?”

“I also…”

“I’m a pervert?” Darlian’s eyebrows twisted like a tangled braid, disgust clear in her eyes. “From now on, without my permission, you are forbidden to step within half a step of my room.”

After reprimanding Laili and punishing her with three months’ house arrest in Demon King City, Darlian sank weakly against the chair’s back.

Although she was a Succubus, Laili liked women.

Darlian didn’t want to comment on Laili’s orientation—she just wished the Demon officers were a little more normal, like herself.

Crackle!

The faint popping sound drew Darlian’s gaze.

Looking at the burning campfire inside the tent, she stared briefly before pulling back her wandering thoughts and refocusing on the piles of documents on the wooden table.

The tasks awaiting her after the war were far more numerous than she had anticipated.

Darlian lifted her pure fingers and gently massaged her throbbing temples.

Just as she was about to continue handling the paperwork, the light gray curtain of the tent was gently drawn aside.

“Darlian-sama.”

She glanced briefly at the woman who strode toward her, then lowered her head back to the documents.

“It’s Ailus…”

“Darlian-sama, you should rest.”