She bumped her chest against Ophitia’s arm, then slid her chin along her shoulder, rubbing those particularly sensitive wings against Ophitia’s skin. Before long, Ophitia’s face flushed red, turning her into an obedient Demon King.
Ophitia shuddered all over at first, then pulled Avira into her embrace, stroking her back.
She got into the mood so quickly? I thought she’d need some time to adjust.
After all, this idiot Ophitia hadn’t received much gentleness from anyone. A love-starved fool like her was pretty easy to coax. Since she was here, Avira decided to take advantage of it a little—while also rejecting Catherine.
That said…
If they wanted to make use of Catherine, the demon race and the Catherine Knight Order could never truly become enemies. Avira’s goal had already been achieved.
In the future, Catherine, the Knight Order’s leader, would become her collaborator. Avira would continue to bring her benefits. Any smart person should immediately see the barrier separating them.
But in reality, things were a bit more complicated than Avira had imagined.
“Wifey, wifey is so good to me, boo… Wifey, I’ll reward you properly when we get home~”
Ophitia had originally thought Avira was still insisting on joining the Knight Order like before. Now she realized she’d completely misunderstood her—even as Avira had sworn loyalty right in front of her. With Avira nestling against her like a little bird, Ophitia’s heart nearly melted.
Catherine, on the other hand, reacted the complete opposite. Her eyes widened in an instant, as if she’d witnessed something unbelievable.
Her response was equally unexpected.
“I respect your choice, but please tell me why. I want to know—why would a righteous person who saved countless lives in their moment of peril throw themselves into the enemy’s arms at the very last second, joining the side of evil?”
Avira was speechless.
Throughout history, countless people had fallen for power, money, and lust—even the upright and incorruptible holy servants were no exception; they too could be corrupted by darkness. Avira knew many had fallen into the hands of the demon race, becoming one of them.
Was it really that strange to them?
Avira had no intention of claiming it was for money, power, or desire.
Of course, she wanted to explain that it was all an act, but she could only say that to her most trusted subordinates… like Lace and Atia. Even though their identities had been exposed at this stage, they remained Avira’s most loyal followers.
“Wifey, you’re so cute today too. Let’s go back and do some fun things.”
Ophitia didn’t refute Catherine. Instead, she walked behind Avira, wrapped her arms around Avira’s waist, and slid her other hand around Avira’s jade neck, teasing Avira’s expressionless chin with her fingers—as if this woman had already become her plaything.
Idiot, this is so embarrassing!
And what did you just call me? This is mortifying!
For the sake of the Demon King’s dignity, Avira ignored it and turned to Catherine instead.
“Miss Knight, this might be a difference in how we understand good and evil.”
She’d found a somewhat normal response.
Avira had almost said she simply liked the Demon King—that would have been the easiest to understand.
But that would make her seem too wishy-washy. She still wanted to appear normal in front of Catherine, especially as a future collaborator.
“Good and evil, huh? I see. It seems this already blurry line is even more complex than I imagined.”
Catherine lowered her head, pondering for a long time before finally looking up at Avira with a smile.
“However, the Catherine Knight Order’s doors remain open to you. I look forward to our next meeting.”
With that, she leaped into the air and left the scene, taking all the captives with her.
Ophitia took Avira’s hand and pulled her close, her cheeks still flushed.
“You’re going to meet Catherine again?” Ophitia asked, looking aggrieved.
“Of course, Lady Ophitia. If we want to make use of the Knight Order, doesn’t that mean we have to meet her?”
“But…”
Avira understood completely.
This idiot Ophitia thought they were really in love.
True lovers shouldn’t meet other women—especially someone who might try to poach her at any moment.
“I’m a demon now. Even if she meets me, she can’t drag me into the Knight Order.”
“That’s not the same.” Ophitia clenched her fists. “I can turn humans into my subordinates, disguising them as demons. She could do the same. Liking someone doesn’t need a reason!”
This idiot thinks Catherine likes me?
Avira admitted she wasn’t great with emotions. But she knew no one would fall in love with her right now.
Everyone had their limits—except for this idiot Ophitia!
Not to mention…
Not everyone was a female pervert like Ophitia.
Helpless, Avira could only pat Ophitia’s head and smile.
“Idiot, I belong to you. I’m your familiar, your personal property. You can do anything to me, and I won’t betray you.”
“Wifey~~” Ophitia was on the verge of tears. She remembered Avira saying something similar before, but the same words now stirred entirely different feelings in her.
“Mm. If Lady Ophitia wants me to be your wife, I’ll do my best.”
Though Avira found it distasteful, she could only hold the clingy Ophitia.
Normally, they might have gone somewhere secluded to continue, but someone was still watching. Avira glanced toward the back of the tent, where a girl had hidden herself, wrapped up in her clothes.
Oka.
Ever since Avira had ignored her, she’d stood there like she’d been hit by some curse.
Had I been too harsh on her? But how could there be such a dramatic human?
She watched Avira and the Demon King cuddling, catching fragments of their conversation.
A hundred Lenas flashed through Avira’s mind.
Hero Squad ancestor, please get out of my sight already? It’d be bad if she suddenly powered up and scared the Demon King.
Hey, don’t come any closer!
Oka seemed to have steeled her resolve. She clenched her fists, her eyes firm, and walked right up to the two of them.
She removed her hood, revealing a head of fiery red hair, then dropped to her knees with a thud.
“Lady Demon King.”
Avira almost thought she’d misheard. Wait, sister, what are you doing?
I’m about to let you go, you’ve already eaten and taken what you wanted on the way out—what more do you want?
When Oka spoke her next words, Avira nearly spat out a mouthful of old blood.
“Lady Demon King, I am the Resurrector of the Hero Squad from the prophecy. My abilities are healing, along with some combat prowess.”
“Please let me serve you!”
