Balahab's body stiffened as he stared at me, trembling uncontrollably.
"Why are you spacing out? Answer my question."
"Your Majesty, I truly do not know."
Balahab turned his face away, clearly avoiding my gaze on purpose.
"Are you sure?"
Balahab nodded repeatedly, like a broken toy.
"…You know, I'm quite good at judging people."
"…"
"Your behavior is clearly suspicious. How could I possibly believe you?"
"…"
"Answer honestly. Do you know where Agnes is?"
Balahab began grinding his teeth, visibly struggling before finally nodding.
"I… know a little…"
"Then why didn't you answer honestly earlier?" Shizuku asked in my place, her voice sharp and filled with killing intent that could drive anyone insane.
Thud!
Balahab dropped to his knees before Shizuku and me.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I was forced to lie just to survive."
"Hooo?" Shizuku showed interest in hearing the rest of Balahab's story.
"Agnes's whereabouts are a great secret of the demon race. If I were to leak this information, I would surely be killed."
A sinister smile appeared on Shizuku's beautiful face.
"So you're afraid of dying, but not afraid of us?"
An overwhelmingly powerful aura erupted from Shizuku's body.
The space around her let out cracking sounds, as if it might shatter in the next instant.
Moments later, the room they were in began to shake violently, like an earthquake capable of destroying the world.
Balahab's face turned pale. His body lost all strength, and he prostrated himself in despair before Shizuku and me.
"Your Majesty, I will tell you everything. Please, spare my life!"
"…Shizuku."
"Alright!"
Shizuku immediately withdrew her hostility, smiling brightly with her sweet expression.
Cold sweat poured down Balahab's face as he wondered about the true identities of the handsome young man and the beautiful red-haired maid standing before him.
"Now tell me what you know about Agnes."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
With no other choice, Balahab resigned himself and told me everything he knew about Agnes.
According to Balahab, Agnes was currently still in her dormant state, lying inside a special coffin.
A demon noble bearing the rank of Duke had become captivated by Agnes's beauty. That Duke asked other demon nobles to help him subdue Agnes.
The Duke's thinking was indeed absurd, yet he received full support from other demon nobles of the same rank.
As a result, the project to conquer the Succubus Queen, Agnes, began.
The project started three hundred years ago, initiated by Duke Welter.
After centuries of research and experimentation, it finally bore fruit. Duke Welter succeeded in finding a way to subdue Agnes and control her as his personal slave.
Some time ago, Duke Welter announced to the entire demon race that he would become the true ruler of demons.
Balahab didn't know the details, but he was certain this had something to do with Duke Welter's success in subjugating Agnes.
"What do you think, Shizuku?"
"Don't be ridiculous! That woman can't possibly be controlled by anyone without the skill of a Chaos Master!"
"Are you sure?"
Shizuku nodded firmly, looking at me with a resolute expression.
"Hm, in that case, there's nothing to worry about."
Balahab grew nervous, clearly wanting to say something but unable to find the right moment.
"What is it?"
"Your Majesty, Duke Welter has the support of more than a dozen demon nobles of the same rank. I don't think it's a good idea to oppose them."
"Hoho, this sounds like an insult. To think I'd be considered inferior to a Duke."
Balahab quickly shook his head.
"That's not what I meant!"
"Then what is it?!"
Shizuku's voice became colder and sharper than before.
"Ahem! That's enough, don't take it to heart."
"But this man is indirectly mocking us! Isn't Master angry?!"
"What's the point of worrying about how others see us?"
"That…"
Shizuku fell silent, shaking her head with a bitter smile.
"…It's pointless."
I smiled faintly and reached out to ruffle Shizuku's hair.
"With you here, a dozen Demon Dukes won't be a problem, right?"
"Yes!" Shizuku replied enthusiastically.
"…"
Balahab was left speechless.
A Demon Duke was the strongest among demon nobles and stood at the pinnacle of the world today.
The two people before him clearly understood this fact, yet still regarded them as no threat at all.
"Who… who exactly are you, Your Majesty?"
"Me? A former prince of the human kingdom. This is my lover, Shizuku."
Shizuku smiled sweetly when I introduced her as my lover.
"…That doesn't answer my question at all."
Balahab smiled helplessly.
"Hmm, Shizuku is the Ancient Red Dragon King. I conquered her, and now I possess all the same attributes as her."
"Eh?"
… .. .
To be continued…