The Incubus Archduke Dreams of a Pet Human - Chapter 35

“Pencil, notebook, bestiary. ……I’ve packed everything I need, right?”

Theticia checked the items in her leather bag. The list was as bare as could be.

At last, she had been granted permission to venture outside in the Demon Realm.

‘To think I can go out this soon. Going to the ball was worth it.’

Three days had passed since the ball. While Asmod was away tending to external affairs to settle the aftermath of the ball, Theticia had been confined to the mansion, restless enough to crawl out of her skin.

‘Moon-Viewing Hill, he said. Then Moon Silvergrass, Sky Vine, Night Trumpet. I should check for those. It would be nice to see Horned Rabbits too.’

Bag slung over her shoulder, Theticia opened her bestiary with anticipation. The pages Jess had once read aloud to her were now filled with dense notes in Imperial script she had added herself.

Beside Jess, who was fastening the gaiters around her ankles, Glacia cried out in a wounded voice.

“Would be nice if Glacia could come too!”

“I know. I wish you could come with us, Glacia. It’s such a shame.”

When Theticia ruffled her head, Glacia spun her tail in wide circles.

Today’s outing was meant for only Asmod and Theticia. Though Glacia drooped a little at being left behind, she showed no sulking, perhaps thanks to being allowed the nickname.

Following Jess’s guidance to the entrance, Theticia found Asmod waiting in light attire.

“Asmod!”

Overjoyed, Theticia ran toward him and smiled brightly.

Though unpleasant things had happened at the ball, attending it had instead helped Theticia steady herself. The faces of the demons she had seen there had only strengthened her hypothesis.

‘This illness must be connected to mana. If that’s true, there’s no better place for research than the Demon Realm. Coming here was the best decision.’

Since today’s outing would lay the foundation for finding a cure, Theticia couldn’t hide her excitement.

“You look happy.”

“Of course, this is my first time leaving the mansion. I’m so happy!”

Asmod’s large hand drew her lightly into his arms. Enveloped in the deep sandalwood scent of his embrace, she felt a gentle kiss fall on the crown of her head.

At the affectionate touch, a faint blush spread across Theticia’s cheeks.

‘Maybe it’s because he’s an incubus. He does these things so naturally.’

He touched her so casually that even Theticia, who had once found contact with others awkward, was beginning to grow accustomed to it.

“Well then, take care.”

With Jess and the ghost maids seeing her off, Theticia followed Asmod outside. A waiting Nightmare greeted its master with a light snort.

“We’re riding the Nightmare? But last time you told me not to touch it.”

Her eyes shone as she watched Asmod swing himself onto the Nightmare.

“It’s not far enough to take a carriage. And you’re properly prepared, aren’t you?”

At his appraising glance, Theticia looked down at her own attire.

She wore baggy riding breeches, gaiters strapped around her ankles, and gloves Jess had slipped onto her hands.

Unlike the dresses of the Demon Realm that barely covered what needed covering, not a single patch of skin below her neck was exposed.

“I thought you gave me these so I wouldn’t touch things carelessly.”

“That too.”

Using Asmod’s hand for support, Theticia mounted the horse. It was higher than she had expected, yet with Asmod’s firm hand steadying her back, it even felt safe.

Unable to resist her curiosity, she reached out and stroked the Nightmare’s blazing mane before her eyes.

“How strange, it’s not hot at all. I can’t even feel it.”

In an instant, Asmod’s hand closed around her waist and pulled her close. Startled and caught in his arms, Theticia lifted her head.

“Must you touch everything to be satisfied?”

A fine crack appeared between the brows of the ever-composed Asmod.

Flustered, Theticia drew her hand back and set it on the saddle. It annoyed her that he could touch her so freely, yet scolded her for doing the same.

“I was just curious if it had substance. Isn’t it fine if I’m wearing gloves?”

“It has no solid form. It could seep in. If you have nightmares tonight, I won’t wake you.”

Asmod pulled the reins, and the Nightmare shook itself lightly before starting to gallop. Each time its hooves struck the air, Theticia’s body swayed as though she were riding a small boat.

The horizon, far from dark, seemed almost within reach beneath the glow of the Blue Moon, shining brighter than usual.

“The moon looks especially bright tonight.”

“It’s the full moon.”

At Asmod’s slight nod, Theticia looked toward the vast grassland at the edge of her sight.

Beyond the Nightmare’s burning mane stretched a plateau far too large to be called a hill. What would have been deep green in the human realm now glimmered in the Blue Moon’s light, clear and bluish teal.