The Incubus Archduke Dreams of a Pet Human - Chapter 52

However, no matter how much ambition he lacked, to maintain his position as an Archduke, he needed to know how to keep his subordinates in line and learn how to keep his fellow Archdukes in check.

‘I hope that one proves useful in helping Asmod secure his footing.’

Lucifer cast a sidelong glance at the mana clinging to Theticia’s neck and ankle.

Looking at the situation, it seemed that even if he did not deliberately set the stage, Asmod waking up to the duties of an Archduke would be a natural progression.

‘The one hooked around her ankle must belong to Levia, and the one around her neck is…….’

A faint thread of mana, hung so lightly lest anyone notice, wavered as if conscious of Lucifer’s gaze.

“What did you say your name was?”

At Lucifer’s sudden question, Theticia quickly offered a polite answer.

“Th, Theticia Pelloni.”

“Theticia Pelloni…….”

Lucifer pronounced it as though savoring the sound, then nodded his head. His gaze shifted toward Glacia, who stood at a distance.

“A fine name.”

The stiffly nervous Glacia jolted in alarm, her tail shooting straight up. Seeing her roll her round eyes and avert her gaze, it was apparent she was siphoning off bits of mana from her master’s human.

‘He will only save face if he handles something of this level on his own, so there is no need to tell him.’

Concluding his thoughts, Lucifer waved his hand lightly, and the mouse-headed demons brought over an ornate chair to prepare his seat.

“Well then, let us begin.”

With a nod from Asmod, his gesture caused the rolled-up tapestries to unfurl grandly, and the brassy call of trumpets rang out to signal the start of the ceremony.

Ghost maids dressed in pristine uniforms glided in without the slightest sound of footsteps, distributing empty glasses to the attendees.

When Asmod stepped onto the dais, everyone looked upon him with expectant eyes. Theticia, too, stood among the demons, looking up at Asmod with a rapidly thrumming heart.

He stood merely a few steps higher, yet Asmod radiated a dignity that made it seem as though he had ascended a throne. It was as if he were a being crafted from birth to occupy such a position.

Finding Asmod’s appearance somehow even more dazzling, Theticia narrowed her eyes.

‘……As I thought, am I not too lacking to speak of fate?’

It was Asmod who called it fate and told her she was precious, but looking at his figure now, she felt embarrassed of herself for having fluttered over those words.

‘Perhaps because it is the first face I have ever seen in my life, everything spoken by that face sounds persuasive. Is this also because of my illness?’

Letting out a pained sigh, Theticia tapped her aching chest.

‘Let us not act presumptuously and simply enjoy the luxuries I have now. Above all……. what is important to me is the cure.’

He had said she could wander freely once the coming-of-age ceremony was over. She resolved that she must truly devote herself to her research now.

“Theticia.”

At a voice that sounded like a low whisper, a sharp jolt of surprise pulled Theticia’s head upward. Standing on the dais, Asmod was lightly reaching his hand out toward her.

“……Yes? Ah.”

At the beckoning gesture telling her to come quickly, Theticia climbed onto the dais as if under a spell. The moment she grasped his offered hand in a daze, Asmod swept his arm around her waist, pulling her close.

Under the pouring gazes, Theticia’s cheeks instantly flushed hot like a cockatiel’s crest.

“Lord Asmod? W, what are you doing…….?”

Asmod narrowed his brows and formed a subtle, alluring smile.

“Did I not ask for your help?”

“……Pardon?”

Over her flustered lips, Asmod’s mouth descended. Her pale blue eyes, clear as glass beads, belatedly flew wide open.

“……!”

He was kissing her. In front of all these people, no, in front of all these demons. Even in front of the Demon King.

The moment she realized that fact, Theticia burned a bright, searing red from head to toe. Despite her hands hastily trying to push him away, Asmod’s grip held her small body in a possessive, unyielding hold.

His thick tongue invaded past her parted teeth, teasing the sensitive lining of her mouth. It felt as though a small feather had fallen from the tip of his tongue to settle deep in her belly, tickling every corner of her insides. Summoned by the familiar sensation, mana boiled feverishly through her entire body.

“Mmph……!”

The concentrated mana buzzing inside her belly was instantly devoured, drawn entirely into Asmod.

As their lips parted, Asmod languidly lifted his eyelids. Beneath his fluttering lashes, his violet eyes radiated a brilliant golden luminescence.

Following that, a cool, intoxicating scent of sandalwood flooded the entire ballroom. The mana Asmod distributed materialized, filling the empty glasses of the demons.

“For His Grace, Archduke Asmodeus!”

“To His Grace!”

All around, demons raised their glasses and shared a joyous toast. The orchestra also struck up a lively tune, announcing the true beginning of the party.

Toward Theticia, who was still utterly bewildered as to what had just happened, Asmod cast a languid, predatory smile.

“You did better than you did in practice.”

“Ah, you mean to tell me that this was what the practice was for? I had absolutely no idea…….”

He had called it practice when he kissed her in front of the attendants last time, and it seemed he truly had been preparing for this very moment.

‘Is it because so much mana was drained from me that my heart is racing this wildly?’

Wondering if she was feeling presumptuous emotions over something that was merely part of a formal ceremony, Theticia pressed a hand to her violently thrumming chest and let out a sheepish smile.