The Incubus Archduke Dreams of a Pet Human - Chapter 66

A violet mist billowed from his elegantly smooth, noble fingers. The red marks gradually faded, and her skin returned to its original milky-white hue. Warmth finally returned to Theticia’s face as she realized he was healing her.

“Th…… thank you.”

Converting mana into life force was an inefficient form of magic. Yet, a wound that would have healed in a few days with a human’s natural recovery was bothering him this much.

‘What am I doing right now.’

He was supposed to be scolding her severely.

Before this tiny human, the reason he had taken pride in his entire life repeatedly crumbled like overripe fruit. His emotions surged and dipped as if his very capacity for mercy and tolerance had been stripped away.

Whenever it concerned Theticia, his body did not feel like his own, and his emotions did not feel like his own.

‘Am I constantly following this creature’s emotions because of the mana?’

He had never heard of a contractor being swayed by their partner’s emotions, but it was highly unlikely those contractors possessed as much mana as Theticia.

‘It is too late to stay angry now, so I must calm her down first.’

Asmod, scowling, let out a slow sigh.

“……I know it was not your fault.”

Her tear-dampened eyes flew open the moment the words left his mouth. Asmod found it absurd how Theticia could be so overjoyed by a single sentence.

“My statement about extinguishing your soul was born of anger. Levia likely left a trace of mana on you during the party. Since it was subtle enough that even I did not notice, Glacia would not have known either.”

Even as he added the explanation, the corners of his mouth refused to lift. Was it already too late to take back the anger he had spilled? Asmod spoke slowly.

“Are you afraid of me?”

In the heavy silence where even the sound of breathing felt disruptive, dark eyelashes fluttered slowly over honey-colored eyes that seemed woven with gold thread. Between the crease of his brow and the faint lines around his eyes, those jewel-like pupils searched through Theticia.

The newly changed clothes were already damp with her cold sweat.

“I, I am not afraid. I am not afraid.”

Theticia, her eyes red as she shook her head vigorously, quickly swallowed her tears.

I wonder how his father could have ever thought of bringing in such a bothersome creature.

Asmod took a light breath in and let it out. The brand on Theticia’s arm glowed with a clear light at the touch of the mana from his fingertips.

“As long as this contract remains valid, I shall not take your soul.”

“Yes, yes!”

Theticia nodded quickly.

Though he had been angry given the severity of the situation, he had not cast her aside yet. The cool temperature of the hand resting atop her brand proved that fact.

‘What a relief. I must be truly careful from now on.’

Theticia rubbed her eyelids hard and cautiously observed Asmod’s reaction. The furrow in his brow was still distinct, as if his anger had not entirely dissipated.

I wonder what I could do to earn praise, or to soothe Lord Asmod’s wrath. She did not know how to form deep bonds with others. She had never experienced it. Instead, she had only grown adept at petty tricks to escape the moment.

Theticia’s mind raced as she searched for a pretext to lighten the atmosphere. Her eyes darted about before she suddenly raised her hand.

“R, right, Lord Asmod. I have become able to use mana. Although……. I can only reach the stage of discharging it for now.”

Asmod tilted his head to the side as he watched Theticia struggle to force a smile. Her small hand grasped the one resting on her brand, interlacing their fingers.

“L, like this.”

She let out a small grunt of effort as she discharged mana into their joined palms. Since she could not yet weave proper threads of mana, she intended to at least show him the discharge. However, the mana gathered in her trembling hand simply scattered the moment it touched the air.

When the result turned out to be lackluster despite her confident claim, Theticia’s face fell into a pout once more. Asmod’s lips tightened as he watched her straining and shaking his hand firmly.

‘I am doomed……. I should have practiced a bit more before mentioning it.’

At this rate, her foolish attempt to divert his attention would be laid bare. She knew well what kind of adverse effects occurred when such schemes were discovered. Her lips parted to weave an excuse, but the words failed to come.

“Hah……!”

Asmod interlaced their fingers tightly and pulled Theticia toward him. As she lurched forward, his lips brushed lightly against her forehead.

“You surely know there are other ways to grant me mana without resorting to such antics. Could it be that you learned this simply because you loathe the idea of our bodies intertwining?”

“N, never!”

She had only wanted to change the atmosphere. As Theticia squeezed her eyes shut, the refreshing scent of sandalwood drifted from her forehead to her eyelids.

“To think you would attempt such a ridiculous stunt. I must hand down a sentence for you as well.”

Her heart thrummed as if fireworks were exploding within. Even her shallow, trembling breaths were guarded, lest Asmod notice her agitation.

“Do not leave my side for even a single moment.”

A voice, sweet and heavy, yet still laced with lingering wrath, whispered the verdict.