"Wooooooow....."
The day is approaching evening decorated with birds flying back to their nests. The orange light of the sun setting from the sky hit the face of the man next to me, Saoto. I looked at Saoto's smiling face while he was also looking back at me. I don't know why my heart became so calm after seeing his face. My reverie stopped for a moment as soon as he hugged me tightly next to him.
"Sei, let's go back to our house"
Saoto looked at me with a smile on his face before gently stroking my head. Although I'm a little embarrassed when I hear the word 'our' used by him, I don't hate it. I rested my head on his arm while saying softly to him,
"A-aight"
Suddenly, a magic circle was etched on the ground after being cast by Saoto before our current view changed and now arrived in front of a majestic medieval-style castle. I was stunned as soon as I saw the astonishing palace that I would live with him from now on. My daydreaming then stopped as soon as Saoto pulled my hand tightly to follow his steps.
"Sei, let's come inside"
Saoto smiled at me as he pulled my hand to follow him. I returned his smile before slowly following his footsteps I looked at the palace grounds with amazed to see it surroundings that were decorated by various types of plants and there was even a mini garden with a fountain in the middle of it. We kept walking until we finally arrived at a large door that dividing the palace grounds and the building. Right in front of it, a familiar figure greeted us while panting like she was tired doing something.
"W-welcome home, Mahou and Mahou Saoto..." (Tired)
"Hmph? Didn't you claimed that you used to be a maid. How come you are tired already?"
Saoto asked as soon as he saw a tired Nita greeting us at the door. Nita then looked at Saoto's face before expressing her regret about something.
"WHO IS N-NOT TIRED?!! N-NITA SEARCHED ALL OVER THE PALACE TO FIND THE OLD LADY BUT SHE'S NOWHERE TO BE SEEN" (Furious)
Saoto was silent for a moment as if he was remembering something. He thought for a moment before looking back at Nita's face before continuing,
"Aah... The other maids are all still on day-off. The only maid currently in-charge is that old maid. How can you not meet her already?"
Nita clenched her fists as veins started appearing on her face. Then, she release her regrets by shouting to the man standing in front of her.
"W-WHERE THE OLD MAID YOU MENTIONED EARLIER?!! THERE IS ONLY THIS YOUNG-LOOKING MAID THAT I SEE HERE?!!" (Furious)
Someone appeared behind the door as soon as Nita pointed her finger at her. A young looking woman wearing a maid outfit stood behind the slightly open door before continuing to open it wider.
"Welcome home, Mahou Saoto, Mahou Seinarin"
The woman bowed her face as a sign of respect as soon as she saw us. At a glance, her eyes quickly stared at Nita who was still stunned in place. Nita, who noticed that she was being stared at by her, continued to bow her body again to show us respect.
"A-anu... It's okay"
I signaled the maid in front of me to tell her to get up again. That's because I felt sorry for Nita who sweated all over her face as soon as she was stared by her. The woman then got back up before introducing herself again.
"Mahou Seinarin, please call me Ena. I am the chief maid in this palace. If there is any problem, don't mind finding me"
I nodded while looking at her in strange. Her pointed ears caught my attention since such ears are not too odd to me. Suddenly, Saoto looked back at Nita's face next to him while saying,
"This is that oldest maid I mentioned. So what's the problem?"
In a moment Nita looked at Saoto again while shouting in furious.
"W-WHAT DO YOU MEANS BY OLD?!! DID YOU EYES ARE BLIND OR SOMETHING?!! SHE'S CLEARLY A YOUNG-FINE WOMAN?!!"
Nita snapped while clenching both her hands below. Saoto then let out a heavy breath and shook his head before continuing,
"Ah, you got it all wrong... The old I mean in terms of ages not by appearances... I call him Obaa-San because I have already been in her care since I was young. Besides that, how can you determine someone's old if his appearance is just a thick-haired werewolf?!!"
"Uhm, a-anu..." (Grinning)
Nita grinned while scratching her head after realizing she was in the wrong. I was chuckled to see her who got teased again by him. If I think further, it makes sense that it was hard to determine the demon's age just by their appearance since they have many races with different attributes each.
I then looked back at Ena after I recall something in my mind. Ena who has pointy ears is indeed an elf which is known for having a long lifespan amongst the demon. They usually lived up till 3000 years so no wonder why they looked so young even though their age is considered as antique. It didn't stop at that. Although it sounds common, the long lifespan allowed them to become number one in the world in any terms including magic. They not only can learn a lot of magic but they have enough time to master it and even develop the new potential of the magic that makes them invincible. In the end, I nodded for a moment after understanding why Nita, a known warrior was also scared even by a stare from her.
"N-Nita-San... Did you think I'm that old?!!" (Furious)
"EEP?!!"
Ena looked directly at the woman who was standing next to her with a smile meant to threaten while tightly gripping her shoulder. Nita, who was already trembling in fear then slowly faced me to ask for something.
"Mahou... Please help Nita..." (Almost crying)
Nita looked at me while asking to help her get out from the situation. However, I shook my head not to interfere. She got what she deserves since she's the one who misunderstood things. Tears suddenly welled up in both her eyes before she looked back at the face of the woman next to her.
"It seems that there is a lot of discipline as a maid that Ena needs to cover on you..."
"Eek?!!"
Nita was surprised as soon as she heard Ena words in an angry tone. Saoto and I just smiled to see the behavior of one of our subordinates. For a moment, Nita looked at me again before lowering her body to say something.
"l-I'm sorry, Mahou Seinarin. From today onward, Nita will be on duty as Mahou's private maid. If Mahou has any problems, just ask Nita to come"
I was surprised to hear Nita's words. I then approached her and gently stroked her head. Although everything did not go as what she wanted, at least she still got to be my personal maid. Nita who was surprised then looked directly into my face before I returned her smile while nodding slowly to her.
"T-Thank you, Nita-San"
Nita looked at me with happy tears in her eyes. I kept smiling at her face before being surprised by Saoto who suddenly hugged my shoulder tightly before saying something.
"EEP?!!"
"Nita, please tell Sei to shower and get ready for bed. Saoto has things to be done right now"
I looked at the man next to me with a surprised face. Saoto then looked back at me while smiling before kissing my head and stroking it gently. I don't know why I felt odd as soon as I heard that he was going to leave me for some business even though I knew well his role in Miltia as the Great Demon King. However, my uneasy heart suddenly calmed down again after my head was kissed by him. My cheeks then blushed as soon as I noticed that the man behind me knew that I would feel a little lonely after his departure.
"It's okay, Sei. Meet Saoto in the room tomorrow if Sei wants to be caressed like this again"
Saoto then kissed my cheek while smiling at me. I, who was embarrassed by his action then immediately cupped both of my cheeks which were blushing while facing my body away from him. Despite being embarrassed by what he said, I didn't deny that lately I was very addicted to being caressed gently by his hand.
("Is my heart really want to be his lovey...") (Blushing)
Saoto then stepped back while waving his hand at me before a circle of magic lit up and made he disappeared from my sight.
"Take care, Sei"
I smiled to greet his departure. Suddenly, I was shocked when Nita jumped up and tightly hugged my body.
"Mahou, let's Nita help taking a bath-"
I then pushed him away from me while shaking my head in panic to reject her offer.
"I-it's fine... I-I can take a bath by myself..." (Panic)
Nita's face immediately watered as soon as she heard my rejection. Even though she really wanted it, I had to reject it nicely because even though I looked like this, I didn't used to bathe as a girl. Plus, the atmosphere in the bathhouse where everyone dressed openly also made me a little embarrassed when my curves could be clearly seen by the others.
("Actually, I'm also worried that my manly desire will arise as soon as I'm bribed with such a sight. What if I turned back again while in the bath...") (Stared)
I then imagined the things that worried me. A man in a woman's bath naked without wearing any clothes. Everyone who sees it will think that I'm a pervert and did something indecent there. However, I was shocked as soon as my back was held tightly and pushed by Ena without having might to fight back.
"B-but E-Ena-San... W-what if anything happens there..." (Panic)
"N-O... This is indeed our duty"
Ena looked at me with a stern face. I then waved my hands to explain my reasons to her but stopped as soon as her sharp gaze was directed at me.
"If Mahou Seinarin wants to fight Ena, go on. But with Mahou's current abilities, Mahou won't be able to touch me even-"
I quickly covered Ena's mouth with both of my hands. I didn't think a little misunderstanding could escalate and become this big. I finally nodded slowly accepting my fate.
"F-fine... S-Sei will do it together"
I then surprised by Nita, who was just watching from earlier suddenly jumped and hugged me tightly with full of joy on her face. It seemed that I worried for nothing. My heart calmed as soon as I was hugged tightly by her body. I then pulled both of her cheeks because we continued to stay still for a long time.
"Oi Nita-San, hurry up and show me the way already... Quit with the drama..."
"Eek?!!"
Nita caressed her reddened cheeks before smiling back at me. The hand she extended was welcomed by me to be guided. The joy in her face accompanied my every step to the bathhouse.
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A messenger approached a large throne on which sat a figure wearing robes of glory that were partially visible in the moonlight. In a hurry, the messenger then bowed down to give him respect before reporting something to him.
"The mages deployed in Miltia were found dead as soon as they entered the area. However, we also did not see the bodies of the Warrior Mona there"
For a moment, the figure held his head before burst out laughing as soon as he heard the news that was conveyed to him. The figure then straightened his body back before taking the glass next to him and drinking it.
"Saoto, Saoto... Apparently you're more powerful than I thought..."
The figure then stood up and slowly descended from his throne before finally stopped in front of a large window. While looking into the moon, he said something to the messenger behind him.
"Arrange a meeting with Demon King Ilia and the representative of The Kingdom's Warriors"
The messenger bowed himself as a sign of respect before saying out loud,
"Alright"
The messenger then got up again before left the scene leaving the robed figure staring at the night sky that was lit by the moonlight alone. In an instant, he took out a gold coin with a hole in the middle of it before pointing it directly to the moon.
"Saoto... Is that you?"
A cynical smile showed on the part his face that got revealed by the light of the moon.
----------------------------------------------------------
Warm air filled the entire bathroom. Although the palace looked ancient and classic, it is surprising that there is a huge hot spring inside it. The warm water with a classic view here is guaranteed to soothe every bather.
Except me.
I sat soaking in the hot water pool while facing the wall with a restless heart. It can't be helped. This scene behind me is a heaven for my manly desire since I'm here soaking myself in the woman hot water pool. So, I kept staring at the wall without paying attention to the figure behind me to not arouse something manly inside me. At the same time, I continued to hold my cheek so that I would remain calm and not get carried away by the 'dangerous' atmosphere here.
("So warm-") (Daydreaming)
I screamed in surprise as soon as my chest was groped by the person behind me.
"EEP?!! ENA?!!"
I was shocked to see Ena behind me as I kept trying to release her hand from holding my chest.
"Mahou Seinarin, Ena has completed Ena's duty. So, Ena's responsibility now is to bathe Mahou"
Although I understand her duty very well as a maid, who was not surprised if they were greeted like this. People usually greet someone by patting their back, touching their shoulder or greeting casually instead of suddenly touching someone's chest.
"E-ENA... L-LET IT GO!!!" (Panic)
I kept struggling to get Ena's grip off my chest. However, my efforts were in vain because she still held her hand tightly. I don't know why a strange feeling suddenly appeared as soon as she touched me causing my voice to slightly shaking. I kept thrashing for her hand to be released.
"E-ENA-SAN... S-STOP-"
"Ena saw Mahou blanking just now while holding tightly Mahou's cheek that was kissed by Saoto-Sama earlier. Does Mahou miss him so bad right now?"
I became silent as soon as I heard the question asked by Ena. For a moment, my cheeks reddened as soon as I realized that I was being watched by her from earlier. Filled with embarrassment, I continued to submerge part of my head into the hot water so that no one could see my redden cheeks.
"Mahou, don't worry... Saoto-Sama is a real good person. Saoto-Sama would never do such a thing to Mahou"
Ena released her grip while explaining it to me. I stayed silent as soon as I heard Ena's explanation. However, deep down in my heart, I was very calm to know about it. I then looked back at Ena with a puzzled look.
"Ena-San, why does Saoto give the other maid time off while Ena doesn't?"
I asked out of curiosity. Although it sounds like I really wish Ena wasn't here with me right now, I actually am a bit curious to know why Saoto didn't give Ena time off. I already know that he is kind but there is no way he intends to trouble Ena, the maid who had taken care of him since his childhood. I kept staring at Ena who was silent as if she was thinking about something. Suddenly, I was shocked to see she quickly pulled out my body from the water while tightly being hugged by her.
"Saoto-Sama is a kind-hearted Demon King. Before Saoto-Sama ruled over Miltia, it was once ruled by a Demon King with a large body and also a human like him. However, the demon race here were all oppressed and some of us were enslaved and even sold to The Kingdom with the aim of satisfying their worldly lusts..."
I was surprised to hear Ena telling me the truth in such a tearful tone. Without realizing, I already clenched my fists tightly because I was so desperate by what was done to the demon race before. Maybe because I understand very well the feelings of the demon since I am also one of them now. However, I was surprised as soon as Ena wiped my eyes which had unknowingly shed tears with her hand while looking at me with a smile on her face.
"It's fine, Mahou... All of that is the past. Ever since Saoto-Sama defeated and killed the previous Demon King, King Baros, all the demon races in the Miltia area have now been treated like citizens. Those of us who are always forced to work are now given freedom and holidays like we should have. Many of the maids here who have never met their beloved families are finally able to meet them. That's why Ena-San continues to take care of Saoto-Sama as the main maids of the palace to thank him for giving a new hope to Miltia."
Ena-San wiped my tears while hugging me tightly. Even though she was a bit sad, Ena was still forcing herself to smile showing me she is really grateful for the presence of Saoto as Miltia's hero. Looking at her, there is no need for me to keep sad about what had passed. However, I still want to know more about Saoto who saved Miltia before.
"Ena-San, at what age did Saoto save Miltia? Because his age and Sei's age are not far apart-"
"Nine years old"
"Huh?!!"
I widened my eyes at her face as if I'm not believing what I heard just now.
It was so surprising.
Our age was only three years apart. At that age, even I myself still learned swordsmanship techniques on my own, but that man already managed to defeat someone with the title of Great Demon King that easily. I was shocked to know about how strong he was.
("Is he really a human...") (Stared)
For a moment, I was shocked again by Ena who kept touching my chest again. I then struggled to ask her to let go of her hand again.
"E-ENA?!!"
"What did Mahou want to be surprised about? Ena is more surprised to see that Mahou who is a succubus who should like these things-"
I was surprised as soon as I heard Ena's words. While panicking, I quickly put both my hands up to cover her mouth from continuing.
"S-Sei isn't a n-normal s-succubus..."
I grinned at Ena's face who was still looking at me puzzled. Anyway, I just recently found out that I am a succubus and also the Demon King who once ruled the entire Terror Canyon. Plus, I didn't even remember a single thing about being once. Besides, before this I was just a man with a tough life that made me far from the word 'experienced' as a succubus. At a glance, I saw Ena looking at me with a smile on her face with a hidden intention in it.
"Mahou, as an experienced elf, how about Ena teach Mahou how good it feels to be-"
"N-O!!!"
I pushed Ena's mouth away as if she wanted to kiss my mouth. Ena finally released her grip from my chest before falling into the hot spring water. Ena then resurfaced again while showing half of her face from the water.
"Eeh, how sad... Although Ena can teach Mahou about-"
"IF IT'S LIKE THAT, T-THEN W-WHY ENA-SAN STILL SINGLE NOW?!!" (Furious)
I was furious while questioning her credibility who, despite having lived for many years, yet still did not any partner. Ena immediately looked at my face while frowning slightly before saying with a trembling voice,
"E-Ena do h-have one..." (Tremble)
"Sure?"
I looked at Ena's face not believing a single thing she said. In an instant, Ena's face turned gloomy as she looked down as if she had already resigned to her fate.
"It's not Ena's fault that Ena is still single. Everyone who sees Ena is scared because of Ena's age-"
"Yosh, Yosh.."
I gently stroked Ena's head to calm her down who was depressed since she was rejected just because of her age. To think about it, I thought a long life is not all good and beautiful. I don't know why my heart felt relief knowing that I didn't live as long as she did.
"Mahou, Mahou also has lived for a thousand years, right? What the secret that made Saoto-Sama so captivated?"
I was shocked to hear the question she asked. My body then froze for a moment after realizing about what I just said earlier.
("Ouh... I'm also an old lady...") (Sobbing)
I remained petrified until Ena shook my body so hard that I awake from my reverie. I looked at Ena's face again with a puzzled face.
"W-Wait a minute Ena-San... Do you know that S-Sei is the Tyrant Demon King who lived a thousand year ago?"
Ena held my hand tightly while looking directly into my face before saying something. I remained silent while waiting for an answer from her.
"As a maid who has been serving Saoto-Sama for a long time, we were already aware of the arrival of his partner who he said was once Tyrant Demon King who lived a thousand years ago. Although we did not believe it at first, as soon as Ena saw Mahou, Ena knew that Mahou was indeed the Demon King Saoto-Sama mentioned about"
I was surprised to hear Ena's words. Apparently the whole palace has found out about me even though I am not an important figure but rather a feared one who had been known as a cruel conqueror. I then surprised as soon as I was hugged tightly by the woman in front of me.
"Mahou, don't be sad. We trust Mahou as much as we trust Saoto-Sama. After all, Ena didn't see Mahou as a threat in a glance-"
I was somehow happy as soon as she comforted me but it changed after the last part of her speech. In panicked, I then shut her mouth before a big fight happened here.
"E-Ena-San... Ena trusts Sei, right?"
I looked deeply into Ena's face. Ena who was surprised nodded slowly answering my doubt. For a moment, my cheeks reddened as soon as I thought of the reason that had made Saoto and I into the relationship we have now. I lowered my gaze in awkwardness before saying it in a low tone.
"I-It's maybe because S-Sei and S-Saoto t-trust each other..." (Shy)
The woman in front of me was silent for a while after hearing my answer. I, who was still embarrassed then continued to look into the water before surprised by her who suddenly jumped while grabbing my chest unlike before, full of enthusiasm.
"Ouh, no wonder Saoto-Sama is really into Mahou. Mahou is a shy one and very cute when Mahou gets embarrassed"
"E-Ena... S-stop it. I-If Ena keeps grabbing it like that, S-Sei's body starts to feel w-weird"
I, who was anxious kept trying to release Ena's grip that tightly grabbed my chest. To be honest, I wonder how a single-person like her can be this aggressive even though she has never been in a romantic relationship with anyone. In panicked, I then responded to Ena's actions by touching her chest to teach her a lesson. Instead of showing a reaction like I did, her grip suddenly loosen while she fell silent as soon as I touched her. Filled with anxiety, I then immediately called her name because I was worried that I had done something wrong to her.
"Ena? E-ENA?!!"
"Mahou... Did Mahou want to make fun of Ena because Mahou has bigger breasts than Ena?!!"
Ena then looked at me with a scary look. In panicked, I then moved my hands repeatedly to deny what she said. For a moment, she raised her hand up high while moving each of her fingers with the intention of doing something to me. My body continued to tremble before we finally stopped while looking at the figure who had just entered the bathroom.
"Ena-Sama, did Ena wants to hug Mahou's body? Nita wants to join too, can I?"
I shed tears happily while holding my hands tightly in gratitude as soon as Nita came to ease the tension. Anxious Ena then immediately lowered both of her hands before looking back at Nita while putting a serious face.
"As a maid, we must respect Mahou Seinarin's wishes. Since Mahou doesn't seem to want to be hugged, we as maids must respect it"
Ena explained to Nita about the discipline of a maid. I could only grin as soon as I heard her because I didn't feel that her early intention was to hug me. Saw that the atmosphere had turned calm again, I then looked at Nita's face while holding out my hand to invite her to take a bath together. For a moment, her eyes watered as soon as I invited her to join in.
"Eeh... Mahou herself invited Nita to join in a bath" (Sobbing)
I nodded slowly while looking directly into her face with a smile. Actually, I am very grateful because of her that I am now safe from being someone's toy. Nita then immediately wiped her eyes again before tightly welcoming the hand I extended to her. The three of us took a bath while having a long conversation about various things. For a moment, the quiet atmosphere in the swimming pool was filled with the sound of splashing water and laughter coming out from us.
----------------------------------------------------------
I lay on the bed that had been prepared for me. The bed was bigger and more luxurious than my previous bed back in home. However, the quiet atmosphere continued to fill all corners of my room as Nita and Ena both left me alone to sleep in their own room. I continued to sit on the bed while thinking about something.
("Every time I fall asleep, Saoto is always by my side...")
I slapped my blushing cheeks as soon as I remembered him. I didn't think I would be so lonely just because there was no man to sleep with next to me. Even though the man was a man I just met recently, somehow deep down in my heart there was an unfulfilled void when he was not around. To think again, Saoto is always by my side every time I fall asleep and I even sleep peacefully once in his arms. Somehow I can remember exactly how hoarse his voice was and how warm his body was. Filled with embarrassment, I then covered my entire body with a blanket with the intention to sleep and stop thinking about him for a moment. Hour after hour passed before I finally fell asleep after trying to calm myself down for a while. The quiet and cold night continued to fill the atmosphere of my room before I finally fell asleep on my bed.
----------------------------------------------------------
I woke up as soon as I saw a bright light that blinded my eyes. My legs and arms were chained and hung crosswise on a wall in a room that I didn't even not know. I was screaming for help as soon as I saw a man in a black robe walking across the room where I was hanged. I continued to call him while struggling to release my hanging body before the slow walking man left me alone in this quiet room.
"Saoto, Saoto..."
I screamed as loud as I could before I finally realized something. My voice seemed to be trapped inside my throat and did not come out even though I had shouted with all my might to call the person in front of me. However, my heart was a little relieved as soon as I saw the figure stopped as if he heard my heart screaming just now. I kept shedding happy tears before finally surprised to see the figure who was standing in front of me.
A demon with a wrinkled appearance and wearing a robe was standing still in front of me while holding a knife in his hand. I kept struggling to release my chain while shivering in fear as soon as the man pointed the knife he was holding right at me. My tears flowed profusely as my body continued to force myself to break out from this room. The figure then grinned at me who was trembling in fear.
Suddenly, the man charged towards me with his knife pointed right into my heart. In an instant, my breath became heavy followed by a continuous pain causing by the continuous stabbing by the figure in front of me. Blood sprayed out of my entire body and some of it even got spurt out from my mouth. The man finally stopped after seeing my weak and helpless body before walking away leaving me still hanging in the room.
I, who was very weak forcing myself to look at the scene in front of me. The previously clean floor and walls were now covered in my blood. I finally understood why my body became so weak right now. In that gripping atmosphere, my breathing felt so heavy that my vision also gradually blurred. Accompanied by a quiet atmosphere, my consciousness finally disappeared after a while I fought to keep myself awake. I'm hanging weakly in a room that I didn't even know without anyone noticing or caring about me.
I immediately woke up and sat on my bed. I, who was still frozen by what just happened to me quickly touched my body to make sure the stab I felt a moment ago. I finally breathed a sigh of relief after knowing that everything I just experienced was indeed a dream. I then looked at the sky outside which was still dark behind the slightly opened window of my room and concluded that I had woken up from my sleep due to the very surreal dream. I then rubbed my chest again with relief before moving my body back to lie down on my bed. Although I am still sleepy after what had happened, it suddenly disappeared as soon as I saw the man next to me whose arms were tightly hugging my body as I fell asleep.
("Sa-Saoto? W-Why is he in my room?") (Surprised)
I quickly opened the blanket that covered me and his body before I was shocked to see what I had just witnessed with both of my eyes.
"EEP?!!"
Saoto lying next to me while only wearing his underwear without any shirt and pants on and kept hugging my body tightly while he was still asleep.