Case 117: Upon a certain pitiful succubus.

''P-Punished?''

Somehow, as those narrowed eyes, like a fox's, settled on me, I felt a chill running up my back. Was she always this... coveting?

No, I mean, I knew she was possessive of me, almost to a dangerous degree, but if it was veiled by a thin farce of obedience before, then this seemed like an impending, unstoppable disaster.

Like a beast without its shackles.

''Ah...''

Suddenly, Lyra released me from her clutch, and on her face bloomed a gentle smile, ''Well? Let's go home first. We can talk slowly there.''

So, I ended up traveling to the Orleans mansion again.

Since everyone had come to me in their family's car, including Lyra, I thought I was going to ride on one of them. But after a bit of shuffling, I found that the arrangements were quite off. The five of us would use one car, while the others were for their respective drivers to follow us.

I was in the passenger seat, and our driver was... Lyra.

''When did you learn to drive, little sister?'' Penelope, who sat in the backseat among the other two, spoke up.

''Occasionally.'' My little sister replied calmly.

''Occasionally?''

''I sometimes observe people driving.''

...So you didn't have a license. Got it.

I mean, with this lineup, we'd better worry for other people's lives instead of ourselves should an accident happen, but I digress. Rather, wasn't it too stuffy in here...?

The girls at the back kept glaring at one another, and Lyra kept glancing at me suspiciously.

It was awkward.

But I obediently sat there for a while, only feeling refreshed once I got out of the vehicle. Upon taking the mansion's familiar silhouette in, my mind drifted.

''...''

It wasn't until Lyra took my hand that I snapped out of it.

She took me to my room.

The simple layout, the city view—where I had been for the last five years. However, something was a bit off. Just some traces here and there that indicated...

''Was someone living here while I went away...?''

Lyra turned to me and, without hesitation, replied, ''I did.''

''...What?''

''You once promised not to leave me, but you lied. You were gone. I missed you, so I savoured your presence. Is that not okay?'' She smiled, perhaps too innocently, too eerily. ''I sat in your chair, slept in your bed, and bathed in your tub. Is that not okay?''

''N-No, look...''

I was baffled and honestly overwhelmed as she approached me, towering over me while spouting things like this. Swimming deeper into her eyes, I felt as if I was being caged whole, as if she was snaring me with her forever.

Completely unable to resist, I was embraced by Lyra.

Her chin rested on my shoulder, mouth uncharacteristically humming a soft tune, ''But it's okay, big sis. You did something wrong, you get punished... and you learn. Don't make the same mistake again, alright?''

''S-Sure.''

That sounded more like a threat than anything.

Why was it? Even though I was receiving human warmth, my body was icy cold.

''Now, sit down.''

Lyra put me on the bed. I didn't know what kind of expression she made when she hugged me, but my lovers seemed... cautious, somehow.

Nonetheless, it was the same interrogation time again. Four pairs of eyes stared intently at me, gouging questions.

Before my nerves gave up under this immense pressure, I had to confess everything. I took a deep breath, then looked ahead,

''Actually, I—''

''Can you show us your true appearance now?''

''Ah?''

Lyra insisted. Under her pressuring gaze and the others' curious ones, I hesitated... but ultimately chose to unveil my disguise. Slowly, I dispelled the magic that changed my hair color, and...

'''' ... ''''

A sober silence lingered in the air.

Red eyes, ashen gray long hair—even a child would recognize this combination.

I couldn't face them.

I shut my eyes, waiting for the storm to pass by, except it never came in the first place.

''...?''

Puzzled, I perked up, only to find my lovers blushing and Lyra grinning in satisfaction. I almost wanted to ask if they didn't find me despicable. That I was... a demon.

As if piling onto her initiative, my cunning little sister then pointed out, ''Where are your horns and tail? Succubus, right?''

''That...!''

When she dropped that line, the lovers' curiosity meter rocketed to the sky, shattering the ceiling. They itched toward me, round eyes sparkling as if begging for it.

Since I had no other choice... I complied, gritting my teeth.

Two sturdy horns sprouted from the sides of my head, growing toward the center of my forehead, curling, like an obsidian crown. A long, whip-like tail appeared right above my rear, donning a pointy, slightly heart-shaped tip.

The moment I showed my true appearance, I felt like dying.

These were the finest proof of my inhumane status, and if I didn't like people reading me so easily, well, great! The tail basically spelled out whatever I was thinking anyway.

It was embarrassing...!

Stop waving, tail!

I shielded my vision with both palms, flushing. When I discreetly peeked through the gap between my fingers, I saw three entranced women. Even Lyra seemed tipsy.

This wasn't even the real power of this body.

Dangerous.

But if they couldn't face me properly like this... I'd be a bit disappointed. I know I was stupid, expecting them to miraculously not be affected by my power. They, too, were humans.

It's just... I wouldn't want to turn them into mindless followers.

While I was dejected like that, I felt a weight on my head, ''Good job.'' Lyra said, caressing my hair and horns. It was a bit ticklish.

Perhaps that small compliment lifted my mood. As everybody calmed down, I began to share my story. Not mentioning my past life, of course, but my circumstances... and the path forward.

I told them my true identity.

I told them I was dying.

I told them I planned to sacrifice myself.

''So... it has to end with me—no, please let it end with me!'' I pleaded.

Their reactions were... ambiguous. I saw a mix of shock, sympathy, and anguish. One by one, my lovers gave their inputs,

''I refuse.'' Rachael firmly stated. ''End with you? I'd rather fight the demon myself than push my lover to her death.''

''I think that plan is reckless. There's no guarantee that it'd work.'' Penelope analyzed. ''Besides... I'd want my lover to survive, even if it costs others' lives. Well? We'll figure something out for sure.''

''I agree with Penelope,'' Kiara added. ''If we work together, everything will turn out well.'' She gave a thumbs-up.

I was overwhelmed with guilt and gratitude.

My tears were already streaming.

They were prepared to do so much for me...

''You guys...''

All that was left... Lyra. I turned to her, anxious.

The heroine was composed the whole time, her attention solely on me,

''...I'll find a way. Don't kill yourself off so quickly.'' She sighed.

''O-Okay...!''

In the end, my worst nightmare didn't manifest. I wasn't chased off this house, nor did I face any sort of condemnation. What I found from my loved ones was pure support.

I couldn't be happier.

''Big sis, hand.''

''Huh?''

So when Lyra asked for my hand, I was puzzled but extended it out regardless.

Clink.

''...Huh?''

Only for a distinct metal cuff to snap around my wrist. What... is this?