Interlude 3: Lilith and the annoyingly handsome heroine.

Lilith Leila Vermilion.

Born between two pure-blooded high succubi, her potential was boundless. A magical genius since birth, a prodigy in physical combat, who also possessed a sharp, terrifyingly ruthless battle instinct.

Lilith was the youngest princess to inherit the throne in over a thousand years.

Whether in governing the demons or expanding the nation's influence, she was always firm, leaving no room for criticism. For several decades under her rule, the demons were practically invincible. Her mere presence at the capital was enough to keep away even the 'one in a century' hero party on the other side.

For quite some time, Lilith's side was gaining momentum.

That was, until the heroine and her companions broke through the stronghold's defense and arrived at the throne room. The reason Lilith allowed the infiltration was rather practical—she didn't want to make a mess in the city.

Since the throne room was unreasonably vast and sturdy, it had become a tradition for demon kings and queens to battle their foes inside this place. Additionally, it was where the blood moon could appear the most vivid, bringing a boost to the crown.

So, it was a familiar scene.

''Demon queen...''

''Heroes.''

Both parties softly called their opponents. Lilith sat indignantly on the throne, her crimson eyes cold and imposing. On the other side, Jeanne and her three party members stood cautiously, their nerves taut.

''...Something's strange,'' Serendia whispered. ''It looks like she's alone, but it could be a trap.''

''It's not a trap. You lot fought off all my subordinates outside. If I had more, I would have invaded your land a long time ago.'' Lilith replied, yet even she herself didn't know why.

Usually, Lilith wouldn't bother explaining anything to her enemies. There was no reason to, after all. But somehow, she couldn't help but stare at the red-haired woman in front. The more she stared, the more she felt strange.

'Why do I...'

Why did she hesitate to activate the traps she had prepared? Why did she hesitate to hurt this woman?

The answer came almost immediately.

Lilith's emotions could be described in one word: dull. She hadn't been especially interested in the things she did. She just happened to be good at them. Even the primal bodily desires of succubi had nearly been lost on her.

Nonetheless, at this moment, Lilith had figured it out. It wasn't that she couldn't feel lust or couldn't be attracted to someone else—she just wasn't able to meet someone she liked until now.

Succubi were sensitive to human emotions. In less than a minute, Lilith was certain—she had fallen for this woman.

'What was her name again? The heroine... Jeanne. Right, Jeanne.'

Lilith didn't panic. She remained the stoic leader she had been for the majority of her life. Logically speaking, she should nip this budding crush and execute her enemies without mercy. This fleeting infatuation could not be compared to the entire demon race's ambitions.

Or... could it?

Lilith found herself paralyzed. It was the first time her heart had moved for someone, and that thick, clinging emotions poured out all at once, flooding her system. For years, she couldn't love anyone, but once she loved, her feelings were unparalleled. Even her wife, with whom she had a child, couldn't come close to this.

'It seems I have gone mad, too.'

Lilith suddenly laughed, her melodious voice filling the chamber. The hero party members were rightfully confused. The demon queen had kept her silence for a long time, then abruptly laughed?

Though it wasn't exactly out of place. Which demon queen and king weren't deranged?

So, they tensed up, perhaps sensing the impending battle. Since they were worn out from battling Lilith's subordinates, they needed to be extra careful. In fact, it was fairly certain that they would lose their lives here. If the rumors were true... they weren't Lilith's opponents at all.

But this was the best humanity had to offer. If they couldn't do it, no one could.

Holding this raging flame, Jeanne stepped forward with her sword raised high, ''Let's fight, demon queen!''

At the same time, the woman with ashen-gray hair also descended from the throne, and a long, pristine crimson sword floated in her palm, ''Very well.''

That night, Lilith's perpetual smile was tainted with a certain growing obsession, a crazed fixation on something that none could decipher. She clashed with the hero party, but deliberately held back.

She was still wondering between duty and affection. Thus, her solution was simple—wait and see. If she wasn't certain, she could use some time to think over it. She also wanted to know more about this annoyingly handsome heroine.

It was as easy as faking a draw and allowing Jeanne's group to retreat. This way, they could always clash again in the future—with legitimate reasons, too.

'Fight with your charms, Jeanne. Let's see who wins in the end...'

The silent battle continued for years. The hero party hadn't given up, but Lilith couldn't make a decision easily either. Yet, when every encounter ended in the same exact draw, suspicions were bound to form.

At some point, Lilith thought she couldn't do it longer. She was happy to prolong this play front for decades, but other demons weren't as patient as she was. Their pressure didn't matter much, but Astaroth's did. If this went on, she would one day collapse under his influence and kill Jeanne.

It was a dilemma the demon queen had never met before. In the end, she chose to run away.

Abdicate the throne, let her only daughter sit on it, and run away. This way, the glory would be Jeanne's, and she could retire safely as well. The demon side wouldn't completely be wiped out either. Humans would be cautious if they knew Lilith was still around.

In short, pretend to lose, escape, and somehow reach Jeanne's side afterward. That was how Lilith chose to resolve her feelings.

And so, the final battle approached.

''...What?'' Jeanne was dumbfounded. ''What did you just say?''

''This might be the last time we fight, heroes,'' Lilith repeated her words. ''You did well until now.''

The demon queen's smile betrayed her cold tone. The hero party members didn't let down their guard. After all, Lilith was still their number one enemy. They fought until the very end, burning their lives under the blood moon.

In the end, Jeanne's blazing sword penetrated Lilith's chest.

''Hah... hah... hah...''

The heroine's whole body was glowing with dense mana. Together with her Soul Guardian, Jeanne was prepared to detonate herself to kill off Lilith if needed.

No, she was already doing it.

''...''

Yet, the moment Jeanne saw Lilith's tender gaze under her disheveled hair, her faint smile, the magic faltered.

''Fool.''

The demon queen muttered, kicking Jeanne away. Then, with difficulty, she pulled out the heroine's silver sword and vanished. After that day, no one saw a trace of her ashen gray hair again.

Jeanne's hero party returned victorious, their fame reaching every corner of the continent.

A decade of peace followed. When the new generation came, the once-famous party would also retire. Progress thrived as people's lives got better, and in the midst of the seemingly never-ending happy ending, a pair of mother and daughter arrived at Syrus.