Case 143: To an uncertain future.

In retrospect, I shouldn't have indulged Lyra so much. I kind of spoiled her as the big sister, but she also earned it by working really hard. No, I regretted that I gave myself to her so willingly.

...But that wasn't true either.

It did feel weird sleeping with someone I had considered a little sister until recently. Nonetheless, I enjoyed our time together. Perhaps it was my tendency to easily fall in love, or perhaps Cecilia's body amplified the faint interest I had in the capable heroine—I wasn't sure.

Though after all of it, one thing remained certain...

''So?''

''Um...''

I was going to be scolded by my lovers.

A day after Lyra departed, all three of them came to the mansion as if smelling something suspicious—and they were right. I got swept up in the moment and did something I shouldn't have. That was the excuse, but I would never use that to defend myself. I was guilty.

And... strangely enough, I felt more at ease than usual.

Surrounded by three big and intimidating ladies—these kinds of situations were often the ones to break my fragile composure. I wondered why. Was I that confident in my relationship with Lyra? So much so that I was... confident admitting to it in front of my lovers?

Maybe. Even the most oblivious Cecilia in me would have to admit that she had at least some sort of romantic interest in the heroine now. Who wouldn't after sleeping with her?

So, after a deep breath, I obediently bowed down on the bed, ''I'm sorry.''

A silence followed. It would be a lie for me to say that I wasn't nervous, but I was prepared to bear the consequences. Yet, the angry words or the pricking gazes never came. Instead, my three sweet lovers could only sigh helplessly.

''I should have stopped her then...'' Rachael grimaced, massaging her temples.

''I don't think it would have worked...'' Kiara bitterly replied. ''That girl is quite stubborn, and Cecilia is... well.''

Hey, what did that mean...?

Kiara, being Kiara, kindly clarified her words so as not to hurt me, ''I mean, you've always loved the little sister. Given her insistence on dating you, I thought you'd accept her one day. Our Cecilia is kind, after all.''

''Kiara...''

I was moved, truly. In a way, it was a given that Kiara would concede this. The princess I knew and loved was a benevolent saintess. However, I didn't expect Rachael not to retaliate, and even Penelope seemed fine for now. The whole time, she only looked at me ambiguously, shrugging when our gazes met.

Since the mood was good, I opened my arms and smiled brightly, ''N-Now, I can't do much like this, but how about some compensation? You guys must be pent-up now, right? Feel free to let it out on me.''

'''' ... ''''

For some reason, they seemed unimpressed.

''...Cecilia, that's too thick-faced,'' Kiara uttered.

''Ah.''

I could only avert my eyes in shame. When did I become this kind of woman...?

Well, it wasn't like they didn't take the chance anyway. That day, it was a rare foursome between us again. I felt good being connected to them after some time, and they got to satisfy their desires.

For a while, everything went smoothly.

I, who was still confined to my room, obviously couldn't make any direct progress, but with Lilith acting as my proxy, the stage was being set slowly.

At home, I also diligently studied magic. As some weeks passed by, I could feel Lucy's presence itching on the shackles. It wasn't quite enough for her to get out completely, though it allowed me to use a very tiny amount of magic—tiny compared to this body's original output, of course.

This meant I could practice discreetly. I wasn't sure what I had expected, but learning self-destruction magic was easier than I thought. The core principle only involved igniting one's entire mana reserve in a short time. Unlike any other spell, it didn't need to care about the user's safety or anything of the like, which made it easier to approach.

In theory, I should already be able to perform that spell right away.

''...''

I mean, exploding inside my room wouldn't do anything, so I settled to learn other magic... just in case. I doubted I would have the chance to use them, however.

On the other hand, Lilith herself made significant progress on her own. Somehow, she had managed to lure Jeanne out several times. From what she told me, it was to lower the former heroine's guard gradually.

''...So you'd try to invite her on a date next time?''

[Yes.]

Lilith's calm voice came from my phone. We were on a call.

''That's... great,'' I exclaimed in disbelief. ''How did you even do it...?''

[Perhaps Jeanne was also interested in me from the start. She just didn't realize it.]

It sounded absurd... but could also be true. Or maybe our succubus's lineage was too strong. In any case, it seemed that Lilith would soon be able to seduce Jeanne. Since it was her true love, I was... happy for her. Even in the original game, Lillith didn't cause any sort of trouble after she left, so it should be fine.

So... then what?

''What would you do after getting Jeanne on your side?'' I asked absentmindedly. ''Go somewhere else? Or you have something left to do in the empire?''

Lilith paused for a moment, then replied,

[Probably help you.]

Hearing that, I couldn't help but let out a dumbfounded noise,''...Huh?''

Help me? For what? I wasn't really her daughter, and this stuff was... kind of dangerous. She should know that since I'd explained my plans roughly.

[You plan to defeat Astaroth. If you succeed, it benefits me as well. I wouldn't want him to disturb us after we got together.]

''...True. He's probably going to mess with everyone if left alone anyway.'' I sighed. ''Ah, I see now. He's going to get you back if I die, huh?''

[Correct.]

In the original story, Cecilia became the demon queen under Astaroth's rule and fulfilled the role. Since I wasn't going to comply, he'd find the remaining most suitable one to force the crown on, which would be Lilith. He'd want her specifically, too, considering her capabilities.

''Jeanne alone isn't going to make much of a difference though...'' I grimaced. ''Could you seduce the whole hero party?''

[Do it yourself. It seems you have a knack for those kinds of things anyway.]

''Ahahah...''

I'd rather not. Imagine having to handle the three other former hero party members on top of my existing partners. That's seven people. The madwoman who could satisfy that number must be a mega succubus.

[But it's true that having the entire party is better.]

''Right? So could you—''

[I'll try to persuade them. No guarantees.]

''...Alright.''

At least Lilith was willing to help me. Although it was just a little, I felt more optimistic now.

The problem, fundamentally, was that few people knew about Astaroth's stuff. They wouldn't believe any of us if we tried to recruit them. Rather, they'd try to eliminate me, a certain target, first.

Having the former hero party on our side, plus the current heroine and my lovers, should make a difference. Perhaps we could gather more forces... maybe.

It was all uncertain, but we'll have to get there eventually.