The Young Master of the Slave Trader – I Aim at Princess Harem – – Chapter 380

The spoils of war speak volumes.
“It’s because you took such reckless action…”

“Was it my fault for revealing my identity?”

Hal Harem Von Raymond and Liliana gazed at Noel Sante, who had fainted again and was now lying on the bed. Although her wounds had been healed by my ‘Healing Magic,’ Noel’s stamina had dropped to its limit, which seemed to be the reason she couldn’t withstand the obeisance Liliana demanded of her. After answering Liliana’s question, she collapsed as if her strings had been cut, falling into a state of delirium.

We had also dealt with the parasitic worm that had taken root in her lower abdomen, so now all that remained was to let her rest and recover her strength. Well, we had obtained the information we needed about the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon’s’ base of operations from Noel, so we could consider our initial objective achieved.

Still, she looked so happy now, a stark contrast to before. It seemed she was truly delighted to have met Liliana, a true monarch.

“Tirna. I’m sorry to trouble you, but could you continue to look after Noel?”

“Yes, Hal-sama. I understand.”

Then, we boarded several gondolas and headed for the commercial district of Schwerin. According to Liliana, who was leading the way, the commercial district was located on the new city side, where we were now, and built along the River Leete to facilitate maritime transport.

“So this is the commercial district! It’s so lively, teeming with people!”

The commercial district we arrived at was lined with shops built from brick cemented with plaster, and it was filled with the clamor of many people. The lively calls of merchants and the negotiations of customers in response unfolded here and there, creating a unique atmosphere. Ships carrying various goods sailed along the canals, and cargo was being unloaded onto the docks. On the streets, it was so crowded with customers buying food and daily necessities that there was hardly any room to walk.

“So many people… are you telling me the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon’ have their hideout in a place like this!?”

“Hal-sama, if you want to hide, you hide among the people.”

As I muttered to myself, gazing dumbfoundedly at the bustling commercial district, Freya, who was nearby, responded. Freya had run a small business before, and she seemed happy about it. By the way, they, including guests Safiya and the newcomer Astarotte, were all wearing the formal attire of the ‘Princess Harem’ – hooded robes – and masks modeled after a Valkyrie.

“Hold on there, you lot! What’s with the suspicious get-up!”

“You seem like low-class adventurers, but in these times, your attire is quite suspicious. I’m going to ask you about your identities, so you’ll have to come with us to the barracks.”

As we disembarked the gondolas and walked through the commercial district, we were stopped by a pair of patrolling soldiers. The first to call out to us was an energetic young soldier, and the one who spoke next was a seasoned, middle-aged soldier. From their equipment and the emblems on their uniforms, we could tell they were soldiers of the Espana Imperial Army.

“Thank you for your patrol. We are not suspicious individuals.”

Safiya stepped forward and replied to the soldiers’ summons.

“Now, now, suspicious people always say that! Don’t argue, just come along!”

“A Harem Party, huh… I’m not jealous! You scoundrels!! I’ll make sure you confess to all your other crimes.”

Hearing Safiya’s reply, the middle-aged soldier’s expression hardened, and he furrowed his brow. Meanwhile, the young soldier cursed at me. The Party Members looked at them with lukewarm gazes, but their eyes weren’t smiling. In a way, it was a tense situation pregnant with the potential for immediate conflict.

“…Is that so? Then please take us with you.”

Amidst this, Safiya, with an air of nonchalance, agreed to the summons. And so, we were led away by the Espana Imperial Army soldiers to the barracks. Safiya hadn’t revealed her identity to the soldiers earlier because she judged them to be too low-ranking to know who she was. The rest of the Party Members seemed to view it as just an amusing diversion.

Although most of them would have had trouble revealing their true identities, with Alicia and Safiya present, they were treating it as a sightseeing trip. We obediently followed the soldiers and arrived at the so-called barracks. It turned out that the place they called barracks was a former Yangas Kingdom knight’s station that had been requisitioned.

“Knight, we’ve brought these suspicious adventurers. Please interrogate them.”

“Good work. You may return to your patrol. I will handle this.”

“Yes! Excuse us.”

The soldiers who had brought us to the barracks handed us over to the knight stationed there and returned to their patrol duties.

“Who are you people? What’s with the outlandish attire!”

“Sir Knight, may I ask your name…?”

“My name is Hadra Marvela… What, are you looking down on me when I’m the one asking the questions!? You lot!!”

Safiya took the initiative in responding to the Espana Imperial Knight’s interrogation. As a Count’s daughter of Espana, she didn’t deign to acknowledge a low-ranking knight. The knight, reflexively stating his name, turned bright red with anger.

“Lord Hadra Marvela, do you not recognize my face?”

Safiya lifted her hood and slowly removed the mask modeled after a Valkyrie. Meanwhile, the Party Members’ eyes were fixed on the knight’s face.

As expected, his face, flushed red with anger, first showed a question mark, then instantly turned pale, and his entire body began to tremble as if he had contracted malaria.

However, Safiya was also fully immersed in this cheap drama. The knight felt somewhat pitiful, but it seemed we could get the information we wanted this way.

“C-Countess Kol’s daughter! M-My apologies.”

Upon sensing Safiya’s identity, the knight treated us all with equal courtesy. As one would expect of someone holding the rank of knight, he seemed to know the daughter of Count Kol, who was provisionally governing the Former Yangus Kingdom Territory. Furthermore, the aura (Nyuma) emanating from the other Party Members was also unusual, perhaps fearing the situation and the consequences of ‘poking a snake in the bush.’ It was a wise decision.

“Lord Hadra Marvela, there is something I wish to ask you.”

“Please ask anything you wish. I will answer anything I know.”

“It’s not a difficult question. I would simply like to know the location and current status of the Yangas Kingdom’s knight’s station that existed in this commercial district.”

“Ah! In that case—”

According to Lord Hadra Marvela’s explanation, there were five knight’s stations in the commercial district. However, one of the buildings along the River Leete had been burned down due to resistance from the Yangas Knights and was now a ruin. The other four had been abandoned as bases and the occupants had retreated for the siege of the Crystal Palace, so the buildings were undamaged. He explained that the Espana Imperial Army soldiers and knights had requisitioned these buildings and were using them as barracks.

In other words, the burned-down ruin was likely being secretly used as a base by the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon.’ We had a map drawn of the location of the ruin and headed there. By the way, the barracks where we met Lord Hadra Marvela was located in the center of the commercial district, and the thoroughfares were crowded with people. On the other hand, the remaining four locations were on the outskirts of the commercial district and appeared to have sparse foot traffic.

Thus, we were heading towards the southern former station site that we had been told about.

Following the map, we arrived at a location where there was indeed the site of a burned-down building. It was surrounded by a warehouse district and seemed uninhabited. The building itself was made of brick and plaster, but the interior furnishings had burned, causing the roof to collapse, scattering tiles, and some walls had crumbled, making it look like a complete ruin.

“It’s truly burned down. Can someone hide in a place like this!? And there’s no way down to the basement either…”

Safiya, who had led the way with enthusiasm, seemed to realize that hiding would be impossible given the extent of the building’s damage. Noel had said there was a basement in the ruin, but we couldn’t find any stairs leading down. Perhaps it was blocked by collapsed rubble?

“Hey, Liliana. What do you think? I agree with Safiya…”

“Hal-sama, the building is indeed heavily damaged. However, buildings of this type often have secret entrances connected to the canals. Although the stairs to the basement seem to be blocked, there is a makeshift dock within a covered channel that flows into the canal. In emergencies, they would use gondolas to depart from there. I inferred from the barracks we visited earlier that only the ground floor was being used. Perhaps the Espana Imperial Army doesn’t know about the existence of the basement?”

Liliana explained that since there were no cities with canals in Espana, it was highly likely they hadn’t noticed the hidden entrance to the basement. Furthermore, she suggested that the covered channel was probably mistaken for a mere sewer.

“This is getting interesting.”

Holy Spirit Serena, who had been quiet for a while, dispelled her invisibility and landed on my shoulder.

“Hey, Serena. Could you check the condition of the basement for me?”

“I… it’s troublesome.”

The perverted old man leaped from my shoulder, turned invisible again, and disappeared. I felt a bit let down after he had made such a dramatic entrance.

“Tch! I missed her!!”

Immediately after, Dietlinde, who had apparently been approaching from behind to capture Holy Spirit Serena, spat out a parting shot. It seemed she sensed the approach of her natural enemy (Dietlinde) and ran. Behind Dietlinde stood Elise, who was smiling wryly. It seemed Elise had provoked Dietlinde.

“If we scout now, we can grope the female knight’s breasts to our heart’s content…” Elise muttered something outrageous with a dark smile.

“Elise! Is that true!?” Holy Spirit Serena, having dispelled her invisibility again, materialized before Elise. That perverted old man’s eyes were bloodshot.

“Yes, of course. Their breasts are your prey.”

“It’s a request from Elise, so I’ll go scout.” The perverted old man, falling for Elise’s deliberate flattery, headed off to scout the basement. We, on the other hand, could only let out dry chuckles.

“The basement had signs of habitation, but it is currently uninhabited. This is proof. I want to feel the fruits that are wrapped around this soon.”

After a while, Holy Spirit Serena returned. She was holding something white and fabric-like very carefully.

“Hal-sama, what Serena brought back is a bra. She said she was drying it as laundry.” Kirika, who received the fabric, told us its identity. Holy Spirit Serena probably handed it to Kirika because she was farthest from Dietlinde. Then, we all examined the bra brought back by the perverted old man. However, all I could tell was that it was likely an expensive undergarment due to the luxurious embroidery.

“It seems this is indeed the place.” Liliana seemed to have confirmed that this was the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon’s’ hideout.

“Liliana, how did you conclude that this is the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon’s’ hideout?”

“…Th-that’s because this expensive undergarment was popular in the Yangas Kingdom some time ago. It was especially popular among the female Royal Guards… You could call it ‘lucky underwear,’ a fashion statement for hidden places.”

“I see, then it’s settled.” I was convinced by Liliana’s explanation.

“I… I was seriously injured by that ero-spirit…” Behind us, Astarotte, who had been shown the perverted old man’s true nature and proclivities, collapsed. Astarotte had nearly died from the perverted old man’s ‘Oyajin Attack,’ but she might have found it difficult to accept this regrettable fact.

“You lose if you care about that?” “Seriously, my head hurts.” Swan Hilda chimed in to Astarotte, who was collapsed on the ground, and beside her, Edele sighed, pressing her temple with her finger.

In the end, we concluded that the southern former knight’s station in this commercial district was the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon’s’ hideout. Leaving Holy Spirit Serena behind to monitor their movements, we returned to our inn, Lily Lalabai.

2. The promised reward is… breasts. ①

The day after we discovered the hidden basement in the suspected hideout of the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon,’ Noel Sante awoke, and Tirna was diligently nursing her. For the time being, she would be given nutritious liquid food to help her recover her strength slowly.

“Hal-sama, I apologize for my disrespectful behavior the other day. Also, thank you very much for saving my life.”

When I met Noel after she woke up, she seemed to have heard the details from Tirna and thanked me sincerely with a humble attitude.

“For me, I just helped you because we had our own reasons, but this is fate, isn’t it? From now on, please help Liliana.”

“O-Of course. Crown Prince Liliana is undoubtedly the legitimate successor of the Yangas Royal Family! To be able to help His Highness… This is the true calling of a Yangas Knight!!”

Noel’s expression had changed completely from when we first met. When we first met, Noel, lying on her deathbed as a streetwalker, had an expression as if she had given up on everything. However, by meeting her lord and master (Liliana), she seemed to have awakened to her duty as a Yangas Knight. Still, the influence that pure royalty possesses… just how tremendous was it?

While Liliana often lamented her lack of combat ability, her popularity in her homeland was a powerful weapon. On the other hand, even Sophie, who had lived such a dissolute life, had people who admired her…

Noel was ordered by Liliana, who would be her liege, to recover her strength and was now quietly resting in bed. My gaze shifted to Tirna, who was next to her, planning the future rehabilitation. Noel, who had been bedridden for a long time, had lost a significant amount of muscle.

I couldn’t help but admire how she managed to get up in such a state. This could be considered a type of ‘superhuman strength born of desperation.’

Three days later, Holy Spirit Serena, who had been left behind at the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon’s’ hideout to monitor their movements, returned. She fluttered her two pairs of wings lightly, seeming very cheerful. Holy Spirit Serena then settled on my right shoulder.

“Master, the people you were looking for have returned. All five of the wanted individuals returned by gondola under the cover of night. They seemed exhausted from their mission, so they are probably sound asleep in their hideout now.”

“You did well, Serena.” Holy Spirit Serena had perfectly fulfilled the task of acting as a lookout that I had requested.

“Now, their breasts are mine. Guhuhu…”

“You again…” However, what followed was less than ideal. The perverted old man seemed to be entirely occupied with the reward (breasts) promised by Elise, the vice-captain of the ‘Princess Harem.’ But then again, he never learned. Despite having gone through hell during the ‘Quality Check,’ he showed no signs of remorse. Truly, ‘a leopard cannot change its spots.’ The god who created the perverted old man must have had a headache.

“Hal-sama, it’s finally time for me to meet my knights.” Liliana, who was listening to the report with us, was teary-eyed. Considering Liliana’s feelings, this was a natural reaction.

“Liliana, it’s too early to cry. Hal-sama, as they say, ‘Good deeds should be done quickly.’ Let’s incapacitate them by surprise attack while they’re sleeping, and then Liliana can persuade them.” Ly, who had admonished the teary-eyed Liliana, advocated for the policy of ‘speed over caution!’ Indeed, the idea of restraining enemies just as they fell asleep was a good plan with low risk. This time, we couldn’t afford to dismember or kill the enemy, so even if we were called cowards, it was worth carrying out.

We left Tirna, who was still attending to Noel, and headed for the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon’s’ hideout. Since it was late at night, we traveled on foot. To be honest, I wanted to leave behind those with low combat power like Alicia and Freya, but we were swayed by their desire to witness a moving reunion. The main street, which had been so crowded during the day, was now asleep. In just a few more hours, merchants and artisans would start their morning preparations.

We crossed the commercial district and hurried to the ruined southern former station site. That area was a warehouse district, and there were few people even during the day. As we walked through the deserted warehouse district, we occasionally heard the distant howling of dogs. In the silence of the night, only the sound of our footsteps could be heard. No one spoke unnecessarily, perhaps because combat might lie ahead.

*Hyuuuu… Flash!*

However, as we approached the knight’s station ruin in question, a sudden sound like something tearing through the air was followed by a brilliant sphere of light appearing in the sky, dispelling the surrounding darkness.

“Thieves, we have been waiting for you.” And then, a woman’s voice from the front reached us.

“W-What, weren’t you supposed to be asleep!? This isn’t what we were told!” Swan Hilda exclaimed in shock. As she said, the five members of the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon’ were waiting in full battle gear. The person who spoke to us now seemed to be the leader, Melissa Lilibach Dela Shreena, a former Viscount’s Daughter. However, this unnatural accent… I felt like I’d heard it before.

I had a very bad feeling about this. Illuminated by the sphere of light, Melissa was a female knight clad in magnificent silver light armor. Flanking her were female knights, perhaps Vice-Captain Isabel Mamaria Dela Lascan, a former Baron’s Daughter, and the magic swordsman Arches Lilinda. And it seemed Arches was the one who unleashed the light magic earlier. Melissa and Isabel had their hands on the hilts of the rapiers hanging at their waists, ready. Meanwhile, Arches held aloft a magic staff, seemingly controlling the sphere of light. Their gazes, fixed on us with vigilance, seemed filled with strong emotion. The air around us crackled with killing intent. And before them stood Rachel Papillon, a middle-row combatant, nocking an arrow, and Jose Shamit, a frontline fighter, holding up a knight’s sword in a charging stance. We were completely outmaneuvered. But how did they know we were coming tonight? Cold sweat trickled down my back, but I tried to maintain my composure so as not to spread my unease to the Party Members.

“We are just adventurers passing by? Are you mistaking us for someone else!” I tried to bluff. However, it didn’t manage to make the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon’ members let down their guard.

“Lies… You are the ones who stole my favorite bra, aren’t you!?” I almost stumbled. Melissa seemed to have been on alert because her favorite bra, which had been drying in the hideout, was missing. I glanced at the perverted old man perched on my right shoulder, and he sheepishly averted his gaze. It seemed there was no room for leniency. The perverted old man would need some punishment commensurate with his crime.

“You… didn’t you put the bra back where it belonged?!” The perverted old man’s gaze, though wavering, was directed towards Shera, who was at the back. Shera was also looking away, but judging from her demeanor, she must have stored the bra in her Item Box. As this was happening, Shera, unable to bear my gaze any longer, started whistling an unskillful tune – *Hyu, hyu*. Honestly, her attitude was so transparent.

“Hal-sama, please leave this to me.” Liliana stepped forward, shedding her disguise and revealing her true face.

“Melissa Lilibach Dela Shreena… It has been a long time. Do you remember me? If you do, disarm and surrender. I will not treat you badly.” Liliana immediately drew her ‘trump card’…

“A fake who looks just like the late Princess Liliana! Only Princess Yuliana remains of the Yangas Royal Family. Slaughter that disrespectful fake!!”

” ” ” “Hah!” ” ” ” Melissa declared Liliana a fake, and her subordinates agreed.

“H-How…” “Liliana, get behind me, it’s dangerous!” “…Yes, Hal-sama.” I pulled Liliana, who was about to fall into a daze, back.

And so, the worst-case scenario we had envisioned, a full-scale clash between the ‘Princess Harem’ and the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon,’ began.

*Jee, jee, bachiin!*
“Eh!? W-Why?” The first to move was Rachel, the middle-row combatant. As she drew her arrow and aimed at Liliana, whom she declared a fake, the bowstring suddenly snapped.

“Do you think you can easily take Liliana’s head? Such flimsy bows are no match for my spirit magic! And to challenge us elves with a bow… it’s laughable.” It seemed Dietlinde’s Fire Spirit Magic had snapped the bowstring. While it had once specialized in stripping effects, it was now being used in its intended purpose. Meanwhile, Rachel, her bow broken, switched to the twin whips hanging at her waist. Twin whips are a special type of whip with two ends, each equipped with a weight, making them a fearsome weapon for killing. They possess enough power to easily tear flesh on contact.

[Fire Lance]
Following Dietlinde, Elise took out her sacred staff from her Item Box and, as if to strike first, unleashed three Fire Lances. However, if such a deadly attack spell were to hit directly, it would cause severe damage to the body, making resurrection impossible.

“Elise, don’t be reckless. Our objective is not to defeat the enemy!” “I-It’s fine, it’s just a feint. My real target is elsewhere.” Elise, skillfully dodging my attention, smiled. The Fire Lances Elise unleashed landed near the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon,’ raising clouds of dust shrouded in mist.

*Hyuuuuuu, pito*
“Kyaaaaaa, a biiig worm!” To our surprise, while the enemy’s attention was focused on the Fire Lances, the perverted old man charged forward to claim his promised reward (breasts). And then, the perverted old man, having amplified his counter-magic to defend against Elise’s Fire Lances, leaped onto the defenseless magic swordsman Arches’ chest.

“I-Iiiiyaaaaaa!” *Momi, momi, momi* “This is it, this is it! Just how I like plump, hidden breasts!” Arches was wearing combat clothing reinforced with leather armor, like an adventurer, under her dark robe, but the moment the perverted old man latched onto her, both her breasts were exposed and she screamed. Arches seemed to be the type who looked slimmer than she actually was, as her bountiful breasts swayed *yussa, yussa*. As usual, the perverted old man, clinging to her right breast, began his ‘Oyajin Attack’ with his entire body.

*Momi, momi, momi momi, monyu, monyu, momi momi momi*
“…N-No… Ahh… Ahhh♡ … Nooo!!” *Paaarin* Then, a dark object embedded in the cleavage of Arches’ opened chest burst and scattered into mist. With that impact, Arches seemed to have lost consciousness and collapsed. However, with Arches’ defeat, the sphere of light rapidly dissipated, and the surroundings were enveloped in the darkness of night.

3. The promised reward is… breasts. ②

*Gaki, kakyiin, gan!* In the darkness, sparks flew from three locations. It seemed the battle had truly begun. I prepared ‘Healing Magic’ in case of any injuries. Still, as a member of the rear guard and a healer, I found it frustrating that I couldn’t directly participate in the battle.

*Boo, booo* And then, several foxfires lit up the battlefield, casting an eerie glow.

“Heh, not bad, are you? To withstand my Zantou!” The surrounding area, instead of the dissipated sphere of light, was illuminated by the foxfires unleashed by Shera, no, Sister Shera. The foxfires floating around Sister Shera cast a dim, hazy light. Sister Shera, wielding the Zantou, and Jose, the enemy’s frontline fighter wielding a knight’s sword, were locked in a test of strength, blade against blade. Moreover, their physical strength was equal, and they were in a stalemate. Jose’s physical strength was astonishing. Neither Sister Shera’s nor Jose’s swords yielded an inch, and at first glance, they appeared frozen in place. However, Sister Shera’s happily wagging fox tail and her serious face, baring her sharp canine teeth, told the whole story.

Beside them, Mai, wielding a short sword, and Edele, wielding twin swords, were keeping the agile Rachel, surrounded by her twin whips that she swung with unpredictable flair—*byuun, byuun*—at bay, but Rachel’s skills were undeniable, and they were struggling to advance. The vicious jaws of the sharply swung twin whips closed in on Mai and Edele, but the nimble duo easily dodged them. Meanwhile, Rachel’s skillful whip work prevented Mai and Edele from entering her sword range.

Behind them, Melissa, who wielded a rapier with practical skill that surpassed the realm of noble ladies’ pastimes, was facing Lyucheenne, who demonstrated equally elegant swordsmanship. Their thrusts aimed for each other’s hearts, and their sweeps served as feints. It was a fluid battle reminiscent of a light-footed sword dance.

“They’re tougher rivals than I expected.” “You’re not bad yourself!” And so, they dodged each other’s rapier tips, adjusted their stances, and praised their worthy opponents’ efforts.

Meanwhile, Safiya was also engaging Isabel, who wielded a rapier, with a rapier, but she was being pushed back a bit. However, Kirika, who was watching this, seemed to be preparing something. Furthermore, Dietlinde, also wielding a rapier, rushed in to help Safiya, who was on the losing side, but she seemed to have been delayed by the earlier use of fire spirit magic.

On the other hand, Swan Hilda was protecting Alicia, Freya, and Liliana, who had low combat power. As the battle became chaotic, mages like myself, Elise, and Eria also retreated together, but Elise, apparently finding the foxfires too dim, raised a sphere of light.

“Why… would you call me a fake…” Liliana, who had been called a fake earlier, was dejected. She must have been deeply shocked. The sight of a crestfallen Liliana was heartbreaking.

“It was probably because it was dark and you couldn’t see well.” “Those people seem to worship someone named Yuliana, so maybe their vision is narrowed?” On the other hand, Alicia and Freya were trying to comfort her.

“Princess Liliana! I have analyzed that the problem lies with the enemy.” Astarotte, however, had a different opinion.

“Did you notice something? Astarotte!” “Yes, Hal-sama. Considering the situation so far, I am almost certain that the enemy leader is a ‘Death Puppet,’ and the other four are what are called ‘Puppet Dolls’.”

“What is the basis for that opinion?” “The oddly accented speech of the enemy leader is similar to Saritari, who was watching me. Also, in the magic swordsman’s chest that we defeated first was a dark stone where miasma had condensed. That is used to control ‘Puppet Dolls’.”

“I see… That is highly credible information.” The unease I had felt towards the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon’ members until now was dispelled and made sense. The members were unnaturally strong. It was likely they were being pushed to exert power far beyond their actual abilities.

“Hey Hal. I was explained about ‘Death Puppets’ before, but what are ‘Puppet Dolls’?” Alicia asked with a puzzled look.

“Ah, ‘Puppet Dolls’ are…” I explained to Alicia and the others. Both ‘Death Puppets’ and ‘Puppet Dolls’ are beings born from the evil magic used by Necromancers. In the case of ‘Death Puppets,’ it is an evil magic that gives a temporary life to a corpse and manipulates it, whereas ‘Puppet Dolls’ are an evil magic that manipulates the living. As Astarotte explained, it is considered an evil magic that uses a wicked dark stone to seal the individual’s will and make them act conveniently. Although I had never seen a ‘Puppet Doll’ myself, it was mentioned in the forbidden books that Cardinal Lester of my past life had read. Still, the shadow of a Necromancer lurking again is bothersome.

“Serena, are you there?” “Yes, Master. I am here.”
Responding to my call, the Holy Spirit Serena dissolved her invisibility and appeared.

“If you find an opening, actively perform the ‘Breast Squeeze (Old Man Attack)’!”

“Understood… However, I can tolerate ‘Marionette Dolls’, but ‘Dead Body Dolls’ are smelly, so please spare me.”

“Astarotte’s hypothesis hasn’t been fully verified yet. That’s why we’re doing this. Besides, aren’t those your rewards from your contract with Elise? And didn’t you steal the bra of Melissa, who seems to be a ‘Dead Body Doll’?”

“That’s that, and this is this. There’s no sin in a bra.”

“You…”

“That’s right. For those of us who belong to the Divine Realm, contracts are absolute. Well, do your best.”

“…I have no choice.”

Swan Hilda joined in persuading the Sex Spirit Old Man, who was trying to evade them with evasive maneuvers, and the Sex Spirit Old Man nodded with his head down. Meanwhile, intense combat continued in front of us.

Clang, clang, shuzza, chin, clang.

Shera-san, wielding a massive zantou and firing foxfire at her surroundings when possible, was engaged in a fierce battle with Jose, who was parrying with a broad knight’s sword. Shera-san’s swordsmanship was more of a brute-force, self-taught style, but since she also used attack magic, she was a troublesome opponent. Jose, on the other hand, seemed to have received proper knight training, with clean sword strokes and unwavering slashes. Sparks flew as their swords clashed, but neither gave an inch.

Shera was naturally timid, but in her role as Shera-san, reflecting her ideals, she fought bravely. Jose, a seasoned knight, calmly challenged a formidable opponent. It was too dangerous to intervene in their vicinity.

“…Strong…”

“It’s troublesome to incapacitate such a strong enemy without killing them. Normally, I should have dispatched them with a chakram throw as soon as the battle began.”

“Shut up, brats! It’s best if you die!”

Mai and Edele, fighting against Rachelle, who skillfully wielded twin whips, continued their battle while complaining. Mai occasionally threw daggers hidden in her person, but Rachelle’s twin whips deflected them all. Her fighting style was remarkably dexterous.

“What exquisite swordsmanship! It’s truly astonishing.”

“You, with your burdensome breast sacks, are also an eyesore.”

“What vulgar language! It speaks volumes about your upbringing.”

“Become rust for my blade! You slut!!”

The battle between Lyushenne and Melissa, which had progressed from a splendid exchange of sword techniques to a verbal spat, also intensified. According to Astarotte’s explanation, Melissa was already a dead ‘Dead Body Doll’, but was that really the case?

Shu, zash.

At that moment, their thrusts grazed each other. Lyushenne’s right flank was thinly cut, tearing part of her robe, while Melissa’s blade tip hit the joint of her light armor, and blood flowed from her left shoulder. And the blood flowing from Melissa seemed black. It was frustrating that even with the illuminated orb, it was hard to tell like it was during the day. Nevertheless, the possibility that Melissa was a ‘Dead Body Doll’ increased.

“Lyushenne, be careful! The opponent, Melissa, might be a ‘Dead Body Doll’!!”

I warned Lyushenne.

“Hal-sama, thank you for the information. This is my prey, so please do not interfere.”

Despite my warning, Lyushenne declared that Melissa was her opponent.

“Tsk! What a shame… I thought I could shred them to pieces!”

In response to Lyushenne’s declaration, Elise, who had been preparing attack magic, clicked her tongue. She probably thought she could use lethal attack magic without holding back, as the opponent was a moving corpse.

“How strong are you! Are the knights of Espana able to defeat such formidable enemies!?”

“You. You’re an Espana swordsman, aren’t you? You’re a worthy opponent for me.”

Safiya was pushed into a defensive stance by Isabel’s sharp flurry of attacks. And Isabel seemed to have realized that her opponent was a noblewoman from the Espana Imperial Kingdom from her sword strokes.

“Die! You lustful female cat!!”

Isabel lunged to deliver the finishing blow to Safiya, her sworn enemy.

“K-Kyaaaah!”

Safiya tried to escape the point of her rapier, but unfortunately, she stumbled on the rubble at her feet and lost her balance. Isabel, seeing an opportunity, grinned and executed a decisive thrust. Safiya could only scream, and at this rate, her life was hanging by a thread.

Gakin.

“Somehow I made it in time. Safiya, I’ll assist you.”

“Thank you, Dietlinde-sama.”

It was Dietlinde, who arrived in a rush, who deflected Isabel’s comet-like thrust, which was about to deal a fatal blow to Safiya.

“My leg, my leg won’t move!?”

And in the next moment, Mimi No. 1, a summoned beast deployed by Kirika, dissolved its camouflage on the ground and seized Isabel’s freedom.

“Serena, it’s your chance! Go for it!!”

“Understood, master!”

Hyuuuuun, pito.

“Gyaaaaaaah! Giant cockroaches on my chest!? Iyaaaaaah!!”

Instantly, the Sex Spirit Old Man charged, and though she was supposed to be wearing light armor and a mail shirt, the next moment Isabel’s upper body was stripped bare, exposing her small, modest breasts. In her frenzied state, Isabel mistook the Sex Spirit Old Man clinging to her chest for a giant cockroach. She frantically tried to shake him off, but her unyielding small breasts were pathetic.

“I like small breasts too~”

Rub, rub, rub, rub, rub, rub, rub, rub, rub.

“I-Iyaaaah… Aan… Aan♡ … Nooo!!”

And with a shriek mixed with a seductive moan, the “Breast Squeeze (Old Man Attack)” exploded.

Parin.

Thus, the Dark Stone embedded in the valley of Isabel’s breasts shattered. Now only three remained, but Melissa, one of them, was a troublesome ‘Dead Body Doll’. I also summoned Mimi No. 2, a summoned beast, albeit a bit slow, and camouflaged it on the ground of the battle arena. It would be convenient if they got caught in it, but I doubt there would be ‘a second fish in the same stream’.

As I thought that, Mimi No. 2 began to patrol stealthily. It seemed to be actively searching on its own.

Turning my gaze back to Shera-san, she was engaged in a sword exchange that resembled a fistfight with the powerfully built Jose. Both Shera-san and Jose were bleeding from small cuts, covered in blood.

“Damn it! This is annoying!! It would be easy if I could just split their torsos in half~”

Shera-san cursed at the unexpectedly strong enemy.

“You’ll stop casting magic soon, won’t you? Die! You damn fox!!”

Shera-san and Jose, near their physical limits, exchanged insults and were about to discard their weapons and resort to bare-handed fighting. At that moment, my summoned beast, Mimi No. 2, which had been quietly approaching from behind Jose, entangled her lower body.

“Wh-What!? I can’t move.”

“Hey, Sex Spirit Old Man, next prey (breasts)!

“I don’t like muscular breasts.”

“If you don’t go, it’s a breach of contract.”

Elise turned a chillingly black smile, reminiscent of a demon, towards the reluctant Sex Spirit Old Man. Astarotte, a former low-level demon standing next to her, flinched and backed away. The fact that she was the “Shrine Maiden of Sealing” with that kind of attitude was a kind of fraud.

“…I have no choice.”

“H-Let g-go!!”

Jose, her lower body restrained by Mimi No. 2, was held in a bear hug by Shera-san.

Hyuuuuuu, pito.

Jose was wearing the knight’s uniform of the former Yangas Kingdom, but in the next moment, her upper body was stripped, revealing surprisingly well-developed breasts above her split abs.

“St-Stop, stop it! Kya! Iyaaaaaah!”

“A treasure trove. I’ll take it~”

Rub, rub, rub, monyu, monyu, rub, rub, rub.

“…Iyang… No! …Yan, yan… Iyaaaaaan!!”

Parin.

Thus, the Dark Stone embedded in Jose’s décolletage also shattered. However, at the very end, Jose showed a girlish reaction. Perhaps her original personality emerged.

4. The Promised Reward… is Breasts. ③ △

“Heh!? Kyaaaaaah… Iyaaaaaah…”

As I was staring at Jose collapsing, a startled cry followed by a scream came from nearby. And the one screaming was Rachelle, whom Mai and Edele were fighting. Looking closely, Rachelle’s clothes had been torn into scraps and were burning on the ground. Even her metal armor and leather armor seemed to have been burned off at the seams. Rachelle, already stripped down to her panties, threw away her twin whips in the next moment and covered her chest.

“Wh-What happened!? This is so embarrassing!!”

Rachelle, having thrown away her weapon, was no longer a proud knight but a helpless little girl. In a battlefield scenario, this would likely lead to her being pushed down by enemy soldiers and violated. And then, the enemy soldiers, having sated their lust, would decapitate Rachelle and dispose of her, all playing out in my mind.

Furthermore, Rachelle’s crotch, having been violated as a virgin, was unnaturally parted, and the slit that was once innocent had become a hollow female orifice dripping with a mixture of love juice and virgin blood. My mind conjured one delusion after another, and my son (penis) in my crotch reacted.

However, regardless of my delusions, her breasts were impressively large enough to be called huge, and her slender arms couldn’t completely hide them. The way her breasts were crushed and spilling out as she held them with both arms was a tempting sight.

And behind Rachelle, there was Dietlinde, smiling peacefully and giving a peace sign. Today, Dietlinde, along with the Sex Spirit Old Man, was actively involved in all directions. Rachelle, no longer able to fight, hunched over in shame. Then, to add insult to injury, the Sex Spirit Old Man, having finished with Jose’s “Breast Squeeze (Old Man Attack),” flew over.

Hyuuuu, pito.

Monyu, monyu, munyu, monyu, monyumunyumunyu.

“No, I don’t want this, stop! Iyaaaaaah!”

Mai and Edele, who were dumbfounded by the sudden end of the fight, restrained Rachelle and stood her up, grabbing her arms and exposing her breasts. The Sex Spirit Old Man clung to them. Rachelle was crying and screaming, but no one appeared to help her. And heartlessly, the Sex Spirit Old Man began the “Breast Squeeze (Old Man Attack).”

“Here’s another favorite of mine, large breasts… They’re a bit small to be called large breasts, but they’re pure white and soft, which I also like~”

The Sex Spirit Old Man clung to Rachelle’s breasts, and his voice, quivering with joy, could be heard. He spread his arms and legs wide, clinging to her breasts and shaking his entire body as he massaged them.

Mogyu, mogyu, monyunyunyu, punyu, punyu, punyu.

“No, I don’t want it, stop massaging! …Iyang… Yan, yan… Iyadahhhhhh!!”

Parin.

With her arms bound by Mai and Edele, Rachelle was silenced by the Sex Spirit Old Man’s “Breast Squeeze (Old Man Attack)” after her magnificent breasts were exposed. Specifically, Rachelle groaned and writhed while letting out a cute squeal, and finally, the Dark Stone embedded in the valley of her breasts shattered and dispersed.

Finally, only Captain Melissa remained.

“This is the end of the road. The match is decided.”

“Running away is cowardly! Stand and fight fair and square!!”

“Then, I shall depart.”

Melissa, the captain of the Knights of the Azure Moon, who had been locked in a fierce battle with Lyushenne, attempted to escape after confirming that her subordinates had been defeated. She probably intended to report to Yuliana, the leader of the rebel forces. Lyushenne, however, demanded a fair fight.

Well, looking at the overall battle situation, escaping would be the best option.

Melissa was trying to escape via a canal on a gondola hidden in a culvert. On the other hand, it seemed impossible for the winded Lyushenne to pursue.

“Leave this to me!”

It was Freya who spoke up here. The other Party Members looked interested at Freya’s unusual declaration to join the fray.

“You shouldn’t have any means of attack… If you fail, you’ll be punished!”

Upon hearing Freya’s declaration, Elise, with a perfectly black smile, stopped chanting her attack magic and cut off Freya’s retreat. Meanwhile, Melissa, escaping, was nearing the canal. Nevertheless, Freya didn’t panic, glanced at the canal, which seemed to be her escape route, took a deep breath, and straightened her posture.

“To the noble goddess of water, Aquaanar! Though it is a flow made by man… With no doubt, you shall prevent our enemy’s escape! Small Tidal Wave.”

Then, Freya offered a song of praise to the water goddess with her beautiful, resonant voice, demonstrating her true power as the ‘Singing Diva of Calm’.

Zazazaa, zabuuuun, zadadadada.

In response to Freya’s solo performance, like an apsara announcing heavenly gospel, the calmly flowing canal water suddenly surged, creating a small tsunami that roared into the culvert like a torrent, and in the receding waves, fragments of the miserably destroyed gondola floated. Still, it was a rare sight to see Freya manipulating water with her song.

“N-No way! Freya’s song created a tsunami and destroyed the gondola!”

Alicia stood frozen, her eyes wide open.

“Wh-What… A singer (Diva) who praises the God Clan was here!”

Freya’s miracle was a shocking event even for Astarotte, a former succubus.

“Well, it’s only natural to expect this… after all, she’s my rival.”

Elise folded her arms and nodded. However, she seemed to be secretly regretting it, digging her fingernails into her palm.

In general, the Party Members who couldn’t participate in the First Expedition Trip were stunned into immobility. Meanwhile, after finishing her song, Freya stood proudly.

“N-No way!”

“There’s no escape now! Return to the underworld, dead!”

“Hiiiii. Gyaaaaaaa~”

Thud, hyuuuuuuun, dota.

And then, Shera-san, who had approached Melissa, who was standing dumbfounded, having lost her means of escape, smirked and punched Melissa’s abdomen with her zantou. Melissa, flying through the air like a leaf, fell to the ground with a thud and stopped moving. As expected, in terms of sheer brute force, Shera-san was unmatched among the Party Members.

“Hihhihihihi.”

However, Melissa, who was thought to be dead, let out a strange cry and stood up like a ghost. Moreover, her neck was bent at an impossible angle. A normal human would not be alive with a spinal cord injury. Black fluid mixed with saliva dripped from her mouth, and she grinned with a face filled with madness. This was a rather problematic development, wasn’t it!?

[Water Cutter]

At this point, Aerria, who had finished chanting, unleashed a water-based attack magic. Aerria, who had been protected by Swan Hilda until now, had been waiting for the opportune moment to strike. Meanwhile, Elise, who had been intently watching every move of her rival Freya, had missed her chance to attack and was stamping her foot in frustration. To Elise, Aerria was like a disciple in magic, but it was irritating to have her accomplishments taken away.

Shuza, dota, dotaa.

And the thin, disc-shaped blade of water, shot straight, was absorbed into Melissa’s neck and severed, just like Edele’s thrown chakram. Melissa’s severed head hit the ground, and then her body tilted and fell, this time failing to move.

“Fuuu… I managed to hit it.”

Aerria, with beads of sweat on her forehead, sat down as if the tension had broken.

“To be outdone by Aerria… I’m not jealous, no sir!”

This time, Elise was sulking.

Thus, our “Princess Harem” finally achieved victory in the battle against the Knights of the Azure Moon.

Although Melissa, the captain, was judged to be a ‘Dead Body Doll’ and was eliminated, for the remaining subordinates, we succeeded in destroying their “Dark Stones,” the key to their “Marionette Doll” techniques, with the Sex Spirit Old Man’s “Breast Squeeze (Old Man Attack).”

I approached Melissa’s corpse to confirm if she was truly a ‘Dead Body Doll.’ After stripping the severed head and headless corpse naked and performing an autopsy, I found a deep cut on her right flank. Although crudely sutured, it was clearly a fatal wound. Furthermore, black blood that emitted a rotten odor flowed from the severed neck, and upon the cessation of her temporary life activities, her body rapidly decayed, confirming she was a ‘Dead Body Doll.’

The severed head of Melissa was sunken-eyed, and her tongue, coated in black mucus, protruded from her mouth, presenting a grim sight. Furthermore, part of her head was sunken, likely from the impact with the ground.

I offered a moment of silence of respect to Melissa’s corpse. Then, the Party Members behind me followed suit and bowed their heads.

It is said that Melissa Liliabach Dela Schleena, the former Viscount’s Daughter, was a beautiful woman with short-cropped silver hair and blue eyes. She was 21 years old, but judging by the well-maintained condition of her crotch, she was likely a virgin. Though she was caring and sisterly, she probably fought to the end as the personal knight of Yuliana, Liliana’s half-sister.

At that moment, an idea, a revelation, flashed through my mind. The idea was to inject Elixir into the vaginal opening of a captured ‘Dead Body Doll.’ Anya, who taught me about this Elixir, explained that it had a wider range of application than Resurrection Magic. While conventional Resurrection Magic is ineffective if too much time has passed since death, I wanted to take a chance on the possibility of Elixir.

Personally, I believe that ‘Dead Body Dolls’ that are hot, old men should be sent to the underworld without hesitation. However, in the case of ‘Dead Body Dolls’ of beautiful girls, who are treasures of the world, I want to try Elixir in pursuit of their resurrection. Necrophilia is not my preference, but I am prepared to get my hands dirty if it means saving the beautiful girls who are treasures of the world.

“Unfortunately, Miss Melissa Liliabach Dela Schleena, who was a ‘Dead Body Doll,’ could not be saved. However, I have had an idea. If a ‘Dead Body Doll’ of a beautiful girl appears, please capture her alive. I will try to somehow revive her.”

The Party Members agreed to my declaration, albeit with puzzled looks. Finally, I asked Elise and Dietlinde to cremate Melissa’s body, completing the procedure.

After that, I healed the injured Shera-san, as well as Lyushenne’s grazed flank, with Healing Magic. I breathed a sigh of relief that there were few injuries despite the fierce fighting. In “Princess Harem,” besides myself, Mai can also use basic Healing Magic, and the presence of Holy Spirit Serena is also reassuring. If necessary, Swan Hilda’s Holy Magic can also be used for treatment.

In other words, while scarce and precious users of healing magic are rare in the world, “Princess Harem” is inexplicably abundant.

During the time I was casting Healing Magic, Alicia and Swan Hilda, who had not participated in the battle, were tending to the exhausted Party Members. However, Liliana, who was treated as a fake, seemed disheartened. This was probably the first time Liliana had experienced such treatment.

Beside them, Freya, who had demonstrated a miracle, was showing off a smug look to her rival, Elise. Specifically, she put on the reading glasses she had taken out for the first time in a while, lifted the temples with a “flick,” and provocatively said, “Hmph.” Those reading glasses have no prescription and are probably just a prop to tease Elise. Elise, on the other hand, grunted “Gunununu,” but it seemed the match was decided this time. They had probably bet on something, and knowing Elise’s involvement, it was likely nothing good…

The Party Members were in a relaxed mood after defeating the Knights of the Azure Moon, but in addition to dealing with Melissa, there were post-battle matters to attend to. That is, managing the four who had been incapacitated.

5. The Promised Reward… is Breasts. ④ △

“We also need to conduct a ‘Body Check’ on the remaining four. Since they were ‘Marionette Dolls,’ there might be some traps set. First, strip them all naked and line them up here.”

“Yes, Hal-sama.”

Elise, Freya, and Aerria responded enthusiastically. All four who were defeated had undergone the Sex Spirit Old Man’s “Breast Squeeze (Old Man Attack)” shower, so their upper bodies were bare. Furthermore, their clothes were torn from battle, their faces were muddy, and they looked like anything but girls their age.

“This girl’s breasts are large. It’s interesting how hidden large breasts can be.”

“This girl has pitiful small breasts.”

“Such high-quality goods. Selling them to a brothel would be a fortune.”

Elise and the others stripped them down surely while making small talk.

The four unconscious and incapacitated girls were soon stripped naked and laid on the ground.

We also performed Healing Magic on them and cleansed their battle-soiled bodies with Washing Magic. Now we should finally be able to perform the ‘Body Check.’

Still, the sight of four young girls laid out naked on the ground elicits a profound sense of guilt. Nevertheless, we must confirm the presence or absence of traps. However, as if to mock my pretense, their spread legs revealed unique female genitalia, powerfully inviting me.

Looking at them like this, the individual differences in their breasts and genitalia are clearly visible, which is interesting. For me, this could be confirmed in the bath, but when Party Members gather, they transform into carnivorous women, posing
The members of the “Knights of the Azure Moon” who had awoken turned their heads in unison at Lyushenne’s call. Lyushenne, with her face, which could bring down kingdoms, exposed, was smiling. The beautiful girl with luxurious golden curls and blue eyes instantly captivated the attention of the four women. In a way, Lyushenne was a womanizer.

“Ah, Your Ladyship… who in the world are you?”

Isabel hesitantly questioned the beautiful girl (Lyushenne) who exuded an unfamiliar noble aura. Lyushenne’s smile, as the Fourth Imperial Princess of the Wahl Imperial Kingdom, the main family of the Yangas Kingdom, had apparently given them a powerful first strike. The four girls were completely intimidated. As expected, Lyushenne’s radiance, when it mattered most, seemed superior to Liliana’s. Truly, she was a noble former princess.

“My name is Lyushenne Silveria Wahl. Please remember it from now on.”

Lyushenne’s full name announcement had an immense impact. In this world, only direct descendants of the Wahl Imperial Family were permitted to use the surname Wahl. Generally, it was said that the Wahl Imperial Family had been wiped out, but her beauty, praised as the ‘Beautiful Lady of Ice and Flame’ in Wahl Imperial Kingdom’s high society, could not be denied.

“Ah, you are an Imperial Princess of the Wahl Imperial Kingdom!? Are you serious!!”

Isabel, a former baroness’s daughter, must have had an audience with Lyushenne from a distance. Previously, Liliana had spoken of the custom that nobles of Yangas, upon reaching adulthood, would debut in high society of the Wahl Imperial Kingdom, their main family. Isabel made a gesture as if recalling hazy memories, but she seemed to have reached the correct conclusion on her own. Her face was frozen in astonishment. Her gaping mouth was comical, but her feelings were deeply understandable.

“Yes, I am real, and this Liliana Emilia Yangas is also real.”

Lyushenne then reintroduced Liliana, who had been standing behind her.

“I, I am…”

Liliana, still affected by the shock of being deemed a fake earlier, sounded somewhat unconfident. On the other hand, for the members of the “Knights of the Azure Moon” who had been freed from the brainwashing of the ‘puppet masters,’ Liliana was a supreme being and a symbol of their anti-Espana activities, which had given the order its name. Upon seeing Liliana, hot tears streamed down the faces of the members. Naturally, Isabel, the former baroness’s daughter, had had the honor of seeing Crown Prince Liliana, who stood next to the throne, when she attended the Crystal Palace.

However, the combined impact of the ‘Beautiful Lady of Ice and Flame’ and the ‘Sorrowful Moon Princess of the Azure,’ who were considered the twin jewels of beauty in the Wahl Imperial Kingdom’s social circles, was immense.

“Crown Prince Liliana… We are overjoyed to know you are alive and well. We gladly offer our lives to you. By the way… I don’t see the commander…”

“Unfortunately, Commander Melissa was already deceased. She had fallen into evil as a ‘living dead doll,’ given fleeting life by a necromancer, so we had to defeat her. In her final moments—”

When I recounted Melissa’s end, they started weeping again. Commander Melissa was clearly beloved.

“We, the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon,’ will fall under the command of Princess Liliana.”

Isabela, a former noblewoman, expressed their submission on behalf of everyone, and they became Liliana’s subordinates. As we unbound them, we all headed back to our lodging at Lily Lalabai. As we walked, the eastern sky gradually whitened and brightened. It seemed we had stayed up all night.

Despite the hardship, I was happy that we had achieved so much.

***

## 6. Where is Yuliana?!

I, Hal Harem Von Raymond, after leaving Miss Noella Sante in the care of Tirna at our lodging, Lily Lalabai, took all the remaining party members to the hideout of the “Knights of the Azure Moon.” However, we were led to a full-scale clash between the “Princess Harem” and the “Knights of the Azure Moon” by the bra of Commander Melissa Rilibach Dela Shreena, which the “Ero Old Man” sex spirit had brought back.

This failure was probably deserving of punishment. No, it might be punishment-level.

Furthermore, Commander Melissa’s true identity was a ‘living dead doll,’ and the remaining four had been modified into ‘puppet dolls.’ In fact, Elise reported that they seemed to have had their human limitations removed, as they had fought fiercely in the anti-Espana movement. In contrast, we found it difficult to fight them while considering their physical well-being and avoiding amputations. However, the necromancer controlling them never showed their face, which is a very concerning existence.

It was unexpected that the “Old Man Attack” by the “Ero Old Man” sex spirit possessed the power to shatter the dark stones controlling the ‘puppet dolls.’ However, it cannot be denied that he narrowly escaped punishment. In any case, it was fortunate that the brainwashing of the ‘puppet dolls’ was lifted.

The reason the dark stones shattered was likely because the “Ero Old Man” sex spirit was a collective of Holy Element Spirits. It is easy to imagine that the contact during the “Old Man Attack” infused holy energy, damaging the dark stones, which were created by the condensation of miasma.

Well, that’s probably just an unreasonable fact.

Similarly, while Astarotte was disguised as a fortune-teller old woman, there was a ‘living dead doll’ named Salitori, who claimed to be her grandson, attending her. Is there any connection? Generally, necromancers are evil mages who lurk in the darkness and are rarely encountered…

According to Astarotte, the ‘living dead doll’ Salitori’s corpse was fashioned by an elderly necromancer named Zolgelge. Furthermore, this Zolgelge is an ally of Barberu, a high-ranking demon who kidnapped Astarotte from the Demon Realm, where she lived quietly, and brought her to the human world.

Perhaps it’s just my imagination, but I feel like we’re heading towards a very dangerous death trap… I don’t want to get involved with demons or necromancers.

***

We returned to Lily Lalabai, our lodging, accompanied by the four women who had willingly become Liliana’s subordinates: Isabel Mamaria Dela Raskan, Jose Shamit, Rachel Papillon, and Arches Lilinda. After a brief self-introduction, we began discussing our future plans.

However, last night was an all-nighter, and I was extremely sleepy.

The four members of the “Knights of the Azure Moon” were awestruck upon hearing the true identities of the “Princess Harem” party members as their first baptism. They seemed to realize that handling the secret of the “Princess Harem,” filled with former princesses and former imperial princesses, improperly could lead to terrible revenge.

For now, I made them promise not to speak of it. I could have bound them with mental magic, but there was no need for that. Liliana herself had personally talked them into it.

Furthermore, though the revelation of Safiya’s true identity and Alicia’s status caused a temporary uproar because they were nobles of the rival Espana Imperial Kingdom, the party members were so shocked they put their heads on the table when they learned that Crown Princess Elizabeth Camila Espagna of the Espana Imperial Kingdom was an honorary member of the “Princess Harem,” and that it was “Bess-chan” herself, Elizabeth, who had first conceived the plan to restore the New Yangas Kingdom to its monarchy.

Realistically, the situation where “Bess-chan” is essentially a junior to Liliana and the others is quite extraordinary.

Afterward, Isabel, the former baroness’s daughter, became emotionally unstable and started crying, fearing she would be eliminated if she knew any more secrets. The remaining three, Jose, Rachel, and Arches, didn’t seem to understand as much as Isabel, but it was indeed highly confidential information. Nevertheless, I continued explaining without a break. In truth, I felt like I might fall asleep from lack of sleep if I didn’t do something. It was probably my tongue being more talkative than usual to ward off sleepiness.

“—So that’s how it is. That’s the situation we’re in.”

“We have been brought to a terrible place. The only hope was that Crown Prince Liliana was alive and well.”

As I explained the previous events to Isabel and the others with kind consideration, their eyes became vacant. However, seeing Liliana nodding in confirmation from across the table, they seemed to accept it as the truth. Liliana’s presence had become like a spiritual stabilizer for them. Meanwhile, Liliana, who had been dejected after being treated as a fake for a while, appeared to have fully recovered.

“As Lady Isabel says. I am merely a humble knight.”

Jose, the eldest, subtly asserted her position while supporting Isabel, the former baroness’s daughter and vice-commander of the “Knights of the Azure Moon.”

“Jose stole my line.”

“Now, now, Rachel, calm down.”

“How dare the one who was defeated first…”

“What did you say, Rachel!”

“They seem to have become quite comfortable with each other.”

Liliana smiled with a gentle gaze as she watched them, now able to joke around.

“Our goal here is to pave the way for Liliana to be enthroned as Queen. We also want to meet Princess Yuliana, the second princess, who also aims to be Queen. Do you know her whereabouts? We want to unify things peacefully if possible.”

“I understand your objectives. Princess Yuliana, the second princess, is in hiding at the Amethyst Palace, but she is surrounded by strong subordinates, so I don’t think you can meet her by barging in without a plan.”

After a moment of hesitation, Isabel, with renewed determination, revealed Yuliana’s location.

“Liliana, where is the Amethyst Palace?”

“Yes, Hal. First, let me explain about the palaces.”

According to Liliana’s explanation, the Crystal Palace exists in the capital Schwerin for governance and as the residence of direct royal family members. However, secondary palaces were built around for the residences of collateral royal family members. They are equivalent to Ducal Houses in the Espana Imperial Kingdom or the former Wahl Imperial Kingdom.

The existing secondary palaces are the Amethyst Palace, Citrine Palace, Rose Palace, Smoky Palace, and Morion Palace. The Amethyst Palace, where Yuliana is said to be hiding, is an empty house. It is said that a gruesome family murder occurred on the grounds of that secondary palace before Liliana was born, leaving only the palace behind.

Normally, an empty secondary palace would be granted to collateral relatives waiting for succession. However, all eligible candidates refused, and it remained empty until now. The Espana Imperial Army, not having an excess of spare time, likely paid no attention to the empty Amethyst Palace. On the other hand, Liliana, a party involved, seemed to understand.

Safiya, the beloved daughter of Count Kolanda, who temporarily governs the former Yangas Kingdom territory, let out a strained laugh at this obvious fact.

The remaining four secondary palaces seem to have been attacked by the invading Espana army. However, at that time, the collateral relatives had gathered at the Crystal Palace for a siege, so the invading Espana soldiers were only able to plunder the unoccupied palaces.

According to Safiya’s supplementary information, the four palaces were seized, but she had never heard of a secondary palace named Amethyst Palace. Furthermore, even the four palaces, after being temporarily confiscated, were currently only locked and forbidden entry due to a shortage of personnel. This is because the main forces of the Espana Imperial Army are confronting the Demon Lord Army as the core of the Human-Demi-Human Allied Forces.

According to information from the Adventurer Guild, the Demon Lord Army has a slight advantage. Naturally, the Hero Party, led by Hero Albert Sandia, who is supposed to defeat Demon King Gandaro, has not yet infiltrated the northern countries, the stronghold of the demonkin, and is engaged in bloody battles in the border region between the western and northern countries.

This aligns with the memories of Lester the Cleric that come to mind. Speaking of which, Lester the Cleric’s memories from his past life have faded considerably recently. Perhaps they are being overwritten by the memories of his current life.

Safiya, although the daughter of Count Kolanda, is not a military officer, so I confirmed how she knew such classified information. She stated that she was investigating independently to find Liliana, whom she admired. In the process, she learned of Astarotte’s divination and ended up wandering at night as a vigilante thief, Phantom Thief Le Vina☆Star, and eventually nearly died. She’s got a headache.

Suddenly, I looked at Astarotte, and she had a sheepish expression. I decided to pretend not to notice this fact, as it was their dark history.

However, if it is difficult to storm the Amethyst Palace, it would be best to rest until tomorrow, regain our strength, and prepare.

“Everyone, you’ve worked hard despite being tired from staying up all night. We have obtained the necessary information from Isabel, so the meeting is adjourned. Please get some rest or regain your energy today. Tomorrow will be free time, so please make your preparations individually. Of course, if you are fully prepared, you can do as you please. The assault on the Amethyst Palace will be the day after tomorrow.”

“Hal, we’ll need money for our day off. What is the maximum allowance?”

When I announced the end of the meeting and the schedule, Elise, who raised her hand with a serious expression, asked about the maximum allowance.

“Please discuss and decide that with Vice-Leader Elise and the accountant Freya.”

At my words, Freya, who took out her reading glasses from her pocket and prepared for combat, and Elise, who let out a strained laugh, engaged in a one-on-one. The party members surrounded them, creating a clamor as they watched the tense outcome of their contest.

Meanwhile, the four members of the “Knights of the Azure Moon” were stunned by the sudden verbal sparring, or rather, comedy act, between Elise and Freya.

Leaving them to their excitement, I retreated to my bedroom, slipped into my beloved bed, and immediately lost consciousness.

***

I finally woke up early the next morning. Something soft and warm was touching my body. Since the bedroom door was locked, I had only one person in mind who could have done something like this.

When I pulled back the comforter to check, Mai was indeed sleeping soundly, letting out a pleasant snore.

“…Good morning… Hal… sama.”

Even so, as I fumbled beside her, Mai, sensitive to my presence, woke up.

“Good morning, Mai. May I give you a kiss to wake you up?” she asked.

“…Mm.”

*Chu♡*

Mai nodded cutely and closed her eyes again. To wake the Sleeping Beauty, I gave her lips a mere peck.

*Chu, chu, chu~, slurp, slurp, slurp, slurp.*

“…Mm… Nyaa… Nn…”

Then, Mai wrapped her arms around my neck and gave me several passionate kisses before her warm tongue invaded my mouth. I extended my tongue and intertwined it, and our kiss naturally transitioned into a deep kiss. I found the occasional touch of her slightly swelling breasts through her pajamas, her breathing, endearing.

***

As Mai and I left the bedroom as if nothing had happened, Elise, who had already finished breakfast and was full of energy, was exuding confidence.

“Since it’s a holiday, let’s eat until we drop!!”

“As I thought, I need to keep an eye on you.”

Freya offered her opinion on Elise’s declaration to eat until she dropped. Swan Hilda, Kirika, Edele, Eria, Astarotte, and Shera were gathered around them, and it seemed they intended to accompany Elise on a shopping spree. Mai, who had also had breakfast, joined the group and they left the inn. Holy Spirit Serena followed them. Holy Spirit Serena, being a spirit, should not need to eat, but she is greedy.

“I’m going to get my rapier repaired, as it’s chipped from the battle with the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon’.”

“Me too.”

“Lyushenne, bless me, no, I have to nurse Miss Noella, so please bring me back souvenirs.”

“If I find anything interesting, I’ll pick something out for you.”

“Thank you, Lyushenne.”

This time, Lyushenne and Dietlinde headed to the blacksmith to have their rapiers sharpened. Meanwhile, Tirna would continue nursing Noella.

“Hal, I’m going to take Isabel and the others to see my father and have them tear up the wanted posters as promised.”

“Hal, I’ll accompany you just in case.”

This time, Safiya was determined to report the events with the “Knights of the Azure Moon” to her father, Count Kolanda, and have Isabel and the others’ wanted posters torn up as per their prior agreement, thereby absolving them. Since Viscountess Alicia would also accompany them, it would be safe.

Thus, when I realized it, only Liliana and I were left.

***

## 7. Liliana is Wet in the Secret Base ①

The day after the battle with the “Knights of the Azure Moon” and having the four surviving members join Liliana’s service, I declared the day as free time. The day after tomorrow, we are heading to the Amethyst Palace, where Liliana’s half-sister is in hiding, so it’s a brief holiday.

Somehow, I can’t shake the feeling of “the calm before the storm.” Count Kolanda, Safiya’s father and interim governor of the former Yangas Kingdom territory, said that Yuliana’s survival was unlikely… It’s certain that turbulence lies ahead.

And then, that very morning, after the party members had departed to their respective destinations, only Liliana and I remained.

“Liliana, aren’t you going anywhere? Or are you staying at the inn to avoid attention?”

“No, Hal. Today, there is a place I want you to take me.”

It was rare for Liliana to smile meaningfully like that.

“Then, where shall we go?”

In the end, as Liliana requested, I boarded a gondola, crossed the River Leete, and headed towards the old city side where the ruins of the Crystal Palace were located. We then navigated into a tributary of the canal, and being unfamiliar with the geography, I had lost my bearings.

However, Liliana, who was naturally familiar with the area, gave the boatman successive instructions, and the gondola moved forward. We arrived at a pier that was old but magnificently constructed.

“Where is this?”

“This is the pier leading to the service entrance of the Rose Palace, built a little distance from the Crystal Palace.”

“One of the secondary palaces we talked about yesterday?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“But I heard that the secondary palaces were strictly sealed and locked by the Espana army…”

“Hal, Schwerin is my home ground. Furthermore, for me, who was the Crown Prince, a secondary palace was like ‘a familiar stranger’s house,’ a dwelling for collateral relatives, so I know it well.”

Currently, Liliana and I were in formal wear for the “Princess Harem.” That is, we wore masks shaped like Valkyries, and a hooded robe. Although there was no one around us but ourselves, I felt embarrassed being alone with her.

I didn’t know what kind of outfit Liliana was wearing under her hooded robe today. And if I looked closely, she was holding a basket and a folded cloth in her hands.

“You brought a basket and a cloth?”

“Yes, the basket contains lunch that Tirna made for me. It’s a little secret picnic.”

It seemed that the tense Liliana had come for a change of pace with a picnic. However, the scenery had been unchanging for a while. On our right, a wall made of baked bricks, plastered with mortar, continued, taller than our height, and on the other side of a narrow road was a canal.

“We’re almost there.”

Where Liliana pointed was a part of the wall that was a hedge. In other words, it was a hedge planted with evergreen trees. Surely, there must be a secret entrance from somewhere in the hedge to enter the palace grounds. I obediently followed Liliana.

*Knock, knock, knock, knock.*

“It was around here, wasn’t it… Ah, here it is.”

Contrary to my expectations, Liliana felt around a plain wall in front of the hedge. Then, for a while, she touched the wall, appearing to recall a memory.

*Grind, grind, grind, grind.*

I couldn’t see what Liliana was doing, but after a dragging sound, a part of the wall moved and sank into the ground, creating a gap just large enough for one person to pass through.

“This is the secret entrance! What an amazing mechanism!!”

“Yes, isn’t it amazing? This mechanism was discovered in ruins from the Ancient Magical Civilization Era. I heard it was relocated here after a great deal of effort and expense. This is what is called a royal secret escape route…”

Indeed, with such a mechanism, it would be difficult for ordinary people to discover.

“It will close immediately, so let’s hurry inside.”

“O-Okay.”

*Grind, grind, grind, grind.*

Immediately after Liliana and I entered the grounds of the Rose Palace, the same sound echoed, and the stone wall rose, returning to its original state.

“It truly was… an amazing mechanism…”

“Hal, please look ahead. It’s a hedge maze garden, intricately trimmed.”

As Liliana said, all I could see were hedges taller than my height and the entrance to a maze.

“Wh-What is this!?”

“This is the Rose Palace’s specialty, the giant maze garden. It’s so large that searches were sometimes conducted for those who intruded out of curiosity. Of course, for me, it was my playground since childhood, so I won’t get lost. Please follow me.”

I followed Liliana again. This maze garden wasn’t just planted hedges in a maze-like pattern; it had tunnels through the hedges, bridges over streams that flowed midway, and a much more varied and complex structure than I had expected. Gradually, I lost track of where we were walking.

“Whoa… It’s beautiful.”

“Isn’t it?”

Ahead was a small plaza where magnificent roses were in full bloom. Currently, there was no one to tend to them, so they were probably maintained out of inertia, but the beautiful, large rose blossoms were spectacular.

Further on, in another plaza, there was a fountain in the center, and in the surrounding water, brightly colored ornamental fish swam leisurely. The sunlight reflecting off the water’s surface, combined with the scattered reflections from the fish scales, created a fantastical scene.

“These fish are beautiful, but… are they edible!?”

“*Chuckle*”

Liliana chuckled at my gluttonous remark, reminiscent of Elise.

“The ornamental fish swimming here are very expensive. I heard that one fish could buy a mansion. By the way, as for the taste… I hear it’s not good.”

“Oh, really? So, people have eaten them before…”

After this, Liliana led me through various sights within the maze garden. Time passed without me realizing it, and the sun rose to its zenith. It was almost lunchtime. After walking quite a bit, my legs were tired, and I was hungry.

“Shall we have lunch soon, Liliana?”

“Soon, Hal.”

After walking for a while longer, we continued up a gentle slope, and the hedges parted to reveal a small hill with a giant tree. Perhaps this hill was also an artificial mound of earth!? The trunk was far too thick. Transplanting such a tree would be difficult, but not impossible. While I was contemplating this, Liliana spread out a cloth under the shade of the giant tree and prepared lunch.

In the basket were classic sandwiches and apple pie for dessert. There were also bottled drinks.

“I thank God for providing us with the sustenance to live today.”

“Then let’s eat, Hal.”

Eating lunch outdoors while conversing with a beautiful girl like Liliana was very delicious. The sandwiches disappeared in no time, and I savored the apple pie while drinking orange juice. It seemed that the sandwiches and apple pie were homemade, as Tirna had borrowed the inn’s kitchen to make them.

“Tirna mentioned it might be a standard offering, but it was very delicious.”

“Yes. Eating outdoors… and with a beautiful girl like Liliana, it was delicious.”

“Thank you, Hal.”

Liliana and I were resting after lunch, looking down at the maze garden from the hill with the giant tree. The wind blowing across the hill brushed against my skin, feeling refreshing. Looking up, the rustling of leaves in the treetops and the dappled sunlight were beautiful. I thought I had walked quite a bit, but it seemed we had wound around in many places, so the maze garden itself wasn’t that large. The magnificent palace visible in the distance must be the Rose Palace.

And for lunch, Liliana had removed her Valkyrie-shaped mask and her hooded robe, revealing the casual clothes she was wearing underneath.

Unexpectedly, the clothes Liliana was wearing were what is called a maid outfit. Her somewhat bluish, lustrous silver hair flowed down her back, and she wore a white brim on her head. Although I had seen Liliana wearing a luxurious silver tiara occasionally, it was rare to see her wearing a white brim, a symbol of a maid.

Was she wearing a maid outfit to take care of me?

The dress was a blue dress combined with a white apron, an apron dress. The sleeves were slightly puffed, puff sleeves. The hem of the skirt was only halfway up her thighs, and the white lace fabric sewn to the hem made it puff out further, suggesting she was wearing a crinoline underneath. She wore knee-high white socks on her legs. The shoes were also blue, matching the dress, and looked very pure and cute.

And naturally, between the hem of the skirt and the socks, her alluring bare legs were visible, creating a stimulating sight.

The overwhelming sex appeal was also considerable. The coexistence of contradictory feelings of ‘purity’ and ‘sexiness’ was likely due to Liliana being an exceptionally beautiful girl. To worldly men, the existence of such beautiful girls is unreasonable.

“Hal, it’s embarrassing when you stare at me like that…”

Liliana’s cheeks flushed slightly at my intense gaze.

“You’re wearing a rather provocative outfit today. But Liliana in a maid outfit…”

“This… When I consulted Lyushenne about taking Hal to the maze garden, who was listening nearby, Lady Kirika recommended it. She said that mazes and maid outfits go together…”

Was this maid outfit choice recommended by Kirika…? Then, this provocative maid outfit must be a handmade outfit sewn by Kirika, who enjoys making cosplay costumes.

“And then, Lady Kirika called out to Lady Elise and said, ‘I happened to have prepared this just in case!’ and had her take it out of her Item Box. Lady Elise also said, ‘I was aiming for this outfit too!'”

However, considering Elise wearing this maid outfit instead of Liliana, I thought it would absolutely not suit her round belly. Also, I couldn’t see the connection Kirika mentioned between mazes and maid outfits…

“Do… do I not suit it?”

Liliana asked, looking up at me with a slightly sulky expression. Her eyes were also a little watery, making her look very charming and cute, and full of sex appeal.

“No, you suit it perfectly. I just thought it wouldn’t suit Elise.”

“…*Pff*… *Chuckle*… I-I’m sorry.”

Upon hearing my answer, Liliana seemed to have burst into laughter, and her desperate attempt to hold it back was endearing.

“Hal, lunch is over, so I will guide you to my special ‘secret base’.”

Liliana, with a mischievous look on her face, reached into a hollow in the giant tree. Then, a rope ladder descended from above.

“What an interesting mechanism.”

“This was made by the gardeners for me, who loved this maze garden. I’ll climb up first, so please follow me.”

Saying that, Liliana grabbed the rope ladder and began to climb. As expected, her skirt inside was visible… Beneath the skirt, as expected, she was wearing a light blue pannier, and inside that, it seemed she was wearing pure white drawers. The drawers were abundantly frilled, but the dynamism from the crotch to her thighs was marvelous.

Every time Liliana climbed a rung of the rope ladder, her [Secret Garden] was revealed.

Liliana didn’t seem to notice, but what a feast for the eyes. The mystery of the defenseless female body was beyond words. Although her female genitalia were hidden by the drawers, it intensely stimulated my imagination.

“Hal, please climb up too.”

The feast for the eyes scene ended quickly, and Liliana, who had finished climbing, called out to me.

“Ah… I’ll climb up right away.”

Recalling Liliana’s alluring lower body and crotch area, I climbed the rope ladder.

“This is Liliana’s ‘secret base’!”

What appeared was a children’s room built in the treetop of the giant tree.
The structure was substantial, complete with a proper roof, walls, and skylights for illumination. Inside the room, a bed, picture books, stuffed animals, and building blocks were arranged, and a carpet was laid on the floor.

The interior of the room was filled with Liliyana’s childhood secrets.

“Hal-sama… I am so afraid. Please, grant me courage…”

As I was observing the interior of the ‘Secret Base,’ Liliyana spoke to me with a slightly strained voice.

“Liliyana!?”

Startled by the tense tone of her voice, I looked at her. Liliyana’s blue eyes, now bright red, were glistening with fever.

“Hal-sama, please show mercy to this lowly Liliyana. I am afraid of meeting my half-sister, Yuliana. If Yuliana has fallen to become a ‘death doll,’ I must dispose of her myself…”

Saying this, Liliyana threw herself into my arms.

“I see… Liliyana, you were uneasy too, weren’t you?”

It seemed that the reason Liliyana brought me here today, to her ‘Secret Base’ hidden within the maze garden, was because she wanted to be loved and supported without anyone else present. Considering Liliyana’s circumstances, it was natural for her to crave human warmth. Moreover, Liliyana was someone I had revived from a death by torture using ‘Resurrection Magic.’

In other words, her dependence on me was great… and she had feelings for me.

“Hal-sama, I love you.”

*Chu, chu, bachu, lick, lick, lick*

The moment her declaration of love ended, Liliyana’s soft lips pressed against mine, pecking them a few times before passionately embracing them. She then forced my lips open, and our tongues intertwined. With her arms holding the back of my head, a ravenous deep kiss began.

In response to the feelings of my beloved Liliyana, I intertwined my tongue with hers, exchanging each other’s bodily fluids. Liliyana’s bodily fluid… had a faint taste of apple pie.

### 8. Liliyana Gets Wet in the Secret Base ②

Today was a rare full day off.

I, Hal Harem Von Raymond, was brought by Liliyana to her ‘Secret Base,’ hidden within the maze garden of the Rose Palace.

Liliyana, who had been troubled by the treatment of her half-sister, Yuliana, seemed to be trying to regain her mental balance by making love with me.

First, I was met with a passionate deep kiss from Liliyana.

“Haa, haa, haa… Hal-sama… You are my beloved.”

I pulled the flushed and glistening Liliyana close, embracing her tightly. Liliyana, who was still growing, had grown taller since I first saved her, and the fullness of her breasts was increasing daily. It was an supreme joy to see such a nation-toppling beauty transform into an unparalleled beauty and to be able to love her. Although Liliyana made the first move, it was now my turn.

Even so, the body of Liliyana embraced in my arms exuded a sweet scent peculiar to girls her age, along with a soft, exquisite fullness pressing against my chest. Recently, Liliyana’s breasts had been growing rapidly. What was once like Alicia’s, a triangular shape, had swollen, and if it continued to grow, it might become large breasts. After all, she was distantly related to Lyusienne, who had enormous breasts, so…

In this case, I shouldn’t think about Sophie, who was also distantly related but had a slender build. Sophie had also acquired a brand-new homunculus body, so perhaps her breasts would also grow. No, that physique was designed by Rulus-sensei, so it might be in vain. Well, since she had large breasts once using a magic tool wig from the Ancient Magical Civilization Era, it seemed I’d have to be content with that.

*Chu, chu~, chu~, lick, lick, lick, chu ♡*

“…Hyan! Ah, it tickles.”

I moved behind Liliyana, pushed aside her beautiful silver hair, and kissed and licked from her earlobes to her nape and then to her neck. My hands, meanwhile, fondled her breasts through her maid uniform – *monyu, monyu*. Even through the maid uniform, a solid fullness could be felt in my palms. They had indeed grown considerably.

“Liliyana’s breasts have become quite magnificent as well.”

“Hal-sama, please don’t say that! It’s embarrassing!! …Hii, hyan… Ahh ♡”

I persistently kneaded Liliyana’s breasts while lovingly caressing her neck. Then, my right palm secretly slid down and pressed against her crotch area over her skirt.

“I-ian ♡”

Liliyana flinched when her crotch was touched and then hunched her body.

*Slurp, slurp, slurp, slurp, slurp, kuny, kuny, kunyu, gunyu*

“…Ahh… Hal-sama… Not there!”

Without stopping, I rubbed the area of her female genitalia, and Liliyana writhed in response. I then moved to her buttocks, caressed her gluteal cleft, fondled around her perineum, and manipulated her labia.

With just this foreplay, Liliyana was already half-crippled. She could barely stand.

“Well then, let’s undress. I’ll help you.”

“…Okay.”

Even though it was through her maid uniform, Liliyana, whose face turned bright red from being suddenly touched in the genital area, agreed to be undressed.

The first item to be removed was her white apron. Untying the strings tied at the back and removing them from her neck, she was easily undressed. Next was the blue dress’s bodice. This also had buttons at the back, and as I unfastened them one by one, a part of her bra peeked out from her smooth, exposed back. I could have completely undressed her, but for now, I decided to stop the upper body undressing here.

Perhaps this was more erotic than being completely undressed.

Then, I had her sit on the edge of the bed and lifted one leg at a time to remove her blue leather shoes.

“Hal-sama, aren’t you going to make me completely naked like usual!?”

Liliyana, partially undressed, asked with a flushed face.

“This time’s concept is to perform the caresses while leaving as much of the clothing on as possible. Now, let’s continue.”

*Shusa, slurp, slurp, slurp, knead, knead, knead*

“Hyan! N-no, Hal-sama, don’t put your hand there!”

I naturally sat next to Liliyana, placed my fingertips between the lace fabric sewn to the hem of her skirt and her socks, and slowly moved them inward, stroking her inner thigh. Liliyana, surprised, squeezed her legs shut, but as she did, I held her knees and spread her legs apart. Liliyana’s inner thighs were very soft and elastic. The thought of her secret garden being deep within made me excited.

Liliyana’s maid uniform skirt was short, so a large portion of her thighs was visible. Of course, if I peeked, I could see her pure white drawers beyond the petal-like light blue petticoat, but I wasn’t going to rush that.

As I repeatedly caressed her inner thighs, the time her legs were spread apart naturally grew longer.

“…Haa… haa… haa… haa…”

And before I knew it, Liliyana was exhaling heavily with a flushed face.

“How does it feel!? Liliyana?”

“I’m barely undressed, and you’re just massaging my thighs…”

Liliyana gave me a slightly resentful look.

“Liliyana, you seem to want something else…”

“Kya!? This time, from the gap in your collar… Ahh… Ahh ♡ …Don’t tease me! Hal-samaaaa!!”

*Knead, knead, knead, knead, monyu, monyu, touch, touch, monyu*

This time, I reached my hand through the collar of her maid uniform and kneaded her breasts through her bra. This was possible because I had unbuttoned the back of her blue dress. I reached into her dress as if searching for a treasure, kneading her breasts by feel alone.

Still, it was surprisingly fun to imagine the shape and color of Liliyana’s developing breasts by touch.

And then, my fingertips slipped inside her bra, directly touching her bare breasts.

“Ya, yan!”

Liliyana let out a confused sound as I pinched the nipple of her right breast with my fingertips.

“Do you dislike it? Liliyana. Then, let’s change locations.”

Taking her muffled cries as a good sign, I withdrew my hand from the collar of her blue dress. Then, moving in front of Liliyana, I lowered myself and slowly lifted the hem of her blue skirt and the petal-like light blue petticoat, revealing her pure white drawers.

Liliyana closed her legs again, but I spread them wide open.

“Ah… ahn ♡ Hyan… Ugh… ahn… yan… Ah! …”

Then, slowly bringing my face closer, I kissed the area where I presumed her clitoris to be. I then touched her drawers with my fingertips and estimated the location of her female genitalia from its contours. Since Liliyana and I had been intimate many times, I already knew the location of her female genitalia by heart. Without hesitation, I slid my middle finger into the slit, pressing the fabric into the fleshy folds of her labia.

“…Hal-sama… This feels strange… Please… pierce me with all your might…”

Liliyana, while feeling pleasure, was in a state of flustered impatience.

*Slurp, slurp, slurp, slurp, slurp, slurp, slurp*

As I persistently rubbed Liliyana’s labia, a shameful stain appeared on her drawers. The fabric of her drawers was thick, so Liliyana’s labia might have been a great flood.

“Liliyana, do you want my rod, you slut!?”

“…………Yes.”

“But it seems we need a little more foreplay.”

I whispered into Liliyana’s ear.

“…………”

Liliyana, blushing and embarrassed, nodded. She was so cute. So, though it was a little cruel, I decided to tease her a bit longer.

“Alright, I’ll undress you.”

Supporting Liliyana’s back, I slowly laid her down on the bed alongside me. Then, leaving her blue skirt and light blue petticoat as they were, I only undressed her drawers. As expected, Liliyana’s secret slit was sticky with love juice. At the same time, the sweet, aroused scent of a female wafted through the air.

Then, looking at her genitals, her clitoris glans was firmly erected, peeking out from her clitoral hood like a cute little bean.

“…Ahh, ahhh ♡ …Hal-sama… Ahhh, hiiiyaaaa!!”

I made Liliyana’s legs bent at the knees and spread them apart. Then bringing my face closer, I took her cute little bean (clitoris) into my mouth. While rolling the clitoris glans in my mouth, I then sandwiched it between my lips and sucked. Liliyana moaned with pleasure from being caressed in the most sensitive part of a girl.

Her hands were on my head, pushing me down, but the weak Liliyana couldn’t escape. Furthermore, I inserted my middle finger into her wet vagina opening – *kuchuri* – and kneaded the area around her clitoris from the inside.

I was sure there was a sensitive erogenous zone around here. I attacked both her clitoris and her G-spot simultaneously.

*Kuchu, kuchu, kuchu, guchu, guchu, guchuri, guchuri*

“Yan, yan, yan, yaaaah, nooo! I-I’m going to cummm!!”

And then, Liliyana reached her orgasm. Letting out an exceptionally loud cry of ecstasy, Liliyana arched her back and, in the next moment, went limp.

I then proceeded to undress the now limp Liliyana. I lifted her blue dress and removed it from her shoulders and neck. A bra that held back her burgeoning breasts appeared. This bra was a front-hook type, so I unhooked it with a *‘pachin’*.

*Poyon, poyon*

Then, her bare breasts, which had now grown to a size that could be called large, appeared. Her nipples, stiff and erect from the previous caresses, along with their rounded shape and cherry-blossom pink areolas, were exquisite and befitting of a beautiful girl’s possessions.

Truly a living work of art.

This time, I unhooked her blue skirt with a *‘pachin’* and slid it down to remove it. The light blue petticoat was removed similarly.

Finally, all Liliyana was wearing were white socks on her legs and a white brim adorning her head. These could be ignored, so I left them as they were. It was nice that Liliyana’s radiant naked body showed signs of developing secondary sexual characteristics little by little with each undressing. This was true for other party members besides Liliyana as well, and each time they were stripped bare, it brought a fresh sense of exhilaration.

“Now Liliyana, I’ll insert the son you’ve been waiting for.”

“Okay… Come, Hal-sama!”

In truth, while caressing Liliyana’s body, my rod was unusually energetic, and it was difficult to soothe it. At this point, I thought of a little prank.

No, rather than a prank, it was a rehearsal.

I closed my eyes, regulated my breathing, and focused my mind, imagining the holy aura circulating within me gathering at a point three inches below my navel. Gradually, my lower abdomen became hot, and the holy aura condensed. I imagined it solidifying into my whitish fluid (semen). After a moment of meditation, I somehow managed to prepare the elixirs as Anya-san had taught me.

At that moment, my worldly desires for Liliyana’s vagina had completely fallen away, but I decided to pierce her in a state of 무아(mua) (selflessness).

Currently, Liliyana was physically and mentally healthy, so there should be no problem receiving the elixirs. Furthermore, since the elixirs had no reproductive capacity for humans, it could be considered completely harmless.

I spread Liliyana’s legs apart again. Liliyana’s labia were dripping with love juice – *guchoguchoi*.

“…Ahhn ♡ …Hal-sama’s strong tool is going in…”

Liliyana’s vagina remembered the shape of my penis, and it was inserted without difficulty. And the pressure from the tightly clenched vaginal walls was unbearable. On top of that, the soft protrusions of the vaginal walls were leading my rod to heaven.

The sheer pleasure of it made my lust surge again. This strange sensation of falling from heaven to earth was a first experience. It was a testament to what a good woman Liliyana was.

“Alright, I’ll start thrusting.”

“Hal… Sama… Yes…”

I pressed down on Liliyana, and while deep kissing her, I began to thrust. Of course, my hands were firmly gripping and kneading her breasts, which had a clinging sensation.

*Zuko, zuko, guchyo, guchyo, zukkon, zukkon*

*Knead, knead, monyu, monyu, gyu, gyu, knead, knead, knead*

“…Ahhn… Ahhahn… Ahhhahn… ahn, ahn, ahhahn ♡ …Aahn…”

In response to my thrusts, Liliyana’s ecstatic cries and moans, along with the wet sounds emanating from her vagina, combined to create an incomparable melody.

“Let’s change positions slightly, get on all fours like a dog.”

“I… I’m embarrassed, but I will obey my Master’s command!”

I temporarily paused my thrusting and withdrew my penis from her vagina. Then, I demanded a rather humiliating pose. Liliyana, who had not yet reached her second orgasm, happily complied.

“Alright, let’s continue.”

From behind Liliyana, I embraced her in a dog-like mating position, reinserted my penis into her vagina, dripping with love juice, and thrust with all my might. Initially, I caressed her breasts with a milking motion – *nigyni* – but as Liliyana’s legs grew weak, I switched to holding her slender waist and thrusting repeatedly.

*Guchyo, guchyo, guchyo, guchyo*

“……Ahhhahn, ahhhahn, ahhhahn, I’m cuminggg!!”

“I’m reaching my limit toooo!”

*Dopyuuu!*

And then, I released my holy elixir into Liliyana’s vagina. Liliyana’s lower abdomen glowed faintly, and the light gradually spread throughout her entire body.

Thus, Liliyana and I relaxed on the bed.

“Hal-sama… Didn’t you do something strange earlier?”

“What is it?”

“My body feels so light, and I feel exceptionally good.”

“In such an affair, men are usually drained, you know…”

“R-really?”

Liliyana didn’t seem to notice that her body had been glowing. As for me, I was exhausted from having consumed almost all the holy aura circulating within me. On the other hand, Liliyana seemed more energetic than before the act. Anya-san had said there were no ill effects, but it seemed she meant no *harmful* effects.

Thus, the affair in Liliyana’s ‘Secret Base’ came to an end, but her anxiety had been completely dispelled, and she was full of energy. Conversely, I, utterly exhausted, managed to cast ‘Washing Magic’ as post-affair cleanup, cleansed my dirty body and clothes, and fled back to our lodging at Lily Lalabai.

Ultimately, due to my poor physical condition, the operation to enter Amethyst Palace was postponed by one day.

### 9. To Amethyst Palace ①

I, Hal Harem Von Raymond, have gathered the concerned parties in the conference room of our lodging, Lily Lalabai, to discuss the operation to breach Amethyst Palace. Among them are four members of the Knights of the Azure Moon, who became Liliyana’s subordinates three days ago.

Their leader, Melissa Lilibach Della Shreena, was a ‘death doll’ given a borrowed life by a necromancer and was thus disposed of by the party members of the ‘Princess Harem.’ Meanwhile, Vice-Captain Isabel Mamaria Della Laskarn, Jose Shamit, Rachel Papillon, and Asche Lilind were merely being manipulated as ‘puppet dolls.’

They were freed from the necromancer’s control when the key stone powering the puppets, the ‘Dark Stone’ embedded in their cleavage, was destroyed by the ‘Old Man Attack’ of an amorous spirit. It was a turn of events that could be described as ‘a fox appearing from a fox,’ or perhaps ‘a windfall.’

As expected, it was the Holy Element Spirit, Serena, a collective being of holy element spirits. Astarotte, who had been critically injured by the ‘Old Man Attack,’ was sullen, as were some of her sympathetic party members. That amorous spirit had gone too far with his prank.

Perhaps this was a trial sent by God to test my faith.

The original plan was to breach Amethyst Palace, where Yuliana, Liliyana’s half-sister, was suspected to be hiding, and confront her directly yesterday. However, the operation was postponed by one day due to my poor physical condition.

The cause was that, in an effort to resolve Liliyana’s mental anxiety, which was on the verge of being crushed by various pressures, I made love to her to support her. During that time, I chose her as a practice partner for elixirs. I had kept it a secret from Liliyana that I injected elixirs instead of normal semen, but in practice, it resulted in me consuming most of the holy aura circulating in my body.

In other words, the physical burden of using elixirs was greater than that of ‘Resurrection Magic.’ Previously, using ‘Resurrection Magic’ would deplete my mental strength, requiring me to drink expensive magic potions to continue using ‘Healing Magic,’ but now I had a little more leeway. However, using elixirs, even in perfect health, would deplete my holy aura in a single use, rendering me unable to use ‘Healing Magic.’

Incidentally, magic potions restore mental strength, willpower, and so on, but they are strictly different from holy aura, and recovering depleted holy aura seems to require natural regeneration. This was inferred from the fact that after returning to our lodging at Lily Lalabai and drinking a magic potion, it did not work as usual.

Perhaps a more potent, expensive magic potion might work, but this has not yet been verified. And currently, since I have fully recovered, the use of elixirs will likely be limited to once every two days at the earliest.

Alternatively, after recovering, I remembered that I might be able to get some qi from Serena, the collective of holy element spirits. This idea came about from the results of directly testing it: when I had the succubus Astarotte perform the ‘Old Man Attack,’ she suffered a critical injury. Is this not proof that even good medicine can be poison if misused?

I also considered that perhaps ‘death dolls’ might have fewer side effects than lower-level demons and succubi, but this is uncertain without actual verification. The reason for this is that while succubi are based on mental life forms from the demon realm, ‘death dolls’ are based on humans in the human realm who possess physical bodies.

Also, based on the sensation when Anya-san taught me, I didn’t expect such a heavy burden, but this time, assuming actual use, it might be related to injecting it into Liliyana’s vagina. During the injection, I felt as if boundless elixirs were being squeezed out of Liliyana’s vagina, which was quite different from a normal ejaculation.

From this fact, if the other party was a ‘death doll,’ the amount of elixirs squeezed out might increase. However, this is something that cannot be known without actual experimentation. In the end, it can only be verified through steady clinical trials, but in Yuliana’s case, it’s a headache that it will be a straight plunge battle.

Since there is a high probability of using elixirs in this operation, I will likely need to conserve my own holy aura. This is because, considering the real nature of the Knights of the Azure Moon, the shadow of a necromancer flickers behind Yuliana.

And if the identity of that necromancer is Zolgelge, a man who had the ‘death doll’ Salitori serve him, then we must also consider the possibility of the high-ranking demon Barberu operating behind the scenes. However, if he is a high-ranking demon, wouldn’t he be stronger than Demon King Gandaro, the pinnacle of the demon race!?

If such a major figure were to appear, I would have to consider a retreat. No, would they even let me retreat honestly… The more I thought about it, the more my stomach ached. Originally, we planned the Second Expedition Trip to lay the groundwork for the restoration of the monarchy, based on the request of Princess Elizabeth of the Espana Imperial Kingdom, also known as ‘Beth-chan’… but I felt the guiding hand of an unseen force.

Originally, the Hero Party was for jobs like this… I thought about entrusting the work to my past self, Lester the Cleric, but in my memories, I was barely able to fight demons.

Regarding ‘Healing Magic,’ I will have to leave it to Serena, the holy spirit. Mai and Swan Hilda are combat personnel, so I cannot expect them to assist with ‘Healing Magic.’

“Hal… Are you feeling better now!? Don’t overexert yourself. Hmm, let me see… your temperature seems normal.”

Alicia looked at me with concern, placing her palm on my forehead to check my temperature. It seemed my temperature was normal, and she let out a sigh of relief.

“I’m fine, Alicia. I’ve been quite busy with night duties lately. I’m just a little tired.”

“Oh my! …I’m sorry, Hal.”

At my reply, Alicia’s face turned bright red, and she apologized. Alicia’s hundred expressions are also very rare and worth seeing.

“Liliyana-sama, your face is red. Do you have a fever?”
“Liliyana-sama, if anything happens to you, we will be lost, so please take care of yourself.”

“I’m fine, Safiya, and you too, Isabel.”

A little distance away, Liliyana, who had apparently overheard my conversation with Alicia, also blushed deeply, and Safiya and Isabel looked at her with concern. Several others who had similar concerns were also reacting similarly, and I, observing them in turn, secretly smiled to myself. As expected, they are all so dear and lovely.

Incidentally, concerning the four survivors of the Knights of the Azure Moon, their wanted posters were torn up under Count Kol’s authority, and they were finally set free. Indeed, the authority of ‘Beth-chan,’ Princess Elizabeth, was immense. This was what is called an extra-legal measure. Or perhaps it was the result of the survival strategy of ‘going with the flow,’ and Count Kol, who is considered a capable official, seemed to understand this well.

“Now, today we are one day behind schedule, but we will be breaching Amethyst Palace, and—does anyone know the internal structure or personnel deployment of the palace?”

I reconfirmed with everyone.

“I’m sorry, Hal-sama. Since the palace has been uninhabited since before I was born, I haven’t heard anything about it.”

Liliyana replied apologetically.

“I’m sorry, Hal-dono. Among the Knights of the Azure Moon, only Commander Melissa attended to the Amethyst Palace, and we were waiting at the entrance.”

I had thought the four members of the Knights of the Azure Moon were well-informed, but they had never entered the palace. Failing to win over Commander Melissa was impacting this assault operation. However, it is also true that Commander Melissa was a ‘death doll,’ and at that time, we were barely able to subdue her.

Ultimately, we ended up proceeding by circumstance, and it was decided that Serena the holy spirit would conduct reconnaissance. Her fairy-like small stature was suitable for reconnaissance. As for the reward, it was, as usual, breasts, and the proposer, Elise, and the amorous spirit exchanged dark smiles once again. I hope there will be some ‘fish in similar circumstances’ in Amethyst Palace as well…

To think that these individuals are the ‘Sealed Priestess’ and the ‘Holy Element Spirit’… it’s truly lamentable.

We left our carriages at our lodging, Lily Lalabai, and boarded several gondolas to cross the River Leete and gather at a pier near Amethyst Palace. Of course, to avoid attracting attention, we staggered our departure, moving to the pier designated by Liliyana.

The total number of participants in the assault operation was eighteen, including myself, Elise, Mai, Swan Hilda, Lyusienne, Kirika, Edele, Dietlinde, Liliyana, Shera who transformed into Sister Shiera, Eria, Serena the holy spirit, Astarotte, Safiya, and the four members of the Knights of the Azure Moon.

On the other hand, Alicia and Freya, who had low combat capability, stayed behind, and Tirna continued to care for Miss Noella Sante. Although Liliyana had no combat power, she was involved in the matter, and Astarotte, who had become a normal human, also needed to confirm the identity of the necromancer. It was possible that the necromancer behind Yuliana was the same person as Zolgelge, whom Astarotte knew.

### 10. To Amethyst Palace ②

“So this is Amethyst Palace! The main gate is rotten, and the garden trees haven’t been pruned, so the overgrown branches are sprawling everywhere!”

“…It certainly looks like a ruin.”

Peeking at Amethyst Palace from a distance from the main gate, it looked like a ruin, and Liliyana, who was peeking next to me, agreed.

“Then, Serena. Please go and reconnoiter.”

“Yes, Master. I understand. Whether there are nice breasts or not though…”

I asked Serena the holy spirit, who was perched on my shoulder, to reconnoiter. She then turned invisible with a relaxed expression full of worldly desires and seemed to have infiltrated. We waited until Serena returned. Incidentally, according to Isabel, there was almost no sign of human presence inside. It was likely that if there were many people coming and going, their hiding place would be easily discovered, so Yuliana probably only brought her close attendants.

“So Yuliana is here.”

On the other hand, Liliyana seemed nervous as the reunion with her half-sister approached. This is because, based on the information obtained so far, it is highly likely that Yuliana is a ‘death doll’ controlled by a necromancer. I, too, have prepared elixirs, but whether they will be effective on a ‘death doll’ is a gamble.

“Masterrr… I managed to return… but–”

After waiting a short while, Serena the holy spirit, flying with a staggering gait, landed on my shoulder. She seemed to have taken considerable damage.

“Are you okay, Serena!? You look extremely exhausted…”

“The inside of the palace was filled with miasma and the stench of decaying ‘death dolls.’ I could only manage to go a little way in from the entrance. And beyond the small hall that led from the entrance, there was a staircase leading to the second floor. At the end of the second-floor corridor, there stood sturdy and perverse gatekeepers.”

I, returning with great difficulty, soothed the exhausted Serena the holy spirit while asking for information about the palace’s interior.

According to Serena’s account, the Amethyst Palace building has an entrance adjacent to a driveway for carriages, and beyond the entrance doors lies a small hall with a luxurious chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Beyond that is a large, magnificently decorated main door, and beyond that, it seems there is a grand hall for holding events like balls.
To the left and right of the grand doors leading to the great hall, stairs ascended to the second floor, forming an arc.

Upon climbing these stairs and reaching the door at the end of the corridor on the second floor, two gatekeepers stood like statues on either side.

These two gatekeepers apparently had unusual appearances.

The gatekeepers were bare-chested, bald, and seemed hot-blooded old men, with well-defined, muscular physiques. Below, they wore white pantyhose, and their crotch area was noticeably bulging. Furthermore, they reportedly reeked, suggesting they were “corpse dolls.” The “erotic old men” (性精霊(エロ)オヤジン) wept, describing the sight as something that would cause nightmares. Particularly, the nipples on their muscular chests would occasionally twitch, causing them immense damage each time.

In a way, it was an impact that could shatter the very identity of the “erotic old men,” who confessed that the damage from this sight was greater than the miasma.

Moreover, it seemed multiple other “corpse dolls” of imposing older men were roaming the building, making it a truly nightmarish place.

“Serena, you’ve done well. Everyone, listen up! It appears that the only things inside the detached palace are these ‘corpse dolls.’ Please dispatch them without hesitation. However, regarding Yuliana, even if she is a ‘corpse doll,’ please capture her. And I have a secret plan! Let’s charge in!!”

“Everyone, please proceed with care.”

As I declared our charge, Liliana bowed her head deeply. This humble attitude ignited the fighting spirit of Safiya and the four members of the Knights of the Azure Moon. No knight could resist a plea from their lord.

“Princess Liliana, I will do my best! I vow to capture my half-sister unharmed.”

Safiya drew her rapier from her hip with a *swish* and made her vow.

*Clink*

“It is time for us to serve Crown Prince Liliana! In the honor of the Yangas Knights, do not fall behind!”

Isabel Maria Dela Lascan, who had recently been appointed the new captain of the Knights of the Azure Moon, then drew her rapier and lightly crossed sword tips with Safiya’s. A clear, transparent metallic sound echoed around them.

*Clink, clink, clink*

Then, Jose Shamit, Rachel Papillon, and Arches Lilinda also raised their respective weapons and crossed their sword tips. Today, Rachel was armed with a rapier instead of her twin whips. The knights’ oaths were impressive, and Lyushenne and the others watched with envy.

Afterward, we entered the Amethyst Palace with divine speed. Judging the enemy to be few in number, we boldly entered through the main gate, swiftly crossed the densely wooded garden, and Jose, with his strong physique, kicked open the palace door with a *thump*. If Shera had transformed into Shera-nee-san, that would have been her role, but this time, considering the battle against non-humans, she had become the attack magic-focused Sierra-osama.

Meanwhile, Swan Hilda, a Valkyrie and a lower-ranked God Clan member, remained quiet until the main enemy appeared. Swan Hilda seemed concerned about encountering demons, the true enemies of the God Clan. Astarotte, a lower-ranking demon succubus, was severely injured by the “Old Man Attack” (オヤジンアタック) by the “erotic old man,” but there was a possibility that a higher-ranking demon, whom even Swan Hilda could not defeat, was lurking.

In other words, Swan Hilda was, in a sense, our trump card. Furthermore, Swan Hilda herself seemed to have some hidden trump up her sleeve. This was likely related to the special training she received when invited to the “Garden of the Gods” by the Valkyries. The reason I haven’t asked for details is out of concern for information leakage.

Shifting my gaze from Swan Hilda back to Shera, Sierra-osama’s voluptuous breasts swayed with adult allure, *bounce, bounce*, and her two tails swayed happily in unison. Come to think of it, I remembered that Shera was also not good with malevolent spirits in her Shera-nee-san form. In the end, Sierra-osama seemed to be her only choice. Also, in indoor combat, handling a Zantou (Greatsword) poses difficulties.

“This is, this is an uninvited guest—*Gyaa!*”

*Shuuu*, *Zan*, *thud*, *clatter*

Beyond the door, a butler-like “corpse doll” in a tailcoat greeted us, but a chakram thrown from behind severed its head, scattering foul-smelling black blood as it collapsed. The chakram that severed the head arced back and landed in Edele’s palm.

“As expected of Edele! That was, so to speak, the first kill.”

I praised Edele for defeating the first enemy.

“In these situations, it’s first come, first served.”

Edele replied with a smile.

“Wha—What is going on!”
“Intruders, I shall defeat you!”
“You scoundrels! Justice shall be served!!”

This time, three well-built “corpse dolls,” presumably high-ranking nobles or officials, opened the large door in the back and advanced towards us.

“Leave this to us.”

“I’m late this time. But I’ll do my best for Princess Liliana!”

Isabel was the first to step forward against the three “corpse dolls,” followed by Safiya, and then Jose, Arches, and Rachel raised their rapiers and charged.

Then, in the small hall, the sounds of fierce sword fighting echoed.

A glance at the battlefield revealed a fifty-fifty match. While logically, Isabel and the others, despite being women, should be stronger, the “corpse dolls” wielded inhuman strength. The four members of the Knights of the Azure Moon also had their human limitations removed when they were “puppet dolls,” but now that they were back to normal humans, their strengths were evenly matched.

“We will proceed to the second floor. However, Lyushenne, please lead Edele and Eria to back up Safiya and the others.”

“Understood, Hal-sama.”
“Lyushenne-sama, please take care.”
“Eria will also assist with my small strength.”

Following my instructions, Lyushenne, leading Edele and Eria, who possessed long-range attack skills, headed for the battlefield. Meanwhile, I, with the remaining party members, ascended the stairs to the second floor. Liliana and Astarotte, who were out of breath due to their lower stamina, were escorted by Sierra-osama and followed behind.

11. The Unspoken Understanding Between Muscle Brothers

Upon reaching the second floor, we cautiously advanced down the dimly lit central corridor. A crimson carpet was laid on the floor, and portraits and landscape oil paintings adorned the walls. There were several doors along the way, and we proceeded while checking for hidden ambushes. Finally, at the end of the corridor, the bald “corpse dolls” reported by Holy Spirit Serena stood guard on either side of a sturdy-looking door.

Presumably, this door led to the room of the master of the detached palace.

“You shall not pass!”

The man on the right moved first. With a sharp glare, he made a “mun” sound, flexing his arms into a front double biceps pose. His muscular body pulsed, showcasing a “gleaming” physique. Simultaneously, his nipples twitched, which was unsettling, validating Holy Spirit Serena’s complaints.

“Brother, you’re up.”

This time, the man on the left faced us, exposing his right side, and struck a side chest pose, emphasizing the muscles in his arms and legs. This man’s nipples also twitched, and his crotch bulge seemed even more pronounced.

What bothersome men!

“Who are you people! I need to pass through that door. Could you let me through?”

The women kept their distance, showing clear aversion, so I mustered my courage and spoke.

“I am Ahan Muscle-Lao. I have been ordered to guard this door, so you shall not pass!”

“I am Uhan Muscle-Lao. Along with my brother, I have been ordered by Lord Zolgelge to prevent passage! If you are determined to pass, you will have to step over our corpses!!”

In response to my call, the muscular “corpse dolls” introduced themselves. They were brothers, Arhan Muscle-Lao and Uhan Muscle-Lao. They were, in all likelihood, the Muscle Brothers. They then changed their poses, trying to show off their muscle beauty. However, the fact that they didn’t attack suggested they were merely flesh walls.

Although they didn’t attack, it seemed impossible to pass through the door without overcoming their muscular barrier. Perhaps they were time-buying personnel to allow Zolgelge, their master, the necromancer, to escape. If so… Yuliana might also escape.

We were unfamiliar with the structure of Amethyst Palace, but if royal family members were to use hidden passages to escape, pursuit would be difficult. We needed to eliminate them quickly.

However, the fact that Zolgelge’s name, someone with a connection to Astarotte, was mentioned so easily was a surprising but valuable piece of information. It meant that the mastermind manipulating them, or rather Yuliana, included a demon.

Although they were brainless, they were guarding an important door, so they must be formidable opponents.

“This is where the sub-leader steps in.”

**【Wind Cutter】**

*Clang, clang, clang, clang*

As I struggled with how to deal with them, Elise stepped forward and unleashed four consecutive wind blades. Normally, this would sever their heads and spew their black blood, but with a grunt of “Mun,” they flexed their muscles. The wind blades, repelled by their enhanced muscles, became ricochets that gouged the surrounding walls and ceiling, but their muscles remained unscarred.

“N-No way!? What hard muscles! They’re like steel!!”

Elise, whose wind-attribute attacks were repelled, stared in disbelief.

“H-How about this!”

**【Water Cutter】**

*Clang, clang*

**【Ice Javelin】**

*Clang, clang*

“Our muscles are invincible!”
“Indeed! Brother!”

Elise, panicked, immediately launched water blades and ice javelins, but the result was the same. Meanwhile, the two proudly showcased their muscles.

“In that case, 【Fire—”

“W-Wait a minute! Elise!! If you use 【Fire Arrow】, it’ll start a fire!!”

Elise, blinded by rage, tried to use fire magic within the mansion indiscriminately, so I hurriedly stopped her. Elise lowered her head and stepped back with a frustrated expression. Afterward, Dietlinde and Sierra-osama gathered around Elise, seemingly discussing something. It wasn’t just to console her.

“Now it’s our turn. Hal-sama, please handle the left side.”

Taking Elise’s place, Kirika stepped forward. Noticing my glance, she seemed to be planning a simultaneous summoning of her familiars.

“Understood, Kirika. Come forth! Mimi No. 2!!”

“Mimi No. 1, come forth! Devour them!”

Hal and Kirika simultaneously summoned Mimic Slimes, Mimi No. 1 and Mimi No. 2, and had them attack the gatekeepers. Their plan was to restrain them from below and dissolve them.

Mimi No. 1 and Mimi No. 2, summoned by us, crept up from below as usual and bravely latched on. The legs of Arhan and Uran were immediately covered in the Mimic Slimes’ viscous substance, and their white pantyhose began to melt. Then, their bare legs with shin hair were exposed, followed by their groins.

However, a tearful thought from Mimi No. 2 flowed into my mind. It stated that they were metallic hard and could not be dissolved. Kirika seemed to have a similar grim expression.

“Now’s our chance!”
“Mm.”

Swan Hilda, wielding a Zantou borrowed from Sierra-osama with both hands, and Mai, drawing her favorite short sword, charged at the Muscle Brothers, whose lower bodies were restrained by the Mimic Slimes.

*Clang, clang*

However, the Zantou, imbued with weight, struck Arhan’s right shoulder but was repelled. The short sword, aimed at Uran’s carotid artery, didn’t even draw blood.

“Th-This is insane.”
“……”

Swan Hilda and Mai, who had retreated after a hit-and-run attack, slumped their shoulders in disappointment.

“Our muscles are invincible!”
“Worship our muscles!”

Then, the Muscle Brothers, together, shouted “Mun!” and struck an abdominal and thigh pose emphasizing their leg muscles, and the Mimic Slimes clinging to their lower bodies were flung off.

“Retreat!”

With Kirika’s declaration of retreat, Mimi No. 1 and Mimi No. 2 were unsummoned. To struggle against mere unarmed muscle-heads… And with our attacks, their white pantyhose had melted, and their muscular penises were exposed. Well, their shin hair and pubic hair seemed to have melted, but their muscular vitality was emphasized. The Muscle Brothers, despite their exposed genitals, remained composed, but most of the young maidens of the “Princess Harem” party members turned their faces away.

Still, if we couldn’t get through this door, we wouldn’t be able to meet Yuliana. What should we do…

“Hal-sama, I will have my revenge. It would be a disgrace to be defeated by such muscle mongers.”
“This time, I will also participate. My role is to control the fire spirits.”
“I will cooperate as well. This is the time to test the true capabilities of my two-tailed white fox form!”

As I pondered, Elise declared she would get her revenge, flanked by Dietlinde and Sierra-osama. They were all powerful users of high-level attack and spirit magic, and if they failed, breakthrough would be impossible without Swan Hilda fully unleashing her Valkyrie abilities.

“Master, the fire spirits you dislike have gathered, so I will retreat to Lyushenne’s chest.”

As Elise and the others stepped forward, the surrounding atmosphere changed, and Holy Spirit Serena fled. Fire spirits gathering, you say!?

“Hey, you guys, fire magic attacks are forbidden because it’ll start a fire!”

“Hal-sama, do not worry. I will control the fire spirits, so there will be no fire!”

Dietlinde assured me it would be fine in response to my shout.

“…R-Right! Then, try it then!!”

” ” ” Hal-sama, understood. ” ” ”

Upon closer inspection, Elise and Sierra-osama were each holding a divine staff, indicating their seriousness.

“Great gods, accept this offering. O infernal blaze surging from the abyss, now present this offering to the heavens, Sacrifice Holocaust.”

Elise began chanting the attack magic with a serious expression. A three-dimensional layered magic circle composed of complex strings of characters and symbols floated in front of Elise. A searing sensation pricked my surroundings. This was no mere high-level attack magic! Elise was chanting a forbidden spell!!

“Grant Shera, descendant of the Nine-tailed White Fox, the flames of Gehenna! To the enemies who oppose Shera, the hellfire of destruction! Gehenna Inferno.”

Sierra-osama, positioned beside Elise, also raised her divine staff and began chanting attack magic. Sierra-osama was also chanting a forbidden spell. The magic circle composed of foxfire was a fantastical sight.

But when did she learn forbidden spells!?

Furthermore, the synergistic effect of forbidden spells… Even I couldn’t predict it. What a reckless thing they did! It was reasonable to assume that casting forbidden spells on top of each other would result in the destruction of Amethyst Palace.

“Th-This is amazing! I’ve never seen such dense fire spirits!”

Dietlinde, sweating profusely, began controlling the fire spirits summoned by the manifestation of the forbidden spell. Her beautiful, gradated, long, glossy hair danced, emitting a dazzling light. Then, turning her gaze towards the Muscle Brothers, she was enveloped in a sphere of white light. Although no radiant heat was felt, an immense amount of heat, as if the sun had fallen, swirled within the sphere of light.

“…Brotherrrr…”
“You, Brotherrrr…”

A faint death cry echoed, and the sphere of light gradually became smaller. And then… after the sphere of light vanished, only a handful of pure white ash remained. As expected, even their steel-like muscles could not leave behind bone fragments when exposed to immense heat.

However, Dietlinde’s heat control was also amazing. After all, she didn’t leave even a scorch mark on the door or the carpet on the floor…

“…Still, wouldn’t it be a bother for any god to receive such an offering? If it were me, I’d return it immediately!”

Swan Hilda, having witnessed the entire scene, gave a wry smile. For the record, Holocaust refers to the ritual of offering to the gods by burning the offerings completely to ash.

Thus, the gatekeepers Arhan Muscle-Lao and Uhan Muscle-Lao, the Muscle Brothers, were offered to an unknown ancient god? And incinerated from this world.

“Hal-sama, the suppression of the first floor is complete.”

Looking back, Lyushenne, leading Safiya and the others, stood there. Jose and Arches’ clothes were torn and stained with blood, but Holy Spirit Serena seemed to have healed the cuts. That “erotic old man” was proudly clinging to Isabel’s chest.

12. An Audience with Yuliana, but a Young Girl Stands in the Way

“Everyone seems to be here. I am about to open the door. Are you prepared?”

I confirmed the resolve of those, primarily the “Princess Harem” members.

“We will conceal our identities by wearing the formal attire of the ‘Princess Harem.’ First, Hal-sama, could you please handle the negotiations and investigate the enemy’s true nature?”

In response, Liliana requested me to act as the negotiator. Strategically, Liliana, Yuliana’s elder half-sister, was a trump card, making it a reasonable decision.

“Understood, Liliana. When the time is right, I’ll be counting on you.”

“Of course, I understand, Hal-sama.”

“I’ll be hiding in the back, so if there are any demons, I’ll count on you first. And Holy Spirit Serena is also properly hidden!”

Swan Hilda, a divine being, also agreed to Liliana’s plan.

“No need to be told by Swan Hilda.”

Holy Spirit Serena became invisible, and her presence also faded.

“Then, let’s open the door!”

*Crick, creak*

Turning the doorknob, I slowly opened the sturdy, heavy door. Light leaked through the gap. This was because the luxurious chandelier hanging from the ceiling was lit, illuminating the interior. Inside, a carpet woven with intricate geometric patterns was laid out, and expensive-looking pots and armor were placed along the walls as furnishings. In one corner of the wall, there was a built-in bookshelf with valuable rare books casually arranged.

The back half of the room was elevated, and through the gaps in the heavy curtains, like luxurious drapes woven with gold and silver threads, a portion of a gold-leaf gilded luxurious chair was visible. It seemed this room was an audience chamber.

And it appeared someone was seated in the aforementioned chair.

After confirming that no one was in the front part of the room, I stepped inside. The “Princess Harem” party members followed. Simultaneously, the four members of the Knights of the Azure Moon took positions around the door to secure our escape route.

“Insolent fools, do you know where you are? How dare you act so brazenly in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen, who rules the New Yangus Kingdom? But to have defeated those gatekeepers!! Unbelievable…”

Then, from behind the curtains, a high-pitched voice of a young girl berated us angrily. At the same time, confusion was evident at allowing intruders.

“Who are you people?”

Next, a beautiful young girl with a haughty demeanor, unfitting for her stature, questioned us. However, the accent of her speech was strange, which was a characteristic of the “corpse dolls.”

We looked towards the back of the room again. On the gold-leaf gilded throne sat a beautiful young girl, adorned with a crown and dressed in a luxurious gown befitting a queen. Her hair was braided and gathered, but it was a faintly reddish-silver hair. It complemented Liliana’s bluish-silver hair, possessing a beautiful luster. Her features bore a resemblance to Liliana, suggesting she was of her bloodline.

Moreover, she was a beautiful young girl who appeared more ethereally frail and unfortunate than Liliana.

It is undoubtedly Yuliana, Liliana’s half-sister, who has become a “corpse doll.” Suddenly, I felt a gaze and turned around to see Liliana trembling. This confirmed that the beautiful young girl seated majestically on the throne was Liliana’s half-sister, Yuliana, and that she had fallen into the state of a “corpse doll.”

Furthermore, three young girls attended Yuliana.

The first was a young girl in a black Gothic lolita dress, standing with her left hand resting on the back of Yuliana’s throne. She had lustrous blond hair and mystical crimson eyes, and was likely the one who first spoke to us.

The second and third young girls were sitting on the floor to the left and right of the throne, lounging. The girl on the right wore a red Gothic lolita dress and was characterized by silver hair and golden eyes. The girl on the left was clad in a blue Gothic lolita dress, with black hair and silver eyes.

It gave off an air of decadence, a rotten fragrance of decay and corruption. Even though the opponents were young girls and beautiful maidens… my mind was in turmoil.

“My name is Hal Raymond. I have arrived here as an adventurer, tracking the footsteps of an evil necromancer. Do you know the whereabouts of the necromancer named Zolgelge?”

I inquired about the whereabouts of Zolgelge, who was presumably not in this audience chamber. I quickly surveyed the surroundings, but it seemed no one else was present besides them.

“Such an impure wretch would not be here! Very well… I am Lara_Berze, the Prime Minister. The ones lounging before me are my younger sisters. The red one is the second daughter, Lili_Berze, and the blue one is the third daughter, Lulu_Berze. They are yours to know. And you stand before our master, Yuliana Leticia Yangas. Keep your heads down! Remain still!!”

The first young girl, dressed in black Gothic lolita, answered my question. She directed a fleeting, fierce gaze towards the bookshelf, as if at a despicable opponent. Then, in the next moment, with a perfectly plastered and dominant demeanor, she introduced herself and her sisters, along with their master Yuliana.

However, such a young girl as Prime Minister… I felt as if I had been deceived. Also, there seemed to be a hidden passage behind the bookshelf.

“Hal-sama, may I borrow your ear for a moment?”

As the next development remained unclear and a moment of silence threatened to ensue, Astarotte, who had approached from behind, whispered.

“What is it? Astarotte.”

“Regarding those young girls, they are actually vampires, mid-ranking demons who have lived for over a thousand years. They are what you call ‘loli grandmas.’ They are the insufferable ones who called me a lowly, lustful lower-ranking demon succubus. Please deliver justice upon them!”

Astarotte, who whispered to me, said something outrageous. At first glance, I thought they were precocious young girls, but they were actually mid-ranking demon vampires! As expected, mid-ranking demons are not to be trifled with.

I was unsure of their strength as this was my first encounter, but there was a high probability that they were comparable to or stronger than the executives of the Demon Lord Army. Should I retreat for now?

“Hey, Astarotte. By the way, the necromancer Zolgelge doesn’t seem to be here!?”

“That old geezer is cautious. They probably fled, leaving them behind!?”

“So, Yuliana and the others were also treated as disposable pawns, like the Muscle Brothers?”

“Probably… I think so? It’s speculation, but… Zolgelge might have gone to report to the high-ranking demon Barberu?”

“S-So… Then, back to the topic, do you know their weakness?”

“Yes, their true forms are enchanting beauties. However, they said they took on that form to have fun games when they came to the human world from the demon realm. Therefore, in that form, they can only wield magic equivalent to lower-ranking demons. They are either quickly defeated while underestimating us, or they can be completely subjugated and controlled.”

While Hal and Astarotte whispered, Yuliana and the others, perhaps out of absolute confidence, ignored us. The atmosphere suggested that the battle would likely commence the moment we took our leave… However, as Astarotte said, they were probably underestimating us like stones by the roadside.

Should I call upon the trump card, Swan Hilda, to annihilate them all at once… Or would it be more strategic to subdue them, leaving them half-dead, and bring them under my control!?

“By the way, Astarotte, you said they were vampires, but don’t they need blood to survive? For example, do they prefer the blood of innocent virgins, or the blood of handsome men? How about that?”

“As long as they maintain their young girl form, their thirst for blood is suppressed. In that state, they should be sufficient with the same food as humans. If they drink blood, it’s purely a matter of preference. If you become their master, you can likely forbid blood drinking.”

“That sounds like an interesting conversation.”

This time, Swan Hilda approached, as if the saying “speak of the devil” came true.

“I’ve heard the basic overview of them from Astarotte. The rest is up to Hal-sama’s decision. As for me, the Valkyries told me to eliminate demons as soon as they are discovered, but Astarotte is already in this state… It’s a ‘if you eat poison, eat the plate’ kind of sentiment.”

“I agree with Swan Hilda’s opinion.”

From the opening of Holy Spirit Serena’s hooded robe, she peeked out.

“Serena, you think so too? Aren’t they your enemies?”

“Master, as I said before, demons in the form of beautiful young girls can be subjugated as familiars. Since the enemy is a sitting duck, we should bind them. And then—”

Holy Spirit Serena, emphasizing her point from a blind spot of the three sisters, showed a pure white pill, stating that she had created items to capture them using adventuring gear from Elise and Sierra-osama’s item boxes.

“Th-What is this!?”

“This is a spiritual medicine called ‘Seiken-gan.’ This medicine was created with Elixir recovered from a certain Saint by chance as the raw material. Its effect is—”

That “erotic old man” with a dark smile began to explain the effects of ‘Seiken-gan’ with a suggestive gaze. It seemed he had secretly obtained the Elixir I ejaculated and created it.

Currently, ‘Seiken-gan’ is stable and harmless, but if Saints like myself, Swan Hilda, or Holy Spirit Serena infuse it with Holy Aura, it will immediately explode and scatter Holy Aura around. It is said that if it can be implanted in a demon’s body through some means, it can be detonated at any time, breaking them down into miasma.

In other words, it’s the same principle as when Dietlinde manipulated the fire spirits to direct heat during the battle with the Muscle Brothers. Holy Spirit Serena, being a cluster of Holy Element Spirits, could perform such feats.

And the “erotic old man” urged me to implant it deep within their uteruses. Furthermore, ‘Seiken-gan’ is adjusted to subtly release Holy Aura, which is said to fix them in their young girl form. This is also a preventative measure against the necessity of blood-drinking for survival when they revert to their beautiful form.

In a way… the outer defenses were already breached, and the plan to subjugate them was decided.

“You, no matter how incompetent adventurers you may be, to not prostrate yourselves before the great Queen Yuliana and us… do you require punishment?”

The self-proclaimed Prime Minister, Lara_Helze, who had apparently lost patience with our hushed conversation, issued a threatening declaration.

Our course of action has been decided, now all that remains is to act!

Thank you for reading.
Episode 38 “Liliana IV” – The Dead Half-Sister (Yuliana) Makes the Living Half-Sister (Liliana) Run – The bulk post has been completed.
Please note that the content is the same as the split posts.
The release date for episode 39 is currently undecided. We will announce it in the activity report once it is ready to be published.
Also, a reminder post for episodes up to episode 38 has been reserved for posting at 0:00 on December 28th, as the final publication of this fiscal year.