Chapter 1: The Novel’s Release and Glimpses of What’s to Come

It’s finally on the shelves!

From the very conception of this novel, I was deeply captivated by powerful female characters like Vilya.

Perhaps it stems from my personal preferences, but I’ve always been drawn to strong women who also protect the male lead. The dynamic between the male lead and Vilya, with their roles reversed in pursuit, is particularly engaging.

It’s truly delightful to imagine the male lead blushing shyly in Vilya’s embrace.

Then there’s Lia, an impossibly adorable daughter. Even before her full awakening, she possesses an unconscious allure.

The prospect of an expressionless Vilya vying for the male lead against an indignant Lia promises truly entertaining scenes. Lia also harbors a touch of yandere tendencies.

However, this attribute has yet to fully awaken. It will require another female character to provoke the male lead for her true nature to emerge.

Once Lia fully awakens as a succubus, she will even dare to harm Vilya.

Now, allow me to present some glimpses of what lies ahead!

****

The brightly lit Royal Capital, the very heart of the Empire, was engulfed in chaos.

Purple-clad guards surrounded a shadowed castle.

Inside, the Queen reclined upon her throne, idly sipping the fine wine from her goblet.

Her drink seemed to mirror the blood gushing outside the castle walls.

The Queen heard no screams, saw no crimson flowing from the shortswords.

Yet, a cruel smile played upon her lips.

****

“Listen to me, just listen. I cannot save you, nor do I intend to.”

“However, if you wish for your children to survive, for your wife to live, then hand me Angelina’s dossier now.”

“I swear I will protect them, even from the Queen herself. I will shield them!”

****

“My little puppy, you truly do manage to surprise me constantly.”

“You are unlike anyone else in my retinue, and this consort finds you most intriguing.”

“Tell you what, Vilya, name anything you desire. Anything I currently possess, I will exchange for him.”

“Do you seek more fertile lands? Or perhaps a bounty of gold coins? Anything you ask, I can provide. All I require is for you to give me the little puppy.”

Queen Sisi watched Vilya with a smile, extending her hand to gently clasp Vilya’s.

Vilya gazed silently at the Queen before her.

She was the Queen’s most loyal soldier, her most trusted confidante. Never had Vilya disappointed her sovereign.

Whatever the Queen desired, Vilya had always delivered: victory, dignity, even the head of a Demon King.

This time, however, Vilya met the Queen’s gaze, gently shaking her head.

“I apologize, Your Majesty,” she stated, “but I will not make that exchange.”

****

“Ah! Trouble! This is the gift we elves bestow upon you! We succeeded, so this is our offering to our friend!”

Lucia joyfully leaped from her horseback, throwing her arms around my neck.

She pointed excitedly towards a carriage behind them.

I paused, taken aback, and asked in surprise, “What? So many? We didn’t ask for that many gifts.”

“Not many, not many at all,” she corrected. “Hmm, perhaps only about four? Uh, one might not count, but it doesn’t matter. You can do whatever you wish with these Troubles.”

“Playing them to death… that’s certainly not out of the question, you know.”

“So what exactly have you sent us?!”

“Why, our elven gift, of course.”

****

“Your Majesty, though you may no longer hold the title, I choose to address you as such, having pledged my allegiance to your side.”

“However, I must state upfront that my assistance this time is not for your sake, but because Vilya asked for my help.”

“Our current situation is extremely precarious. The military has seized the Royal Capital.”

“While the merchants’ stance is unclear, I doubt any would choose to aid a former monarch whose fate with the elves remains unknown.”

“We possess not a single soldier. Vilya cannot appear openly this time, which means I am your sole reliance.”

“It feels… hopeless, doesn’t it?”

“Did I not just say so, Queen Sisi? Do you not have me? Since this is Vilya’s wish, I will help you reclaim your rightful throne.”

“With me, it will be enough.”