Chapter 10: A Dangerous Game of Affection

The moment Song Ze agreed, the black-haired youth smiled and reached out to pat his head. Then, in a calm tone, he said to the side, “You can come out now.”

Space around them began to warp, and three figures emerged. They were clearly of a different race—strange horns of various shapes adorned their heads, proclaiming their identity. The leader exuded a suffocating pressure with his strength.

All three bowed respectfully to the black-haired youth.

“Your Highness Andreya.”

Cold sweat trickled down Song Ze’s face. Having played the game, he knew full well that the leader was named Fein, a loyal follower of the demon princess—the heir to the Demon Lord—and someone who held the protagonist in contempt. A difficult character all around… these were supposed to appear only in the later stages of the game, so why were they here now?

“Your Highness, who is this?” Fein’s icy gaze swept over to Song Ze. Sensing that the person before him was merely a weak human, his eyes turned to those of someone looking at a corpse.

Song Ze: ‘Eeeh! Someone save me!’

“This is my pet,” Andreya said directly. “No need to mind him. Let’s continue.”

“Your Highness, but—” Fein tried to object, but Andreya’s blood-red eyes fixed on him coldly. A chill flooded Fein’s body; he stepped back in fear, not daring to utter another word.

Andreya’s prestige in the demon realm came not just from bloodline, but from absolute strength and ruthless methods. Though he often appeared as an innocent youth, no one truly believed he was easy to get along with.

This human was probably just a passing amusement for the prince. He would likely tire of it soon.

Fein thought to himself. After all, finding the ruins where the inheritance lay was their main objective.

****

Deep within the Dark Forest.

“I… I can’t go on.” Song Ze’s weak voice suddenly rang out.

This was already the tenth time he had said that since entering the forest from the river!

After saying this, Song Ze even slumped against a nearby tree and sat down, looking as if he would rather die than take another step.

He had to show traits completely opposite to a brave, fearless, upright person! Best to make the demon princess have no romantic interest in him whatsoever!

Of course, just to be safe, Song Ze had already consulted the system. As long as her affection level remained above zero, his life was temporarily safe. Otherwise, how would he dare act like this?

Andreya’s subordinates glared at him murderously, especially Fein, who looked like he wanted to strangle the weak human right then and there!

The terrain had been smooth all the way—not even a single steep slope—so how could he be tired?

Seeing their expressions, Song Ze was terrified. He immediately hugged Andreya tightly, clutching the fabric of Andreya’s back. His sapphire eyes glistened with tears as he looked up, his face pale. “M-Master, please…”

Andreya looked down. Instead of reacting with a sharp drop in affection as Song Ze had expected, he simply cupped Song Ze’s face and studied it. The magical patterns in his crimson eyes glowed, making him appear increasingly inhuman.

“!!” Song Ze’s soul nearly fled in fright at being observed so closely. He felt like prey being stalked by a powerful predator. His body trembled involuntarily, and tears actually fell.

‘When I played the game, I never realized the demon princess was such a terrifying woman!!’

She leaned in closer. Song Ze shut his eyes in fright, only to feel something warm and soft gently lick his cheek, wiping away the tears.

Dazed, he opened his eyes to meet a gaze filled with amusement.

“As expected, you…” Andreya murmured, “taste delicious.”

Of course, it wasn’t just the deliciousness of fear. The person before her was also very interesting.

How could such a weak human exist in this holy knight academy? And when facing danger, he tentatively tested her limits, scared to death yet forcing himself to act spoiled.

It made her reluctant to gobble him up in one bite.

[Target’s Affection Level +4. Current Affection Level: 20.]

Song Ze: “!!”

What the hell—his Affection Level had actually increased, and by so much! But it had increased because of the food connection. That was way too ominous!

“After all we’ve been through, you must be tired. Taking a break shouldn’t be a problem.”

Andreya said.

The other three, though they wanted to strangle the human, arranged things quickly. With advanced magic, the place instantly became a comfortable resting spot, and they even produced various foods.

After a short rest, they soon set off again.

This time, Song Ze didn’t call for rest. What had just happened left a psychological shadow on him. He had to think of other ways to show he was completely different from the type the demon princess might fancy.

So he started all sorts of obstructive behaviors.

“I don’t want to drink morning dew; I want flower nectar… Drinking dew will give me diarrhea.”

“You—”

“Bring flower nectar.”

“Yes.”

[Target’s Affection Level +1.]

Song Ze: “???”

Was it because he showed a fearless spirit that he earned Affection Pointsfrom the demon princess?

…

“No, I must eat the meat of a fifth-tier magic beast! These ordinary fruits can’t fill my stomach. I won’t be able to walk again…”

“Damn it! Do you want to die, human? We’re in a hurry!”

“But I really want to eat! Please… Master…”

“Hunt down a magic beast and bring its meat.”

“Yes.”

[Target Affection Level +1.]

Song Ze: “???”

Was it because his fearless demeanor looked heroic?

…

After several death-defying stunts, Affection Level had actually risen to 24. Song Ze was so shocked he was numb, no longer wanting to think about why it increased.

It seemed the demon princess was truly mysterious—no one could fathom her tastes! At this rate, no matter what he did, Affection Level  would reach dangerous levels!

Song Ze grew anxious. When he was trying to woo Aliel, why hadn’t such easy Affection Level increases happened?

By now, Song Ze was feeling tired again. Just as he opened his mouth, before he could speak, Fein barked, “Your Highness, we’ve arrived at the destination!”

Hearing this, the other three breathed sighs of relief, casting wary glances at Song Ze. They had truly had enough of his constant troublemaking along the way.

And yet Her Highness showed such favoritism toward this weak human! What was the reason?

If they got the chance, they would make him pay.

Song Ze pretended not to notice, feeling a little regretful that they had arrived so quickly. He looked up.

This was a relic almost hidden within the Dark Forest, most of it sunken into the earth. Only a long-abandoned teleportation magic array allowed entry. The area was surrounded by countless powerful magic beasts. If the group hadn’t been so formidable that the beasts dared not approach, it would have been impossible to reach this place so easily.

Song Ze’s eyes lit up—he felt he was one step closer to successfully leaving!

“What’s wrong?” Andreya’s voice sounded beside him. She glanced over casually, “You seem very interested in this place?”

Song Ze shook his head quickly, saying what fit his persona, “N-No, I just thought we could finally rest… Those magic beasts outside were too terrifying.”

“Is that so?” Andreya smiled, leaning in close. Her voice whispered in Song Ze’s ear, “I saw that excited look on your face earlier. I thought you wanted to run away?”

“H-How could that be!” Song Ze quickly replied, “Of course I won’t leave. Until you let me go, I will definitely stay by your side!”

As he spoke, Song Ze looked up at Andreya, sincerity shining in his eyes. He bit his lower lip lightly, his face bearing a slightly hurt expression. Anyone present would not doubt the truth of this beautiful youth’s words.

[Target’s Affection Level +1. Current Affection Level: 25.]

“Okay, I was just joking.” Andreya gently took his hand, her voice tinged with tenderness. “But if you deceive me… no matter who it is, I won’t let them off easily.”

Song Ze: “…Y-Yes.” QAQ ‘Wuwuwu, at this rate, he’ll be scared into becoming gay!’

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