Chapter 17: The Knight’s Past

Once upon a time, there was a young knight fresh out of training.

In those days, she was young and full of passion, watching her seniors charge into battle against monsters, returning with honor and bloodstained armor. To her, this was the pinnacle of what she aspired to be—a powerful knight who could protect those in need, pledge her loyalty to her queen, and earn eternal glory and respect, much like the heroes in stories.

Her chance came swiftly.

During an escort mission for a group of civilians, her squad was ambushed. The attacking monsters were not especially formidable; they were mere goblins, not demons or any sort of king. They attacked the smaller convoy, killing her comrades right before her eyes. She fell from her horse, watching as her comrades cried out in agony, their bodies pierced by the blades of the green-skinned creatures. Blood flowed down the metal armor as the life faded from her comrades’ eyes, their final expressions of terror etched into her memory.

Panicked, people scattered in all directions. The cries of women and the screams of children echoed in her ears. The green demons dragged women to the ground, tearing off their clothes, and violated them in ways that were revolting and brutal, until the women were reduced to twisted, lifeless forms.

She was a knight, sworn to protect everyone.

But at that moment, she felt a warm, wet sensation between her legs. She sat frozen on the ground, unable to control her fear, her teeth chattering so violently she thought they would shatter. She didn’t reach for her sword; instead, she crawled away, soaking in her own urine, fleeing towards the silent forest. She rolled behind a small hill, hugging her head tightly, afraid to even cry out, inhaling the scent of her own urine as she curled into the smallest ball possible, biting her lips as she sobbed silently until she finally passed out, finding a moment of release.

Later, she learned that half of the civilians she was supposed to protect had been killed. Because she had fainted, she was spared blame and even received comfort. No one held her accountable.

But her conscience did.

Whenever she closed her eyes, the gaze of her fallen comrades, the surrounding screams, and the acrid stench would haunt her. Since then, she had lost all her emotions and became unwilling to speak. When she returned to the battlefield, she was no longer afraid. She fought to atone for her sins, to make amends for the souls that died because of her cowardice.

That’s why she hated deserters. She hated cowardice.

Because she knew that one person’s escape could lead to the deaths of many, and one person’s cowardice could doom countless brave souls.

So, deserters must die.

I watched the fire in silence, not saying anything to Vilya beside me. Vilya’s story was told calmly, with no changes in tone, not even as dynamic as the flames in the fireplace. She stared at the fire, softly recounting her story, her own personal tale.

I understood why Vilya was so eager to kill those deserters today. For her, it was as if she was killing her past self, killing the cowardly version of herself, killing the self she least wanted to remember.

I was truly flattered. I never expected Vilya to share her past with me so openly. We had only just met, and yet she confided in me, revealing her deepest secrets. Were these not the things she held most dear, the parts of herself she didn’t want exposed? Or was there even more that she was unwilling to reveal?

I looked at Vilya, her posture as straight as ever, her eyes empty. She spoke of her past with no more emotion than she showed at midday. Normally, at a time like this, wouldn’t she lean on my shoulder, seeking comfort for her inner turmoil and wounds? But looking at Vilya, there was no sign of weakness. I felt that any attempt to console her would only be met with rejection.

Vilya didn’t need anyone’s comfort. She was the protector, the hero.

I couldn’t think of anything to say. I could talk to anyone for days at the table, but with Vilya, I found myself at a loss for words. I knew nothing about her; Vilya was a complete mystery to me. I had no idea what her past was like, what kind of person she was. I was utterly in the dark.

Not knowing what else to say, I stood up and softly said, ‘Then, I’ll go back now. We can discuss tomorrow’s plans later.’

‘Mm.’

Vilya nodded lightly, still sitting in her chair, staring at the fire unblinkingly, like a statue. I had no idea what she was thinking, or if she was thinking at all. Perhaps she was just lost in the flames. But regardless, Vilya’s life had nothing to do with mine. I needed to go see Lia.

As I reached the staircase, a hand pulled me onto the steps, pressing me against the wall and covering my mouth. In an instant, I was taken aback by the sudden intrusion in my mouth, but I quickly realized what was happening. It was Lia, now grown, pinning me against the wall and kissing me fiercely. But Vilya was just on the other side of that thin wall!!

I looked into her eyes, panic-stricken, trying to say something, but Lia held me tightly, her gaze filled with anger and a hint of mockery.

Her leg pressed between mine, and I begged her with my eyes, pleading for her to stop, not here, not with Vilya so close. Even though grown-up Lia was more assertive, I begged her, ‘Please, not here…’

‘Pfft…’

Lia finally released me, and I looked at her warily. Little Lia was always adorable, but now, grown-up Lia exuded a wicked allure. She hugged me gently, whispering in my ear, ‘Dad, didn’t I tell you… not to see that woman?’

‘I… I… not here…’

I listened carefully for any sound from behind, terrified that Vilya might notice us. I barely dared to speak, feeling the rage emanating from my daughter. I knew she was furious, and I had to admit, I had deceived her. But I never thought she would actually chase me down!

‘What’s wrong, Dad? Are you worried that woman will notice us? Are you afraid she’ll be jealous, or that it will interfere with your plans with her?’

Lia nibbled at my earlobe, but I couldn’t resist, not with Vilya so close. If Vilya noticed, Lia would surely be in danger…

Finally, Lia let go, and I felt like all the life had been sucked out of me. My blood seemed to have been drained, and Lia, satisfied, traced her fingers along my neck, laughing softly as she hugged me again, whispering, ‘Dad, don’t do this again, okay? Lia understands, but if you sneak out to meet other women while I’m asleep, I’ll leave my mark on you forever.’

Lia released me, grinning as she took my arm, saying, ‘So, Dad, let’s go back to sleep now, and don’t sneak out again, okay?’

She pulled me up the stairs, laughing as she led me to the room, then closed the door softly behind us…

The next morning, I rubbed my groggy head, finding it hard to sleep with grown-up Lia around. Only when she started to shrink back did I manage to get a bit of rest. Although Lia was more assertive when grown, she still didn’t know exactly what to do; she just liked licking me. It seemed that when she grew up, she became more forward, but she wouldn’t do anything too extreme.

I would never let Lia know what to do, or she would definitely act on it. She was a succubus, after all.

Lia was still hugging my arm, breathing softly. Little Lia was so incredibly cute. I reached out to touch her cheek, then carefully extracted my arm, tucking her in, and looked out the window. There was no sunrise, just a dull, white light.

It looked like it would be a gloomy day.

I carefully made my way down the stairs and saw Vilya coming out of the living room. I paused, wondering if Vilya had been sitting there all night. But her face showed no sign of fatigue. She looked at me and nodded seriously, saying, ‘Good morning.’

‘Good morning.’

‘Your neck… What happened? It looks like it was sucked out. Was there a vampire?’

‘No, no, it’s just… just… it’s a bruise, a bruise…’

‘Then show me how you made it…’

‘What?!

Later, I used all my creativity to make a similar mark on my own neck, or else Vilya would have searched for vampires in the house.

Soon, Lia came down, yawning, and seeing me cooking, she exclaimed angrily, ‘Dad!!! What’s that mark?! You and that woman…’

‘No, no! I did it to myself!’

‘I don’t believe you!!! Do it again!!!’

‘Please, just leave me alone…’