Chapter 35: Are You Human? I Think I Am

"Mr. Lister, this may sound strange, but based on the results of my observation just now... I believe you are a human who doesn't seem human."

"...?"

Lister was indeed a bit confused by this statement, just as Anko said.

What does it mean to be a human who doesn't seem human?

Are you saying I'm a poet from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications?

Seeing Lister's puzzled expression, Anko adjusted her glasses and prepared to explain.

"I'm sure you know that among the succubi's racial talents, there is an ability that makes it easier for other races to be close to succubi. And on you... there seems to be a similar characteristic."

"...Huh?"

"Just as most monsters are disgusting creatures to humans, humans are actually not much different to monsters. Except for some monster races that use human males as seeds, most monsters avoid humans."

"I'm well aware of that..."

In fact, this was the problem Lister wanted to solve.

"But judging from the attitude of the monsters in the Demon Lord's Castle towards you just now, although they did indeed treat you as a 'human' at first, that estrangement and wariness quickly vanished... I don't deny that your personal charm played a role, but it all happened too quickly and too naturally..."

"Isn't that because of Priscilla?"

"No, Mr. Lister... Please believe me, I am a succubus and have a keen sense for these things."

"..."

Seeing Anko's serious expression, Lister had no choice but to believe this professional in front of him.

"At first, I thought you were a mixed-blood with a thin succubus bloodline, but after repeatedly confirming it, I can determine that you are a pure-blooded human... purer than the vast majority of humans I've seen, or rather, pure to the point of being a bit unbelievable."

"So..."

"Not only that, the aura of affinity that makes people feel free and autonomous on you is a higher-level existence than the succubus's racial talent."

Anko said while looking into Lister's eyes.

Unknowingly, Lister suddenly felt Anko's body fragrance waft into his nostrils, and even her upright appearance seemed to become more amiable.

"Do you feel it, Mr. Lister?"

"...Mm."

"The succubus's talent seems too deliberate in front of you, completely incomparable to your gradual and deep seduction... But I really can't find the reason for this phenomenon on you, as if you were born to be this way."

Seeing Anko's slightly troubled expression, Lister didn't know what to say.

I can't exactly say that my body is completely different from the humans of this world, so you naturally won't be able to smell it...

"Anyway, given this situation, I think it's necessary for me, as the Demon Lord's head maid, to remind you of some things."

At this point, Anko's expression became particularly serious.

"Please remain calm and cautious when talking to other female monsters."

"...?"

"Anko, Priscilla and I..."

"I understand, but that's not what I meant, Mr. Lister."

Anko calmly replied, seeming to have guessed what Lister was about to say.

"The demon realm is vast, and the Demon Lord's Castle is small. Mr. Lister, I believe you've also noticed that there are quite a few monsters in the demon realm who do not submit to the Demon Lord's rule and do not recognize the Demon Lord. There will always be monsters who do not fear the Demon Lord."

"And you, as an ordinary human with no means of resistance, are unexpectedly easy for monsters to get close to... Frankly, this is a very dangerous thing."

"Although the entire Demon Lord's Castle will do its utmost to ensure your safety, there will always be unavoidable oversights. If one day, an impulsive female monster in a special period commits an outrage against you... it would be a huge blow to you, the Demon Lord, and the entire Demon Lord's Castle."

"Therefore, please be sure to be careful in the future."

"..."

After hearing Anko's explanation, Lister felt both absurd and eerily real.

If someone else had told him to be careful or else he would be QB'd, he would have just laughed it off and said, "Bring it on, I'd love that."

But this was a succubus, and a rational one at that, giving him advice. He couldn't take it as a joke no matter what.

No way...

So the problem isn't with Priscilla, but with me?

Seeing Lister's conflicted expression, Anko smoothed her skirt and softened her tone to comfort him a bit.

"But you don't need to worry too much. Discovering the problem now is always better than never knowing... I will report this matter to the Demon Lord."

"...Thank you for your trouble."

"This is my duty."

...

Knock knock knock.

"Come in."

Anko walked into the government hall. Priscilla was solemnly reading the documents in her hand.

It had only been a few days since the monster representatives' conference, and the things that needed to be handled and decided after the conference could be said to be a vast ocean. Although Priscilla really wanted to take a large chunk of time to cultivate her relationship with Lister, she could never do as she wished.

This also led to her current resentment being so great that it could flip the ceiling.

Seeing Anko come in, Priscilla's eyes immediately lit up. She put down the things in her hand and hurriedly walked over to Anko.

"You're back? Come, sit down quickly."

"I'm honored."

"Hurry and tell me, what did my Lister do today?"

Seeing Priscilla's expectant eyes like a young girl's, Anko couldn't help but sigh in her heart.

Can't you let him come and tell you in person...

It seems that although the Demon Lord is in a hurry to get married, she hasn't actually put herself in the position of a "wife" yet.

"Demon Lord, before that, I have a matter to report to you."

"What is it?"

"It's about Mr. Lister..."

"..."

Then, Anko told Priscilla her guess about Lister's situation.

And her expression gradually became strange, and in the end, she directly covered her chin and fell into silence.

"...No, we need to arrange a guard squad for Lister."

"Demon Lord, there are no male monsters in the castle..."

"Don't choose male monsters. I don't want their beast stench to pollute my Lister's scent."

"Then...?"

"Huaishite, do you still remember this name?"

"...I've heard of it."

"It's her then."

"Demon Lord, she is known for hating humans. Will this..."

"Don't worry, I understand her. She can tell what's important."

"Understood... Then, I will go inform her tomorrow."

"Mm, remember to call her to me. I have some things to tell her... Alright, go."

"Yes."

"Wait, Anko..."

"What is it, Demon Lord?"

"Help me... Nevermind."

...