Alone Time (1)

Kicking my legs upon the wall as I waited.. I thought: the way I'm leaning against the wall must be really cool isn't it?

I thought so.

How much longer, Noel-sama? I was curious what he planned to do with that frog.

I watched as the people passed through the streets. Their clothes were notably affluent in their appearance. Every few moments a team of knights would make a round on site. The safety looked well maintained, there didn't seem to be many adventurers visiting this area either.

My thoughts on Erudite Kingdom? It was vast. The places one could explore here look endless.

Though, it's odd how this kingdom was Imagi Empire's capital kingdom. It's located at the very far reaches of the west. By my limited knowledge.. it could be that this kingdom was chosen due to its utmost safety? The location would make it be the last line of defense against the demon lords. But doesn't this seal all possible escape routes? Leaving the Kingdom in a vulnerable position if attacked?

Odd. It's because of details like these that make me not want to dig further into these history stories. Who would want to anticipate their misfortune.

Moreover, I was a demon lord myself, wasn't I?

I took a peek over the corner.

Noel-sama stood there in silence, both arms dangling to the side as he stared into the air–

His eyes were unfocused– flickering? There were tears streaming down his face..

Eh?

"The princess needs a kiss of love to fulfill the contract, Ribbit."

Said the blue frog as it made a small leap in my direction.

"The princess?" I was doubting my ears. By that.. couldn't it be.. "No, that can't be right.. can it? I couldn't possibly do that," I waved both my arms in protest.

"It's the only way to release the princess from the curse. Ribbit."

C-Curse? When? How? It did seem like so.. what should I do..

The frog made its way closer.

Checking my rear for an escape, I noticed that there was a thin film of mana between the streets and where I stood. Ah, no wonder the knights didn't take my presence as suspicious.

"It's an emergency, ribbit," the frog was now beneath my feet.

It stared up at me.

Emergency.

I have to do it?

No.. this can't be right? This must be some kind of prank..

I glanced at Noel once more.. he remained in a daze. "Noel.." I called out, I received no response. Surely.. there was something I could do here. I turned back to the frog and bit my lips.

"Y-You said a kiss of.. love is required to release the 'princess' from the curse?"

"Ribbit."

Did I really have to..

"What if I don't?"

"The princess will forever remain cursed."

I waited.

Perhaps he will recover..? This princess the frog spoke of..

One sixth of a sundial had passed since I waited..

"The princess will forever remain cursed. A kiss of love is required. Ribbit."

Noel-sama just stood there, unresponsive even when I tried poking him.

"The princess will forever remain cursed. A kiss of love is required. Ribbit."

Did I really have to?

I shook his shoulders.

"Noel.. wake up."

"..."

"Noel.."

What should I do? Should I go call Prune.. but I can't possibly just leave him here can I?

A kiss of love..

Was that all.. t-that was it right? That's what I need to do?

"A kiss.. just one.."

Ah..

I..

Threw my arms over his shoulders..

It's to save him.. it's a valid reason.. I'm not doing anything to cause him harm..

I parted my lips and leaned forward, tip-toeing.

Noel-sama.. Wouldn't be too angry if I did so? What would Liliath-sama think of this?

I closed my eyes and pressed my lips on his.

It felt dry.. but soft.

I can't help it. He's right in front of me.. how could I possibly let this chance be wasted?

I pulled my arms tighter and pressed him tighter on myself.

There was a warm heat in my heart.

As if natural.. I crawled my tongue into his mouth. And by some response, his tongue twirled around mine.

"Ng.." a moan escaped my mouth. The heat in my chest continued to grow.

Finally.. How long has it been.. I've waited for you..

"NGH?!" Noel-sama staggered away. My lips felt empty once again.

But that didn't matter.. I was satisfied with this feeling of the afterglow..

I tried my best to calm my breathing, my shoulders heaved at each inhale.

"Your High.. no, Rin.. you.."

"Welcorm bac.. Noel," I tried to smile.. my words poured out in a mess. Hehe..

He looks so cute with his unusually small horns..

Hm?

I brought my hands to my head..

Ah. My horns.

"U-Uh.. what should I do.."

It's the first time I've revealed my horns like this.. what should I do? I-I lost myself just now and didn't realize that it happened..

"Another demon? Ribbit."

"Damn it! YOu fUckinG.." Noel-sama kicked the frog. Dirt spilled and the frog was swept into the air.

"A-Are you alright?" I couldn't look at him directly.. It's too embarrassing? What logic was this?

"Damn it.. why did you.."

"I.. I only did as I was told.. y-you were cursed.."

"Fuck.. why.." Noel-sama held the left side of his chest.. and he kept wiping the tears that fell..

I didn't understand why.. but I felt emotional myself. I unconsciously wiped a tear off my eyes. In my heart there was a lingering sensation.

This feeling.. ah.

I'm finally his now.

===

You've got to be fuckign kidding me.. what the hell was that.. been through all that crap and woke up having been kissed by Rin? That fucking frog Olivia.. why the hell did she tell Rin to do that?!

You know what's worse?

Going through all that bullshit, the requirement to my special quest wasn't even fulfilled!

You know what's even worse?

I'm bound to Rin now.

Yeah. I'm bound to two different people. You know what that means right?

Fuck..

I can't. I can't fall for her. No f-ing way. I can't. I've made a promise to Liliath that I'll only love her. No one else. I don't want to break that promise..

"Did anything happen today?" Nine asked.

"A lot.. I really want to kill the frog.." somehow, my memories were fuzzy.. I need some time to consolidate all the information I got.. haha.. I'm so glad to be back, "No, nothing. Today was alright. How about you?"

Yeah, right. As if.

The few minutes of being dazed was equivalent to three weeks.

Liliath kept glancing between me and Rin.. oh, she's sharp AF. She'll probably realize it in another minute.. I have to talk to her about this later.

Also, there must be some way to undo this Kiss of Blood thing between Reese– I mean, Rin and I.. right?

"Don't dodge the question," Nine asked again.

I side-stepped the question instead.

For today's dinner.. Prune whipped up a meal using whatever ingredients there were in the apartment. Miss Margrett, Sid and Jennifer-chan went out for a family dinner.

Rice with side dishes like grilled meat, stirred fried vegetables, square minced meat with egg. Last but not least, potato wedges or.. what the inhabitants of this world would refer to as, a potato-looking vegetable called Borrat.

Damn, it's been a long time since I ate rice.

"They've been acting weird since just now," Prune said.

"Rin?"

"Y-Yes?"

"Could you tell us what happened?" Liliath asked.

"I-I can't I'm sorry.." She looked down. At least she's decided to not say anything unnecessary.

Sheesh. What I'm I doing? Dodging my problems like this?

"Liliath, we need to talk later.." I said.

"A confidential matter eh?" Nine said.

Prune looked at me, confused, while Liliath merely nodded.

She guessed it already, didn't she? I could tell the moment I met her eyes. I expected her to be excited and elated to this development. Go figure, she had been pushing for this since Rin joined our party. But what I didn't expect was the emotion of envy and loneliness in her eyes.

I..

Had so much to say but don't know where to start..

===

"That's what happened?" Liliath took a sip of her tea. Man, she's like the family head– which is weird but accurate.

She was sitting opposite to Rin and I, who sat beside each other.. Liliath forced this seating position onto us.

From start to end, I did my best to explain the things I experienced in this alternate world.. or this world past.. or some universe..

"Congratulations," Liliath said with a beaming smile.

Do I take this as a compliment? What did Quile say again? I don't think she gave me any useful advice on how to deal with a harem..

"I'm sorry.." Rin whimpered.

"It's not something to apologize for Rina. We're officially a family."

I don't know anymore. Someone help..

I turned to Rin, she somehow also turned to me. Our eyes met– her sparkling blue eyes reminiscent of Her Hig.. I turned away.

Liliath giggled.

Was this what happened last time when Liliath and I completed a Blood Kiss? I don't quite remember anymore.

By the way, Rin's race changed from [Demon Lord] to [Demon Lord (True)]

'Congratulations. Hopefully there won't be carnage,' Nine texted.. bitch. You better stop that.

'Congratulations. I knew it would happen eventually,' Prune texted.. not you too..

Even though the two said they would respect our privacy by locking themselves inside the room for an hour until the discussion ended..

"Liliath.. do you really feel nothing? About this?"

"As in?"

"You're not worried?"

She shook her head.

"Noel. I love you."

An arrow straight to my heart.. It was both pleasant and painful. It's been so long since I heard that.

"Rin too. I love you."

Now that just sounded weird. Rin faltered beside me.

"Wouldn't you say the same for each other?" Liliath tilted her head.

Ah.. it comes to this huh.. I mean.. uh..

"I'm sorry it happened.." Rin whispered.

"Nothing to be sad or angry about," Liliath said.

Was she trying to control the flow here? Shouldn't I jump in to say something? I hold responsibility for this too, don't I?"

"Rin. Let's get along.."

"Y-Yes.."

What am I even saying?

"Thank you Noel."

I stood up from my seat, placed my hand on Rin's hair and messed it up.

"EH?!"

After that I made a round over the table and did the same thing for Liliath. She didn't resist, even showing me a gentle smile at the end of it. With her messed up hair, she looked rather coquettish.

I sighed.

"Sorry.. I should've thought it through better. I need some time.."

I need some time to get used to this second chain in my heart, with two demon lords, the heaviness and fuzziness is twice what I'm used to. And.. time to process through the events that occurred in that dream or... another reality.

I used my hand as a comb and went through Liliath's hair to fix it.

Rin probably left her hair untouched in hopes that I'd do what I'm doing for Liliath for her..

So yeah. I did just that.

Of course, it was quite embarrassing but at least Liliath was there to help me with the tangled knots… and since Rin's hair was short, we had a much easier time.

"Unless you will it, it would be impossible for demon lords to evolve into true demon lords. Do you remember that I told you that?" Liliath whispered.

Huh what?

I.. no.. I mean yes, Liliath did say that.. that can't be true.. no I..

"Liliath I.."

"Don't lie to me Noel," she brought her fingers to my lips. Her eyes glazed over with passion as she stared at me, "Your actions show the truth."

Damn it. Damn it..

I don't like Rin. I'm serious. I seriously don't like her.. no way. There's no way I can accept this..

She's going to be a hindrance to our future.. there's no way a family like this could be built without eventual conflict. No way. There's seriously no way.

"Ah seriously.. I don't know anymore," I tossed my hair in frustration.

"Looks like it's our turn, Rina."

"Y-Yes!"

"What are you two.."

And after playing around, they combed my hair back into shape.