Mid-day. The succubus stood in silence by the long tables filled with pastries and cups of tea.
Phisovia, standing before her underlings, spread her arms. "We will celebrate this historic day."
She wanted to increase her authority, and I suggested this rather than making threats. Of course, she wondered, what's the point of having a party after showing something horrifying like last night?
The yakuza inspired me to do this. Instead of giving threats, some groups give gifts. For example, a new bag for the target's child, branded clothes for the mother, whatever object the father likes, etc.
The targets will wonder, what really happened? What do the yakuza want? Is this gift for the wife and child a sign that they are also in danger?
Confusion is one of the most powerful fear triggers.
Phisovia cleared her throat, then flashed a bright smile. "My leadership will be different from Xenora's, and it's not like I'm belittling her work. It's just that I think she's too cruel. She tends to give harsh punishments for the tiniest mistakes. I wouldn't be like that… Well, there will still be consequences for big mistakes. But don't worry, you'll be fine as long as you follow my orders."
What consequences would they get if they opposed Phisovia? Was it like what Nymira had experienced last night? Would their lives be in danger if they were on the wrong side?
I'm sure those questions haunt those succubi's heads. The proof is that none of them look relaxed.
This is one of the quickest ways to get them to submit. I have to take note and think of this as an experiment.
I may need something like this in the future.
"So." Phisovia uses a more upbeat tone. "Let's enjoy these sweets and tea for a better tomorrow!"
Instead of following the general's words, the members of the succubus regiment froze, creating an awkward silence.
Phisovia narrowed her eyes, though still smiling. With an icy tone, she hissed. "So, no one appreciates my kindness?"
The succubi gasped and flinched, then hurriedly made their way to the long tables, grabbing cups of tea or plates of cake.
I, observing from afar, noticed that the hands of some of them were shaking.
Ah, she looks even more fantastic with that cold and sadistic aura.
The red-haired woman then approached me. "You haven't left yet, my lord?"
"You really don't want to come?" I rubbed her cheeks. "I can wait until this is over, you know?"
It felt terrible to leave her in this condition. I feel like I should be with her more.
She shook her head. "I still have a lot of work to do in this regiment…. And to be honest, my condition hasn't fully recovered yet, and I don't want to burden you while you are having fun."
I kissed her lips lightly. "If you want to be with me, just call me. I'll come for you as soon as possible."
Phisovia just put on a smile, and I left.
After walking for a while, I approached Velvet and Lexi, who were chatting under a tree. The doctor kept averting her eyes.
"So, giganpoppy really exists, huh? And it was used in the time-traveling ritual back then?" Velvet nodded. "Well, could it be used for something that…. For example, removing my history as a prophet?"
"Lord Vorn said we can't control the reality-bending reaction of that substance." Lexi fixed her glasses. "So, I think it will only lead to disaster."
"That's a story for another time. We better go now." I called them both. "Ayre, Xenora, and Phisovia are busy and can't come with us."
And Emily was still far away, leading her troops.
"I didn't expect I could still attend the festival even after joining here." Lexi showed a gesture like she was going to jump for joy.
Velvet smiled. "You look really excited. Was the festival really that fun?"
"You will see later." Lexi's eyes lit up even more. "A long time ago, I went to the festival with my mother. It's one of my fondest memory."
While opening the teleportation menu, I smiled at the doctor's behavior. She had never shown such enthusiasm other than for new things related to demons and sex.
***
"Hey, beautiful." Kaine, the vampire, greeted a succubus who had come to his cell. "Can I meet lord Vorn today?"
The succubus took the bowl for Kaine's dinner last night from the small window in the cell door. There were traces of dried pig's blood on the bowl's surface. As a vampire, Kaine doesn't need normal food like other creatures.
"Come on, beautiful." Kaine continued as the succubus checked his cell door, making sure there wasn't anything out of the ordinary. "What's so hard about answering my short question? My heart hurts because you don't even glance at me. I really want to hear your melodious voice."
The succubus let out a long breath. "Lord Vorn is off somewhere."
"When will he be back?"
"I don't know." The succubus then left.
"Ouch, you're still cold to me," Kaine muttered, holding back a smile.
Finally, the opportunity came. In the absence of Lord Vorn, his chances of tearing this place apart were much greater.
He has prepared everything. He did not consume all the blood that was served to him. After his nose smelled a strange-smelling mixture a few days ago, he stopped drinking those things.
Poison? Something that could make him sick? Or a drug that can suppress his ability?
He didn't know for sure. But he was only pretending to drink them. What actually happened was that he moved those liquids using his special ability. Then, he formed them into layers under his clothes, making sure those things didn't seep into the fabric.
With that, the crystal ball scouts roamed in this place wouldn't catch anything suspicious from him. The blood was stored neatly under his clothes.
The vampire could break free now, but he had chosen to wait for the night.
Besides the fact that many would sleep at night, he didn't want to be exposed to the sun.