Chapter 7.2

“That’s right, sweetheart! That’s right, pretty human lady! For two hundred years since his predecessor fell asleep, the young prince has been holed up in his castle, talking about love and romance like a dreaming girl there, without increasing the number of new demons. That’s why he has a reputation among the people as the virgin prince of the demon world…..”

“I will annihilate you, Astaroth.”

I heard a new voice from behind me, and a long, thick serpent crawled up from under my feet and entangled itself around my body.

It was a beautiful snake with golden patterns engraved on its pure white skin. I felt no malice, so I patted its head, and the snake flicked its red tongue in and out.

Since I did not expect the snake to have spoken, I moved my head slightly and turned around to see a slender-looking man with a somewhat feminine shape standing there.

His white skin was scaly in places, much like a snake’s, and he was dressed in less clothing, like a dancer’s costume, with many heavy-looking ornaments. His long, light purple hair was loosely braided, and in the center of his bright red eyes was a long vertical run of pupils.

“Will you listen to me for a long, long time, young lady? I’ve been bored to death with the demon tribe these days, who have lost their love of art and their elegance, and are just lazily living their lives. I’m so glad to finally have a young lady who understands what I’m talking about.” He said.

“Hey, little girl, don’t be fooled. It’s a snake, and all it does is lie.”

Gilbert’s mouth twisted in disgust at the man’s words.

“How dare you call me a liar, a loyal subordinate of the king of the demon tribe, and the puppet master, Astaroth. Hey, miss?”

“I am neither a lady nor a little girl. My name is Lydith. Gilbert and Astaroth are the same in the sense that you both have no sense of propriety and are untrustworthy.”

“Well, this is tough. Good for you, young man. You got your ideal, innocent girl. Now the demon tribe will be safe.

Astaroth smiled kindly and walked past me.

As if chasing after him, the snake left me and wrapped itself around his slender body.

The snake must be Astaroth’s pet. It didn’t seem hostile or malicious, and I didn’t feel scared.

It was the first time I had ever been wrapped around by a serpent, but it was moist, cold, and surprisingly comfortable.

“What are you talking about? This is a kid.”

Gilbert looked up at Astaroth, who stood next to the chair in which Gilbert was sitting.

“Well, then, let’s make do with the women of the demon tribe, young man. Cronaea is always ready.”

“I hate it. I don’t want to be with that pompous woman who is not even sure if she is wearing clothes or not.”

You know, young man, the demon tribe has a long life span. Of course there is no such thing as a girl who is ashamed of being a flower as you say. It is a world of fairy tales in which people fall in love the moment they see each other and begin a pure love affair. In addition, the demon tribe cannot have children with each other, and the only one who can give birth to a new demon in the tribe is the king of the demon tribe, so if the young lord does not reproduce, the demon tribe will slowly perish.”

Astaroth said in a slow tone of voice, as if he was trying to persuade a child who would not listen to him.

Gilbert covered his ears and looked away from him as if he did not want to listen.

“The advantage of numbers and the wisdom of men… ah, I see what you mean.”

“What is it, young lady? Did you learn anything from what I just said other than that the young man is a dreaming virgin?”

“Yeah. According to the folklore of the royal family, it is said that humans beat the demons in the old war. The demons have powers that humans do not have. I was wondering why, but when the demons couldn’t have children, the number was only decreasing, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, you are a clever young lady. I am sure this is the price to pay for having too much magical power to live forever and being able to use powers that people don’t have, but we lack the power to increase our numbers. The only way to increase our numbers is to contract with a person and give birth to half-demons, or contract with a king and give birth to a new demon tribe. However, neither the former king nor the young lord had much greed.”

“That’s a problem, isn’t it? The royal family’s duty is more than love. But don’t worry. I will give you the right to make love to me, Gilbert.”

Gilberto glared at Astaroth with resentful eyes before turning his gaze to me.

“I don’t know how I could fall for a little girl like you.”

“It’s okay, Mr. Gilbert. I don’t blame you if there is a difference in age between an adult and a child, or even older than that. Please be honest and tell me you want me.”

“You…. I know what you’re thinking, you want to get me, take over the demon world, and then destroy the world of mankind. I don’t know what you have against the human world, but I will not help you.”

“Oh dear….. your young lord has quite an imagination.”

Astaroth chuckled and cowered his shoulders.

In truth, he was half right, but I fooled him.

There are some lies you can tell in order to make negotiations work.

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