Chapter 37: Let’s Hunt a Succubus

Strategic Discussions

Tightening city patrols, enforcing curfews, enhancing civilian safety education, and spreading awareness about succubus traits and dangers—these were the solutions Cecilia and Angus settled on.

It sounded like preparing for an interview question…

With their discussion concluded, breakfast ended.

On the way back, Cecilia dismissed the maid, addressing Rita privately. “Angus seems genuinely engaged in planning countermeasures, so he’s likely uninvolved, but stay vigilant.”

“Yes.” Rita nodded. “But why suspect him? Hasn’t he provided us shelter and protection?”

“Exactly why his betrayal would be dangerous. Did you consider that Angus might’ve let us overhear this morning’s news on purpose?”

“Uh, was he scheming?”

“No. Today was a coincidence, but caution never hurts.”

“What about Lady Doris?”

“Ignore her for now. You can’t track her, and she won’t act yet.”

Rita didn’t grasp Cecilia’s subtext but nodded anyway.

Cecilia truly trusted no one.

What about me? Am I special?

Probably not. Unbeknownst to Rita, Cecilia likely tested her too. Rita’s lack of ill intent had kept her safe so far.

“Earlier, you wanted to say something?” Cecilia asked suddenly.

“Earlier?”

“Yes, at breakfast. We’re alone now—speak freely.”

Rita’s fleeting doubt had been noticed.

She didn’t hide it. “Last night’s succubus attacks—they weren’t just two victims.”

Cecilia slowed her steps.

“How do you know?”

“I saw it myself.” Rita recounted her night—stumbling into the black market, meeting Johnson, and ending up at the tavern.

The Tavern Revelations

Last night, at the tavern.

Succubi had high poison resistance; otherwise, their charm aura would turn them silly first.

Alcohol couldn’t intoxicate Rita, robbing her of some fun.

Others weren’t so immune. Promi, cheeks flushed, gripped her mug silently. Alber and Johnson’s voices grew loud.

Momoka, unsteady, swayed like a bobblehead, slurring her words.

“Hey! The place I saw you guys was near the black market! Were you up to no good?”

Johnson’s boiled-shrimp flush faded, his brows knitting as if his throat clogged, falling silent.

Rita glanced at the odd-acting Johnson, waving her hands. “I couldn’t even find the black market—how could I go?”

“True.” Momoka leaned back. “Don’t be shy. I was gonna visit the black market too, but… didn’t need to.”

“What were you after?” Alber asked.

“You’ll see.”

As they drank and talked, Johnson’s color returned. Soon, the tavern door opened.

A green-haired girl sauntered in, scanning the room, spotting Rita instantly.

“Sister, what a coincidence!”

“Valphis, you’re here too?”

Momoka wobbled to her feet, standing with Valphis. “This is a top-notch info broker.”

Seeing their confusion, Momoka explained. “A succubus is loose in Solus City, too brazen! It’s tainting the Holy Knight exam! So, I gathered you all for another reason—to take it down!”

Drunk, Momoka patted Valphis’s head, aiming for her shoulder. “She’s got valuable leads.”

What? Valphis, with her useless info, giving leads?

You’d sooner believe I’m a magical girl.

Well, you wouldn’t know what that is.

Rita’s deadpan look prompted Valphis to thump her chest. “Sister, trust me! I won’t spill anything bad for unity! Our bond’s deep!”

Rita neither knew of disuniting info nor when they got so close.

Others focused on the shocking proposal of hunting a succubus.

Momoka was drunk, but Valphis wasn’t. Their presence confirmed this was Momoka’s sober plan, not drunken rambling.

“I say, as top candidates, future Holy Knights, we must eliminate demons! Imagine drinking and singing, then a succubus strikes…” Momoka raised her mug, rallying them.

“But we’re not sober, and this is public. Let’s plan carefully,” Alber said, rubbing his mug’s handle, his drunkenness fading.

“I agree,” Promi added, a rare comment.

“Fair point. Let’s… plan later! Drink!” Momoka nodded thoughtfully, then downed her mug. “Boss, two more!”

The succubus hunt wasn’t mentioned again. They kept drinking.

Momoka collapsed first, unconscious. Alber slumped over the table. Promi and Johnson left after farewells, leaving Rita and Valphis.

“Sister, some tolerance!” Valphis teased. “Everyone’s out cold, and you’re fine. Not fitting in?”

“Mind your business. I just hold my liquor.” Rita pouted, sober but caught up in the vibe.

“Alright, sister’s the champ.” Valphis soothed. “Now what? Find them a spot to crash?”

“Good idea.”

Rita and Valphis laid the drunk pair on a sofa. Momoka had prepaid, so no worries there.

Then, they left the tavern together.

Looking at Valphis’s face, Rita recalled something. “Valphis, you say you’re great at intel. Can you help me? And if anyone asks, cover for me.”

“No worries, sisterhood runs deep!”

Rita relaxed, lowering her voice. “Any brothels in the city?”