Chapter 44: A Girl’s Body Is the Strongest Weapon

Kross’s Regret

Kross harbored regrets.

When her watchers were hauled off by soldiers, she should’ve fled Solus City at top speed.

Mel’s influence stretched only within the city. Outside, she likely wouldn’t bother chasing a nobody.

Whether Kross could escape, where she’d go, or how she’d survive—those concerns paled next to her safety.

Had she fled, she wouldn’t be kneeling now, enduring Mel’s wrath.

But those were just hypotheticals.

“What happened? Why were my men arrested? Why was my brothel sealed? I gave you so many helpers, and this is how you repay me?”

Kross couldn’t answer, didn’t dare.

Those men weren’t saints—punishment was overdue—but admitting they suffered unjustly because of her was unthinkable.

“Fine! I shouldn’t have trusted you! Pack up. A merchant needs a maid—you’re going there.” Mel shook her head, exhausted.

A cover story. Kross, privy to Mel’s plot against Cecilia and tasked with killing her confidante, wouldn’t be sent to some merchant.

To the clueless, it might seem a reprieve. Kross knew better—her fate would be worse than death.

Crawling to Mel’s feet, she pleaded. “My lady, please! Those men knew nothing. Give me another chance!”

“Another chance? For what? You cost me a brothel and manpower! How dare you ask for more?” Mel’s eyes blazed.

“I…” Kross racked her brain for an excuse, but a bizarre sight silenced her.

An Unwelcome Ally

Pink mist spread from behind Mel. A graceful figure emerged, resting a hand on Mel’s shoulder with casual intimacy.

Even without seeing demons before, Kross recognized the wings and swaying tail—unmistakably a succubus.

Mel, fuming, only furrowed her brow, not shaking her off.

“A brothel, a few losers, and a shaky-handed girl to trade for a future Holy Knight’s life? Can’t even balance that ledger and you call yourself a merchant? Bit of a stretch, no?” The succubus patted Mel’s shoulder, her tone dripping with mockery.

“None of your business,” Mel shot back, glaring.

“Oh, fine. But with all the help you’ve gotten—even from me—why’s the princess’s head still on her neck?” The succubus giggled.

Kross knew Mel’s demands were impossible. Punished for not recognizing Rita during her visit—what fairness was that?

Tasked with an unachievable mission, failure meant torment. Utterly unjust.

Yet, living under Mel’s thumb, Kross had no recourse.

Mel’s patience had limits. She slammed the table. “I know all about your spree yesterday—five victims in one day. Quite the appetite!”

“Oh, please.” The succubus grinned as if praised.

“To cover up those three in my brothel, you know how much I paid? And you just walk away? I haven’t settled that score!”

“I’m right here. Settle it now. Oh, but your foggy brain might mess up the math.”

“Enough! What do you want? Shut up if it’s nothing!”

“Human, watch your tone.”

The succubus’s eyes flashed coldly, her voice chilling. Mel clammed up. Kross, watching, barely breathed.

Colluding with demons, plotting against a princess—either charge could ruin Mel. If Cecilia caught a hint, Mel was half-dead already.

Kross wouldn’t be shocked if soldiers stormed in now.

Merely being Mel’s underling was enough to doom her.

A Dangerous Lesson

After a pause, the succubus spoke lightly. “Alright, no need to fight. I was just bored—yesterday wasn’t even that fun. Seeing you stressed, I thought I’d offer a little help.”

Mel tensed. “What are you planning?”

Ignoring her, the succubus sashayed to Kross, squatting and lifting her chin with a finger.

“Hey, little sister.”

Kross’s heart pounded, her trembling eyes locked on the succubus’s mesmerizing face.

“Let me teach you something. Killing doesn’t need a knife. A girl’s greatest weapon is her body.”

The succubus’s long lashes dipped, her finger tracing Kross’s jaw.

That cold finger grazed her taut throat, brushed her heaving chest, circled her navel, and paused at her abdomen.

“Just like this.” A gentle tap sent a searing heat through Kross’s body, spreading everywhere.

In moments, her bones seemed to melt, her body collapsing like jelly with a thud.

This was just the prelude.

As a brothel worker, Kross had seen plenty, but her body had never reacted so intensely.

“Ugh… so… intense…”

Her voice, soft as cream, shocked even herself with its allure.

All from one touch.

“Got it?” The succubus lifted Kross’s sweat-damp hair, revealing her flushed cheeks. “Make that Rita girl like this, and she’s yours to slaughter.”