The Incubus System Chapter 999. The Queen's Risky Move

The Incubus System Chapter 999. The Queen's Risky Move

The invitation was more like a challenge—or perhaps even a command—than a simple request. I couldn’t help but notice how it provoked Elros. His surprise was evident, and though he maintained his calm exterior, the disapproval was clear in the way his jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed. He tilted his head slightly toward Zalira, a silent but pointed gesture.

“Your Majesty,” Elros said, his tone carefully controlled, as if he was reminding her of her position. She was a queen, and this was a risky move.

But Zalira dismissed his concern without so much as a glance in his direction. “It’s fine. You’ve seen him. We’ve checked him and made him strip down to his skin. What else do you have to be afraid of?” Her voice was smooth, almost nonchalant, but the undertone was firm. She was asserting her authority, making it clear that she was in control of this situation, not Elros.

Elros said nothing more, though the tension in his posture was unmistakable as he returned his gaze to a neutral position, his eyes fixed forward as if trying to detach himself from what was happening. He was loyal, but he clearly didn’t approve of where this was heading.

Mia remained silent, but she caught my eye and gave me a look that clearly said, ‘That escalated quickly.’ There was a mix of amusement and warning in her expression, as if she was both entertained by the situation and concerned about where it might lead.

I nodded politely, acknowledging both Zalira’s command and Mia’s unspoken caution, before moving to comply. I approached the lounge and, with a measured calm, lowered myself onto the seat beside Zalira. The cushions were soft, almost too inviting, and as I settled in, I could feel the strange tension intensify. Zalira’s proximity was clear, the warmth of her body just inches from mine. Her perfume’s scent was subtle and alluring.

This was not the first time I had sat on a throne or a seat of power. I had once sat on Lord Damon’s throne, acting as the demon king with a confidence that felt as natural as breathing. But this… this felt different. Somehow, there was an awkwardness that I hadn’t anticipated.

‘I wonder if this is because I’m in the human world?’ I mused, trying to dissect the strange feeling settling in my chest.

Zalira, for her part, seemed entirely at ease. She leaned slightly toward me, her eyes studying my face as if trying to gauge my reaction. “You handle yourself well, Mr. Lucio,” she remarked, her voice carrying a note of approval mixed with something more elusive.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” I replied, my voice steady. I was acutely aware of Elros standing just a few feet away. It was a reminder that I was being watched.

Zalira’s gaze lingered on me, her eyes searching for something beyond the surface, as if trying to decipher a mystery I wasn’t fully aware of myself. “Tell me about that ancient collection of yours,” she said, her tone shifting from the earlier coldness to something more personal, almost intimate. “That demon lord’s sword,” she pointed out specifically, her voice softening. “I want to know more about it.”

As she spoke, her hand slowly crept up on mine, her fingers curling around my hand. The gesture was unexpected, and though it was subtle, I knew what she wanted but I decided to be carefull. I kept my face neutral, maintaining professionalism. I didn’t pull away or react, instead letting her hand rest on mine as if it was the most natural thing.

“What do you want to know about that sword, Your Majesty?” I asked, offering her a polite smile. I could feel the tension in the room shift, as if we had crossed an invisible line from formal inquiry to something more personal.

“Everything,” Zalira replied, her voice laced with curiosity and something more—something that hinted at a deeper interest, not just in the sword, but in me.

“Alright,” I said, nodding as I began to weave a story. I had to be careful, crafting a narrative that would satisfy her curiosity without revealing the truth. “I acquired the sword at an underground auction. It was originally just a relic, frozen in stone, and sold as nothing more than a ruin from a war between two demon lords centuries ago. At first, it appeared to be nothing special, just another artifact from the past. But I managed to recover it, restore it, and return it to its original form—a demonic sword with power hidden deep within.”

Zalira’s eyes gleamed with interest. “And how did you know it was the demon lord’s sword? What made you so sure?”

I maintained my calm, keeping my voice steady as I replied, “My demon alarm detected a faint trace of demonic power from within the stone. It wasn’t much, just a whisper of what had once been, but it was enough. The power was faint, probably because it had been dormant for so long, but it was there. I knew then that this was no ordinary relic.”

She tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing as she considered my words. “A whisper of power… and yet you were able to bring it back to life?”

“Yes,” I said, holding her gaze. “It took time and careful work, but I was able to restore it. The sword is now as it was in the days when it was wielded by the demon lord—sharp and deadly. Sadly, it doesn’t have the dark energy. Only the trace.”

Zalira’s grip on my hand tightened slightly, a subtle shift that didn’t escape my notice. “And this sword… what do you intend to do with it now?”

I smiled again, keeping my tone light. “That depends on who is interested in it. It’s a powerful artifact, one that could be dangerous in the wrong hands, but also invaluable to those who don’t understand its true nature.”