We eventually reached the deepest part of the Inner Palace, arriving at a set of doors that undoubtedly led to the most lavish room in the building. From the intricate construction to the gilded decorations, it was clearly the residence of the most influential figure in the harem.
According to Chris-san, Listy-san was effectively the ruler of the Inner Palace, so it made sense for her to occupy the most magnificent quarters.
As I stood there, tense with anticipation, Chris-san gave the door a brief knock. After calling out a quick "I’m coming in," she swung the door open.
The room inside was just as grand as the entrance suggested, but my attention was immediately stolen by the woman in its center. I found myself catching my breath the moment I saw her.
She had shimmering long golden hair, emerald eyes that mirrored Chris-san's, and translucent skin paired with a stunning physique. Clad in a provocative gown with a daringly open neckline and a high slit, she was the very definition of a peerless, breathtaking beauty.
"Mother, I have brought Miyama-sama."
"I see. So, this is the boy..."
Yet, there was more to her than just her looks. She exuded a mysterious, almost dangerous aura—a heady, warning fragrance that seemed to cling to the air.
A single look from those eyes sent a physical chill running down my spine.
"A beauty that could topple nations"—the phrase fit her perfectly. Her eerie, spine-tingling presence was somehow elevated into a bewitching charm, making her the kind of woman men would pursue to their own destruction, knowing full well the ruin that awaited them.
Listy-san kept her arms crossed, her eyes tracing a slow path from my feet to the top of my head before she finally spoke in a measured tone.
"I am one of the Ten Demons, the Phantasm King's Subordinate Executives. My code name is Lilim. However, it's such a chore to use memory manipulation on everyone if word gets out that I'm a subordinate, so just use my real name, Lystia... actually, just call me by my nickname, Listy."
"Understood. Then I'll call you Listy-san. As you likely already know, I'm Kaito Miyama. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise. I'll call you Kaito. Do you have any objections?"
"No, none at all."
We exchanged brief introductions, and as we finished, Chris-san tilted her head and spoke to Listy-san.
"Mother, is that tone of voice really appropriate? Miyama-sama is..."
"An important figure even to the Phantasm King's Subordinates, whom Shaltier-sama has recognized as her superior? Yes, I know. But the boy doesn't exactly want to be treated like royalty, does he?"
"T-That may be true, but..."
"Respect and worship are two different things, Chris. Kaito is the lover of my King, Shaltier-sama, and also a friend to my daughter. I'll offer him advice if he's troubled and lend a hand if he needs it. But outside of formal public events, it's better for everyone if we just act naturally, isn't it?"
"Personally, I'm much more comfortable with a casual approach," I added.
Listy-san had hit the mark exactly. In my mind, Alice was the only King of the Ten Demons, and I found it incredibly awkward whenever someone tried to worship me.
In fact, the constant reverence was part of why I had been so mentally exhausted lately, so Listy-san's natural attitude was a welcome relief.
"I see. Mother, you seem to understand Miyama-sama quite well."
"It's obvious at a glance. He's clearly tense. The ones who greeted him before me were Gluttony, Astaroth, and Moloch, right? The Fanatic Group through and through. You must have been put on quite the pedestal. You look mentally exhausted... You really have a difficult time of it, don't you?"
"Ahaha..."
She was spot on there as well. Her insight was incredible. Seeing me give a dry, wry smile, Listy-san let out a soft chuckle. She grasped my psychology perfectly, giving me the impression that she was quite easy to talk to.
"Ah, um... anyway, thank you for your help with the incident in the God Realm. This is just a small token of my appreciation."
"That was more or less part of my job, so no thanks are necessary... but I'll take it since you're offering. Hmm, quite a nice confection. You have good taste. Sit down wherever you like—you too, Chris-chan. I'll fix some tea."
"You're making it, Mother?"
"Calling a servant who understands the situation every single time is a pain, isn't it?"
Answering Chris-san simply, Listy-san began deftly preparing the tea using the magic tools in the room.
As Chris-san and I sat down on a nearby sofa to watch her, Chris-san spoke up as if suddenly remembering something.
"By the way—and I want to believe you wouldn't do such a thing—but Mother, please don't try anything strange with Miyama-sama."
The warning was likely born from the same concern Pandora-san had shared earlier. From what I had heard, Listy-san's history with men as a succubus was quite flamboyant.
In response to Chris-san's worry, Listy-san replied while continuing the tea preparations.
"Don't worry; that's impossible. Kaito is the furthest thing from my type. To put it bluntly, he is completely outside my romantic interest."
"What?! M-Mother? That’s incredibly rude in its own way!"
Chris-san hurriedly scolded her for being so blunt, but Listy-san simply smiled.
"Don't misunderstand; I'm not insulting him. In fact, I'm giving him a high compliment. It's quite rare for me to say that about anyone."
Both Chris-san and I could only tilt our heads in confusion at her assertion.
Extra: Game-style Route Branch
Special Route Unlock Conditions
- Kaito and Lilim meet. (Achieved)
- During the first meeting with Lilim, Chris introduces him, Chris is accompanying him, and no other members of the Ten Demons are present. (Achieved)
- A certain number of letters have been exchanged with Chris. (Achieved)
- Permission is granted to call Lilim by the nickname "Listy" during the first meeting. (Achieved)
Requirements: Alice's Affection, Kuromueina's Affection, Chris's Affection, and Illness's Affection must be above a certain level, and the event "Lilim learns knitting from Illness" must have occurred.
- Chris receives advice regarding "????" from Lilim.
- Kaito is present during the aforementioned advice scene.
If all of the above are achieved, the Special Route is unlocked: Special Route where Chris becomes Kaito's lover while remaining Emperor.
If even one of the above is missed, the Normal Route is taken: Normal Route where Chris resigns as Emperor, as seen in Future IF Extra Chapters, etc.