System's POV

“You’re so bad, Zion.” Erica giggled after hearing the strategy that her lover used to make the Hero agree to the Succubi Princess’ conditions. “You used Shana against Roland.”

“It’s the only way I can make him agree,” Thirteen admitted. “You know the kind of person he is.”

“Still, are you sure you did it because you don’t want him to keep pining on her?” Erica inquired. “Are you sexually capable of feeling jealousy now?”

Erica knew Zion wouldn’t show his emotions in the open. She and Sherry had worked hard to slowly draw them out, and thanks to their efforts, Zion at least showed more emotions when it was only them in private.

Love and jealousy were emotions Zion wasn’t familiar with.

Perhaps, the only emotions Thirteen knew the most were hate and anger.

He hated Fate with every fiber of his being.

He was angry with his Father for not granting his wish despite his thousands of years of service.

“It’s not jealousy,” Thirteen replied. “Roland doesn’t have what it takes to make me jealous. In fact, I didn’t know that Shana would fall in love with me. I always thought she would end up with Roland.”

“Well, I was also surprised when she chose you,” Erica admitted as she hugged the teenage boy tightly. “I knew I can’t win against her, so I gave up on Roland. Fortunately, I found someone better. The only problem is that the person I love is a big baby.”

Thirteen wanted to roll his eyes at the beautiful sorceress, but he was unable to refute her words.

He never had a mother, so he didn’t experience the so-called motherly love in the past. However, his current mother, Alessia, had done her best to love and care for him.

Still, Thirteen had gone past the age where his mother would cuddle with him and make him feel like a child once more. That said, it was Erica and Sherry who took on that role, which helped Zion open his heart a little and gave them entry to his well-guarded heart.

“Are you going to go with them?” Erica inquired. “To Velmusa City?”

“Yes.” Thirteen nodded. “That was the condition Roland told me. He said I need to be there to ensure that nothing goes wrong.”

“I see.” Erica smirked. “But if Princess Laventia had chosen you, what would you have done?”

“Do you want an honest answer?” Thirteen asked back, looking at his lover’s eyes with a serious expression.

“Yes,” Erica replied, planting a kiss on his forehead. “I want an honest answer. I have a feeling that I already know what you’re going to say, but it will be best if I hear it from your own lips.”

“You, Sherry, Shana, and Aracelle are very important to me,” Thirteen said. “If that is what it takes to ensure that none of you will have to get hurt, I don’t mind getting hurt in your place.”

Thirteen closed his eyes as he thought back on the tragic ends of his hosts, which he didn’t want to experience again.

There had been many times when he wished that he could sacrifice himself, so that they wouldn’t have to suffer.

He was left so broken that the logical part of him had chosen to delete the painful memories just so he could function properly.

If the fragmented memories of Princess Aracelle that still lingered in his mind didn’t stir, he might not have found his connection with her.

Even now, he couldn’t remember what had happened between him and her.

The fragmented memories weren’t able to make him remember the full story. But he knew that thinking of it made his heart ache so badly. With that, he understood she must’ve been someone who was once very precious to him.

As such, he made a decision to protect her in this lifetime, which he must’ve failed to do in the past.

“Zion, I know you have many secrets,” Erica said softly.

“And I won’t pry on them. But sometime in the future, when we no longer have to fight, please, tell me about the real you. I’m not talking about Zion Leventis. I’m talking about you, whom we still don’t know. Can you promise me that?”

Thirteen didn’t answer right away. Instead, he snuggled into Erica’s embrace and closed his eyes in silence.

Five minutes later, the Sorceress finally heard Thirteen’s reply.

“You’re not going to believe it even if I tell you,” Thirteen said.

“I will believe it,” Erica stated firmly. “As long as you say that it’s true, I will believe it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Are you underestimating your first wife?”

“We’re not married yet,” Thirteen countered.

“We don’t have to get married for me to be your wife, you know?” Erica smiled. “As long as you recognize me as your first wife. I’ll be your first wife.”

“You’re getting good with sophistry.”

“I learned from the best.”

Thirteen hesitated a bit but still nodded in the end.

“Fine, I will tell you a story that spanned thousands of years,” Thirteen said. “Let’s see if you are going to believe it.”

“Thousands of years…” The corner of Erica’s lips rose slightly. “Looks like that is going to be a very long talk.”

“It is.” Thirteen promised. “So you better prepare yourself.”

“I’ll bring some popcorn and tissues then.” Erica giggled. “It will be unfair if I’m the only one who can hear your tale. Let’s include Sherry, Shana, Arcalle, and Tiona.”

“Of course, they will be there.” Thirteen agreed.

The two made a few more promises with each other about the future, where their family would travel the worlds of Pangea and Solterra, in search of places for their honeymoons.

The next day, Thirteen accompanied everyone to Velmusa City.

He had already informed Princess Aracelle and Princess Xynalia beforehand.

Since the two princesses only agreed to cooperate once the deal was made, they needed to show their sincerity first.

“It’s nice to meet you, Sir Roland,” Princess Laventia said. “My name is really long, so just call me Laventia.”

“H-Hi,” Roland stuttered as he looked at the beautiful succubus, who had especially dressed herself up for this occasion.

“Will smash,” Vincent commented from behind Roland.

“10/10.” Penny nodded in agreement.

Derek gulped down his saliva. Behind Princess Laventia, dozens of beautiful succubi smiled and winked at him, as if promising him a touch of heaven when night came.

Thirteen watched all of this with amusement as a third party because he only came as their chaperone.

As to what would happen next, it would depend on their “fates,” which was something that the teenage boy was looking forward to.

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