Led by Anne, Duanmu Huai arrived at the prison to meet the girl accused of being a succubus.
She was a young woman with golden hair, a graceful figure, and deep wine-red eyes — beautiful enough that it wasn't hard to imagine a few men falling for her. According to the report, her name was Christine, the daughter of a merchant in Manaria. She was about the same age as Anne but, lacking magic, she had attended a regular school instead of the Academy of Magic, helping with her family's business.
How had such a young lady ended up entangled with a bunch of noble sons?
When Duanmu Huai began questioning her, her answer left him stunned.
"I was never in any sort of romantic relationship with them. They just paid me to pretend to be another woman."
"Uh… what do you mean?"
"I mean, those men all liked a certain noble lady, but they were too afraid to approach her. They called her their goddess. Because I look a lot like her, they paid me to play her substitute."
According to Christine, every day her job was simple: dress like that noble lady and accompany them.
Sometimes to work.
Sometimes shopping.
Sometimes for dinner.
Afterward, they'd pay her handsomely.
"Honestly, I even thought about showing a little more service spirit, since they paid so well. But every time I got close, they'd shove me away, saying, 'Don't get ideas. You're only her substitute. I could never fall for you — my heart and body belong to her alone.'"
"You could actually tolerate that?"
"Why not? Merchants deal with all sorts of weird clients. Sure, they're a bit rude, but the money's real. I'm not losing anything — I just act the part they want. As long as they don't touch me, it's easy money."
"Uh…"
Both Duanmu Huai and Anne were dumbfounded.
"So you're saying they paid you to play another woman, bought you clothes and gifts, dined with you — but didn't touch you?"
"Exactly! It was such an easy gig that I got greedy. I thought if I scheduled carefully, I could take on a few of them at once…"
Christine spread her hands helplessly.
"And this is what happened."
"These guys… why would they do that?"
"How should I know? You men are weird."
Sorry, I don't get these idiots either, Duanmu Huai thought.
After hearing her, he rolled his eyes toward Anne, who looked equally exasperated.
But Duanmu soon noticed something off.
"Wait — if they didn't care about you, why did they fight over you?"
"I don't know. That day, I was supposed to attend a ball with one of them. But as soon as we got to the entrance, the other four showed up. They looked shocked, like I'd cheated on them or something, and before I knew it, they were brawling…"
In short, Christine saw the whole thing as a business arrangement — a cosplay-like escort job. She acted like the girl they adored, spent time with them, and got paid. She never expected those men, who constantly reminded her that she was just a substitute, to suddenly start fighting like jealous lovers.
It made no sense to her. She just wanted their money. It was a straightforward transaction — both sides got what they wanted.
After questioning Christine, Duanmu and Anne interrogated the noble sons. Their stories were remarkably consistent.
"That woman took my money but flirted with other men! She's nothing like her! She's not pure, not gentle, not kind, not lovely, not innocent — not— anyway, I must've been bewitched by her. It's that woman's fault!"
Each blamed Christine, insisting they'd been enchanted by a succubus.
"I can't stand them!"
Back in her office, Anne finally exploded.
"They blame her for everything when it's their own damn fault!"
From her perspective, the noble sons were the real degenerates. Christine was right — she'd never pretended to be that noble lady beyond what they paid her to do. Yet these pampered idiots acted like victims when their delusions shattered.
Duanmu just shrugged.
"This sort of thing's for moralists and lawyers, not for the Inquisition."
As a bystander, even he was shocked. Nobles really play some twisted games…
Still, this wasn't the Inquisition's concern. It was a civil dispute, pure and simple. As far as he was concerned, Christine hadn't lied and hadn't done anything illegal.
If anything, those noble brats just had too much free time and not enough brains.
"So she's got nothing to do with succubi?"
"None. Let her go."
But when Christine was released, she didn't look relieved — she was angry.
"May I file a claim for damages? They accused me of being a succubus, and because of that, my father's business has suffered!"
"In theory, yes," Duanmu said, glancing at Anne.
Anne sighed and shook her head.
"Honestly, even though we cleared her name, those nobles still refuse to let it go…"
"A bunch of idiots with too much drama."
Duanmu could understand Christine's frustration. Being falsely accused ruined her family's business. In a modern world, it would be straight-up defamation. But in Manaria, the nobles' influence made it nearly impossible for a merchant's daughter to fight back.
Still…
He tapped his fingers on the table, his eyes lighting up with an idea.
"By the way, you said they had you imitate another woman, right? Can you show me?"
"Sure."
Not knowing why, Christine agreed. She smoothed her hair, took a small breath, and lowered her head.
When she looked up again, her whole presence had changed.
Moments ago, she'd been sharp and confident. Now she seemed delicate, quiet, and pitiful — someone who stirred protective instincts just by existing.
Anne gasped in surprise.
"Ah! That's who she reminded me of before — she looks exactly like Lady Lilina!"
"Yes…"
Even Christine's voice softened, fragile and glass-like.
"Those men asked me to act as Lady Lilina. I couldn't refuse…"
She clasped her hands to her chest, face shy and hesitant — the very image of a gentle noble maiden.
"She really does look like her…"
Anne stared, amazed.
"Honestly, if I saw you at a party, I'd think you were sisters."
"I could never compare to a noble lady."
In an instant, Christine snapped back to her assertive, fiery self. The transformation was so fast it startled Duanmu — though he had to admit, she was a natural performer. She could mimic even subtle gestures and emotions flawlessly. In another age, she'd make a great actress.
"Hmm… in that case, I've got a proposal. How would you like to work for me?"
"For you, Sir Knight? What would you have me do?"
Christine's eyes narrowed cautiously — understandably so.
"You've heard of Lady Odelle, right?"
"I've heard rumors… something about her being framed by a succubus?"
At that, Anne sighed, rubbing her temples. The story had spread through every tavern and alley in Manaria — as a princess, it made her want to crawl under a table.
"It's true she was framed," Duanmu said, "but she still has her flaws. I'd like you to work under her — or rather, help change her a little."
"Change her?"
"It's complicated. But once you meet her, you'll understand."
That was Duanmu's plan. Odelle's biggest problem was her inability to understand people — empathy wasn't her strong suit. Christine, on the other hand, had a merchant's intuition and could read anyone's mood instantly. He needed someone like her to bridge gaps between the headstrong women around him.
All his companions were good girls, but each had a strong personality — only Lorena was somewhat balanced. He didn't have time to micromanage them all, so having Christine act as a social mediator was perfect.
And beyond that…
"As for your family's business, I suggest relocating to the Holy City. The Church is developing a region called the Borderlands. I'd like your family to participate and report directly to me."
He wasn't about to ignore the Borderlands project. Though he could ask Mystlina for updates, it was awkward — and she was too high-ranking to know what went on among commoners. Merchants, however, were ideal for gathering intel.
Even if he couldn't ensure their loyalty, protecting Christine would give him leverage over her family's network.
He needed capable people — and Christine seemed perfect.
After all, Inquisitors had always known how to use people.
"Ugh… sounds like I don't have a choice."
Christine frowned, thought for a moment, then sighed and nodded.
"All right, Sir Knight. I'll do as you say."
(End of Chapter)