C4 Defense Broken!

Just as Doyle collapsed into bed and drifted off to sleep, Rodley, who had just exited the Doyle family estate, abruptly straightened his once-staggering stance. His previously bleary, drunken eyes cleared.

'Pfft, as if this bit of booze could knock me out.'

He was well aware that his younger brother's thought processes were unconventional, to say the least. Ever since childhood, Doyle had been fiercely independent and unrestrained.

To give his brother some semblance of balance, Rodley resorted to self-deprecation, a tactic that seemed almost self-demeaning.

He had to reinforce Doyle's resolve to go through with the arranged marriage!

Rodley had only recently returned from the front lines at Warren Stronghold. He was acutely aware of the tremendous pressure the Elves Empire faced.

Thousands of elven warriors perished annually at the Knoch defense line.

Peace was a foreign concept in this world; there were always those who shouldered burdens for the sake of others. Soldiers sacrificed their lives and blood to protect the empire.

If the royals could alleviate some of that bloodshed by enduring a bit of personal discomfort, wasn't it their duty to do so?

If they couldn't manage even that, did they truly deserve the royal family's honor?

His thoughts turned to his wife, and a slight smile played at the corners of his mouth. Despite his habit of self-mockery in front of Doyle, he was actually quite fond of his wife.

What did it matter if she was on the shorter side? Her fiery spirit and thunderous passion were something those delicate, reserved elves couldn't hold a candle to.

Rodley had his share of encounters with elven beauties, but he had a taste for the fiery kick of strong spirits over bland, watered-down drinks.

And as for looks... what difference did it make in the dark?

As he neared his home, he caught sight of Melanie. She and Doyle had been betrothed, but that was now a thing of the past.

At the thought, Rodley's instinct was to avoid her, but Melanie had already spotted him. With a graceful step, she approached him.

Her lips curved into a polite smile as she greeted him, "Prince Rodley, where might you be headed?"

Rodley returned the smile, his voice even, "I've just left my brother's side and am on my way home. By the way, you're always so well-informed. I need a favor."

Melanie's eyes twinkled. "Tell me."

Rodley was about to respond when he remembered his tendency to be loud. Secrets weren't to be shared in public places, a lesson he knew all too well.

He pulled out a page from his Magic Book, infused it with a touch of magic, and scribbled a few words. Moments later, the writing vanished into the page.

Melanie caught a glimpse of the disappearing text and shook her head, her voice a soft whisper, "I'm sorry, but given my previous engagement to Prince Doyle, it would be inappropriate for me to gather intelligence on Princess Franny. It goes against the principle of impartiality."

"I suggest you seek out Aylwin for this task. Her intelligence network is far more adept."

Rodley pondered her advice. It made sense.

Would he trust Melanie if she claimed Franny was hideous?

After parting ways with Melanie, he made his way to Aylwin's residence.

Melanie, having just brushed past Rodley, allowed a subtle smile to escape. Little did anyone know, Aylwin was her half-sister. While they appeared merely cordial in public, they shared a close bond in private.

Asking her dear sister to fabricate information about Franny was hardly a challenge. Melanie had already crafted the narrative in her mind.

A little cunning to safeguard her own betrothal seemed justifiable. After all, she intended to spend the rest of her life making it up to Prince Doyle.

Despite her deceit, her machinations, and her schemes, she considered herself a good person.

...

When Doyle awoke, it was to the light of a new morning.

He had dreamt of a succubus with twin horns, a heart-shaped tail, silver hair, and crimson eyes. The dream's intimacy had moved him to tears.

Resolved, he decided to honor his father's wishes.

However, if the Princess of the Devil Clan proved too unsuitable or her demonic attributes too flawed, he would not comply.

His sister-in-law might not be a beauty, but she wasn't unpleasant to look at.

If the Devil Clan princess was at least average in looks and temperament, he was prepared to sacrifice for the Elves Empire.

But marrying a Devil Jade Phoenix? That was out of the question.

After five anxious days, his brother Rodley finally arrived, his usual smile absent.

Doyle's heart sank. This must be serious.

The brothers sat down, and Rodley spoke gravely, "My dear brother, you must approach what I'm about to tell you with an open mind."

Doyle offered a wry smile, "Is it some bizarre member of the Devil Clan? Go ahead, I'm ready. I can take it."

Rodley produced a scroll from his pocket and laid it before Doyle.

"Princess Franny, well, she's not exactly pleasing to the eye. See for yourself..."

With a mix of trepidation and curiosity, Doyle unfurled the scroll, took a deep breath, and peeked.

This... wasn't too bad, was it?

Judging by her looks, she was definitely a Succubus.

Her beauty wasn't top-tier, but in the world before his transmigration, she would easily be considered a solid eight out of ten.

Sure, she was no Melanie, but thank goodness she wasn't the Devil Jade Phoenix.

The unexpected positive feedback had lifted Doyle's spirits somewhat.

Though a weight was lifted from his heart, he feigned sorrow and said,

"Uh, she's not exactly stunning, but for the sake of the empire and our people, I'll bear it."

Truth be told, Doyle was secretly thrilled.

This princess was certainly more attractive than his second sister-in-law.

And she was a Succubus, no less. While her potential for happiness was uncertain, the prospects for a blissful sex life seemed promising.

Without comparison, there's no happiness, he mused, feeling the Lundberg sun shine a little brighter.

As he stifled a chuckle, Rodley "lowered" his voice again and spoke with gravity,

"You need to brace yourself for what I'm about to tell you."

Seeing Rodley's solemnity, Doyle felt a twinge of anxiety.

He swallowed hard, his voice wavering slightly.

"Brother, go on, I'm actually okay."

"She's not a virgin."

Doyle's brow furrowed, a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

After a long pause, he shrugged resignedly and said, "She's a Succubus; her ideas about love might differ from ours. Plus, she may already have a lover. It's regrettable, but I respect her. For the empire and our race, I'll endure."

Rodley let out a weary sigh, his tone tinged with melancholy.

"My dear brother, brace yourself for what I'm about to reveal."

Doyle scoffed lightly, maintaining his composure, "Second Brother, just say it. I'm really okay. I can take it. The Devil Clan lives without restrictions; I never expected the Princess of Devil Clan to be a paragon of virtue."

"To get by in life, one might have to wear some 'green' on their head. I'm alright."

Rodley's eyes reddened slightly, clearly pained for Doyle.

"She enjoys engaging in S&M with men."

The image of a Succubus Queen, whip in hand, binding him and dripping wax on his body, finally got to Doyle.

"Second Brother, is there more shocking news? Just lay it all out at once. I'm really okay. I can take it."

"At least a whip can't kill a man, nor can a candle."

Rodley closed his eyes, speaking with resignation, "Prepare yourself for what I'm about to say next..."

Doyle responded dully, "Go on. I'm really okay..."

...

After Rodley left, Doyle hurled his teacup to the floor, shattering it.

I'm okay... What a joke!

Let someone else marry her; I'm out!