A couple of seconds passed, and Ximena continued to stare dumbfoundedly at Vale, who forced his lips to contort into a smile.

"Am I worthy now?"

[Anathema Class Champion Ximena has submitted to you!]

'That answers that, I guess.'

'But, it was possible to make them submit without coitus?'

Ximena's face continued to shift as Vale got more and more comfortable in her frigid embrace.

"H-how…"

Vale thought for a moment, then responded.

"How? Well… the only way to put it is… I want you."

Technically, that was the truth… Because of his Aspect, any actions taken in the name of Lust hurt neither party. He didn't exactly know how or why, but he was now certain this effect was not just his conjecture, but the truth.

Ximena didn't jump or anything, but her pale face quickly flushed red, the same red as her ruby pupils.

"Huh…"

The prideful, icy princess released Vale and took a half step back. It looked like she was about to cry when someone walked through the pink portal. Salome stood there, in her fully naked form.

Upon seeing Salome, Ximena quickly corrected her expression to one of indifference and recalled the strip of iridescent fabric that began to revolve around her once again.

Salome's usual lustful grin slowly diminished upon spotting Ximena.

"Oh…"

Salome's wings grew taut, and her knees bent. In a swift motion, Salome launched herself toward Vale, pushing him back and placing herself between Vale and Ximena.

"Vale, stay back from this bitch. You'll die if you get too close."

Ximena's attitude of indifference continued, but her tone showed she was still yet to collect herself fully.

"I don't know who you are, lavacious pervert, but what gives you the right to push master like that?"

'Master? I guess she really has accepted me…'

"Master?" Salome questioned. "The ice witch is calling someone her master? Did more than just your power get taken from you when you transmigrated? Was your pride taken too?!"

"Look, woman, I am only tolerating your insolence because you seem to be a subject of Master Vale as well. But I don't know how much more of this I can tolerate. I already hate succubi as is, and your attitude and actions are not helping. I killed your queen; you are just one of her long-forgotten minions… So know your place."

Salome scoffed and then nearly broke into a laugh. She didn't even address the last statement Ximena uttered. Salome said:

"You just got here, how can you hold such a high opinion of him?"

But… on the topic of that statement.

'What the hell kind of history do these two have?!'

A slight blush stained Ximena's marble cheeks.

"Because he held me…"

Salome cocked her head back and looked at her master in confusion and awe.

Before the moment could get any worse, Vale decided to speak up in an attempt to diffuse the situation. Even though he knew one wrong word could potentially ignite conflict.

"It's alright, Salome. I already know of her ability."

Ximena's expression didn't shift at all, but the color drained from her cheek, she took a half step back, and raised her hand.

"S-salome…"

The winged demoness turned back to face Ximena.

"Ah, so you recognize me now…"

"B-but."

Salome stifled a laugh while looking down at the crystal girl.

"I know I'm not wearing my armor or anything right now, but come on… how did you not know? Furthermore, you really think that pitiful attempt was enough to put me down? All you managed to do was make me have a bad day… You'll need to bring a bigger army next time. And maybe a better trap and more of the Scourge."

"We—but… I watched you get torn to shreds by the Scourge after my soldiers pushed you to the brink of death?! And how did you regrow an arm?!"

Salome looked to be incredibly enjoying the situation.

"I died? And now I lost an arm? This is all news to me."

On the other hand, Ximena looked lost and panicked. Despite her forced, impassive expression, her body language was quite telling of her true feelings. Salome horrified her…

'Just what kind of power did you wield in the past, Salome?'

Vale slowly walked around and tried to get between Salome and Ximena, but Salome countered and kept Vale back. Vale didn't want to have to do it… But it seemed he'd need to tap into his role.

"Please, calm down. I don't know what transpired between the two of you. But you are now… my subjects. While I don't want to force my will, I cannot allow fighting amongst each other."

Salome cast a sidelong glance at Vale.

"Is that so?" Her eyes narrowed, and she studied Vale's determined expression. Then, she shrugged and softened her piercing gaze. "Who cares? As long as you aren't affected by her maleficent aura."

Vale's eyes drifted toward Ximena, pleading for a response as well.

"I suppose I can tolerate her existence if it is Master Vale's desire."

Salome still positioned herself between Vale and Ximena, but she seemed to be complying with Vale's wish. Salome joked:

"I don't know how you tamed her Vale, but color me impressed."

Ximena's anger flared, and she nearly screamed a response, but maintained a placid tone.

"Why do you keep disrespecting Master Vale by addressing him with no honorific?"

Salome sighed, then turned to Vale.

"Vale, seriously, how did you get her to revere you to this degree? If you saw her reign of terror on Kaldora, you'd be absolutely bewildered and as surprised as I am."

Vale spoke cautiously.

"A hug. I gave her a hug."

Salome snickered and hid her smile behind her hand.

"Ah, that would be all it takes for a virgin like her to fall in love."

Ximena still stood in a battle-ready position, despite her decree of compliance a few seconds earlier.

"Say that again, whore. I dare you."

Salome let out a sinister chortle. Then she teased the poor ice witch.

"Remember, it's Master Vale's request that we play nice. So why don't you behave, little owl?"

'This… this is going to be an issue, isn't it?'

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.