Lance, a 20-year-old with striking good looks and charm, often drew second and third glances on the streets. After high school, he took a gap year to party and live the high life. His parents refused to fund this lifestyle, but Lance used his looks and charm to get women to support him. His last 'girlfriend' was a wealthy 46-year-old cougar.
Had he continued this way, he might have become a male host, a good one at that, entertaining older women. However, he was now glad to be in this new world, where he could live the life he truly wanted.
In a well-decorated room, Lance and another man bowed before Princess Reina, who was seated on an exquisite chair. "Please, raise your heads," she said softly. Lance and the man, George, stood up.
George, in his early 30s, was tall and tanned, with a muscular, rugged appearance.
"You two have been blessed with the skill: [Destiny of the Hero]," Reina continued, admiration in her voice. "This rare and extraordinary gift was once held by Emanuel the Brave, who vanquished the Lord of Evil and brought peace to our land. Those chosen by this destiny are natural leaders, destined to guide others in the fight against the forces of evil."
Reina's expression faltered slightly as she shifted to a serious demeanor. "As you know, my father, the King, has entrusted me with overseeing the heroes' training and deployment. After much deliberation, I've formulated a plan. Since there are two of you, I propose forming two separate hero groups, each led by one of you."
She gestured to a map on the table, depicting the realms which divide between them, the humans, the other races, and the demon realm. "We will divide the heroes between your groups, and each group will approach the demon realm from different strategic positions. This will create a two-front war, dividing the demonic forces and weakening their defenses."
George, his brow furrowed with concern, spoke up. "Princess, is it not too early to divide the group? We've only recently received our skills, and I'm not sure how we will function as a team. Shouldn't we test our skills first?"
Reina offered a reassuring smile. "Those are valid concerns, Hero George. Rest assured, we have carefully assessed the skills and abilities of all the heroes. Our most experienced advisors will strategically place each hero into the group best suited to their strengths, ensuring balanced and effective teams. After that, we will assign each group mentors to train you as a unit. Resources will also be distributed accordingly, providing each group with the necessary support to succeed."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the two heroes. "Are there any further questions?"
Reina's explanation seemed logical, yet a lingering question remained in George's mind. "Princess," he began, a tinge of concern as he spoke. "I've noticed that less than half of the summoned are present. What became of the others?"
Reina met his gaze directly and smiled gently. "Do not worry, Hero George," she said. "The others have skills better suited for supporting the kingdom from the rear. Their talents lie in areas that do not require direct combat, so we would not risk their lives on the battlefield. They are safe and well-cared for, contributing to the war effort in other ways."
George nodded slowly. "I see. Thank you for clarifying, Princess. I have no further questions."
Lance, who had been listening intently, added, "I also have no questions at this time."
"Excellent," Reina said with a satisfied nod. "You may both return to your quarters for now. I will call for you both shortly to announce the plan to everyone and officially designate you two as leaders of your respective groups. You may choose the names for your groups as you see fit."
George turned to leave, but Lance lingered, a hesitant expression on his face. "Actually, Princess," he began, "there was one more thing I wished to discuss, in private."
Reina raised an eyebrow, surprised by his request. "Very well," she said, turning to George. "I hope you won't mind."
George nodded and exited the room, leaving Lance and the princess alone.
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
"What is it you wished to discuss, Hero Lance?" Reina asked, her tone polite yet curious.
A confident smile spread across Lance's face as he stepped closer, his eyes fixed on hers. "I hesitated to mention this in front of the others," he murmured, "but from the moment I first laid eyes on you, I was captivated. Your beauty is like that of an angel, and your presence overwhelms my every sense. Even your scent..." He trailed off, his gaze lingering.
Lance took Reina's hand and knelt before her, his lips brushing against it. "Princess," he said, his breathing smooth and his voice creamy, "it would be my utmost honor to serve as your hero, and perhaps, in time, we could come to know each other better."
A soft blush colored Reina's cheeks as a gentle smile curved her lips. "Hero Lance," she replied shyly, "I appreciate your kind words. To be truthful, I felt a similar connection when I first saw you."
Lance struggled to suppress a smug grin.
'I can't believe my luck. Securing miss Money Bag's support willmake this journey to be hero a lot easier. Even if this hero business doesn't pan out I can always fall back on my lovely princess and my rich kingly step dad!'
As Lance was already making plans for his next move, Reina smoothly withdrew her hand from his grasp and turned, her demeanor shifting dramatically as she settled into her chair. Her voice, once gentle, now carried a coy edge.
"I believe we share a certain similarity, Hero Lance," she stated, her eyes narrowing. "You, like myself, are adept at playing a certain role. You are likely a womanizer, skilled at charming your way into the hearts of women only to discard them when they no longer serve your purpose."
A bead of sweat trickled down Lance's temple as he fought to maintain his facade. "P-Princess, I assure you, you misjudge my intentions..." he stammered, his confident smile faltering.
Reina cut him off. "You seek to get ahead of the other heroes by cozying up to me, a royal. You likely see me as someone who can offer you boundless resources and shield you from danger. It's a pathetic display, one I would not have expected from a bearer of the [Destiny of the Hero]."
Lance's facade crumbled completely as he took a step back. The princess had seen through his charade, leaving him exposed and vulnerable. Fear gnawed at his gut. Would she take offense and have him executed for his deception? As he looked up, however, he was met not with anger, but with a chillingly lustful gaze. Reina's tongue darted out to wet her lips, a predatory glint in her eyes.
"I actually loooove pathetic men," she purred seductively, her voice sending shivers down his spine.
"H-Huh?" Lance stammered, utterly confused by the sudden turn of events.
"There's nothing more pathetic than men who are so dependent on women that their only skill is to leech off them. They love to blame everyone but themselves. But that's why they're so easy to tame. As long as you feed them every day, they'll never leave because they're so useless they can't go anywhere else. The thought of your disgusting thing, which has been in countless women... ah~, I almost can't hold back!" Her words dripped with a disturbing mix of desire and contempt.
She leaned forward, staring straight into his eyes. "I know you are willing to stoop to depths that others would find repulsive. Tell me, Hero Lance, just how far are you willing to go?"
A sadistic smile twisted Reina's lips as she leaned back in her chair, her gaze fixed on Lance. With deliberate slowness that heightened the tension in the room, she slipped off her heels, followed by the sheer white stocking that clung to her slender leg. Her bare foot emerged, the arch delicately curved, toes wiggling suggestively.
"Every day, I'm surrounded by yes-men and loyal knights who see me as an object of purity and perfection. It's utterly exhausting. They are dishonest, both with themselves and with me. I see the lust in their eyes, yet they maintain their charade of chivalry. You, however, are refreshingly honest in your depravity."
"Well, how about it?" Reina questioned, her hands now held near her inner things. "Would you like to become my pet? In return for your... loyalty, I will ensure you are well cared for and generously rewarded."
'What the hell kind of freak did I run into?'
There was a momentary thought of terror at the woman in front of him who was, in every sense of the word, a creature of utmost depravity. Yet, as the princess's proposition set in, the entire prospect was utterly... titillating. His fear was eclipsed by a surge of twisted desire. A wide, unsettling smile spread across his face.
"I… yes," Lance ragged breathing turned rapid and his voice thick with arousal.
Without hesitation, he dropped to all fours and crawled toward Reina, his gaze fixated on her bare feet. He reached her and began to kiss them with a fervor that bordered on worship.
"Bark for me," Reina commanded.
"Bark!"
Reina chuckled, her toes wiggling against his nose. "Does it smell?" she teased. "I haven't bathed in a while. Are we on the same page now, my little pet?"
Lance, lost in his newfound role, extended his tongue and began to slobber over her feet, her moans of pleasure echoing in the room.
"I expected a more refined approach," Reina remarked with mock disappointment, shoving her toes deeper into his mouth, almost reaching the back of his throat. Lance accepted her dominance with disturbing eagerness.
A satisfied smile spread across Reina's face. "Excellent, Hero~," she moaned. "Let's work well together from now on."