Sandra was not happy about that revelation. It was understandable. But in the end, Erin did not harm her and had no ability to actually help her.

“Are you aware of other people who are controlled?” I asked.

“I do not have the authority to share such information. You will need to ask Lilith.” Erin said.

“How can we contact her?” Lucy asked.

“I can set up a communication ritual. If you are willing to provide some magic to power it…” Erin said.

“I think we can handle that.” It was interesting that she asked us to do it. Was she not powerful enough herself? How did they communicate normally? Or was it a social convention? Was I expected to provide the magic because I sought an audience?

“Make sure to mention to Lilith that her servants were too cheap to fuel the ritual.” Lily said.

Erin glared at her.

Lily smiled. “The spell they use is quite tricky. She is too weak to do it herself. It will need a 7th tier spell slot. But you can lower the cost with expensive ingredients down to tier four.”

“Oh. So this is just about money?” I asked.

“That, and she wants to hide how weak she is. Well, compared to you.” Lily explained.

“Stop giving away our secrets!” Erin complained.

“Our? Dear Erin, you still don’t understand. I serve a new lady. Well, two ladies even. I gave them my oath. I am theirs until the end of time.” Lily said.

Erin did not look happy about that. I guess she was still hoping that Lily would return. How close were they in the past?

“So, when can we contact Lilith?” Lucy asked.

“Do I… do I have to be part of this?” Nira asked.

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“What is with the fledgling? Where did you find her?” Erin asked.

“She was working for the mining guild.” I explained.

“Curious. I can take good care of her.” She offered.

“No!” Nira squeaked.

“I think she does not want to.” I pointed out.

“She is young. Succubi tend to be rebellious until they reach 100 or so. If you leave her, she is likely going to be captured by a different demon lord.” Erin said.

“We offered her a job.” Lucy said. “But it is her decision. She can join you, or us, or just go her own path.”

“How fast do succubi grow up?” I asked.

“Physically? About 16 years. Mentally? I would say about twenty. Power wise? That depends. We have some abilities from birth but it takes until about 10 till we learn some control. I would say with 16 most have first circle spells mastered. At around forty to fifty we break into the 2nd circle and around 100 we unlock the 3rd. In rare cases some succubi are stuck at the 2nd.”

Erin glared at Lily, but remained silent. Our maid knight continued: “As you know, I have reached the 4th circle. That is considered talented, many remain at the 3rd. High succubi regularly reach the 4th circle and often go to the 5th. In rare cases they unlock even higher circles. We also have our mental powers. We can enhance them temporarily with spells but they are always available. Like your aura. They are the true reason we are feared.”

“Why is everyone treating Nira like a child, if she is fully grown?” Lucy asked.

“It’s our society. Part of it has to do with power and your ability to survive in hell. But mostly it’s that younger ones are more impulsive. More impatient. Once you have lived for a while, you start to see the world differently. It’s not that different from how elves treat their young.” Lily explained.

I suppose humans were not that different. In my old world, we called people adults when they turned 18. Then we refused to take them seriously. We dismissed all their concerns and problems as inexperience.

“I see. Well, she can make her own choices. We are not going to force her, and neither are you.” I stared at Erin. To truly make my point I released my aura.

Erin gasped, her feet trembled. Then she fell to the floor. I retraced my power. Did I overdo it?

“That was awesome.” Lucy said.

I looked around the room. Lily smiled. Sandra was breathing heavily, but still standing. Nira’s eyes were wide. She did experience my aura before. Maybe it was Erin’s behaviour that surprised her. Actually, why was she hit harder? Did I manage to focus most of my power on her?

“You… you have made your point.” Erin said. Then she stood up and straightened her clothes. She tried to look professional but she still looked shaken.

“Shall we move to the ritual circle?” She said,

“You have a permanent one?” I asked.

“Yes. It is hidden in plain sight. Some people like to pretend they are part of a dark ritual while they use our services.” Erin explained.

“And are they part of a dark ritual?” I asked.

“Of course not!” Erin said.

“Isn't that inconvenient?” Lucy asked. “It means you can only call your boss when the room is empty.”

“It is not booked that often.” Erin said.

“I would not be surprised if they simply charmed whoever is in there in an emergency. Also, they likely get some benefit from the room. Maybe they collect and store energy for later use.” I theorised. We were talking about succubi after all.

The expression on Erin’s face indicated that I was onto something. So I smiled at her.

“We do not harm anyone here.” She simply said.

“How many people who work here know that you are a succubus?” Lucy asked.

That was an interesting point.

“Three are aware, out of the ten people I employ. Of course, I am only talking about this establishment. I won’t talk about Lilith’s operations in the city.”

Fair enough. I respected her loyalty.