The Hero Became a Succubus, and the Only Way to Level is to… What?!

”You want my help improving your city’s defenses?” Petyr arched her brow.

”That’s right. I want to prepare for the eventuality that Temptation and Ortesia attacks. It’s a matter of when, not if at this point. Between Artaggon and the Ortesian invasion, I’ve been so unprepared. The Commonwealth still exists through sheer luck and the help of others. So, will you help me?” Kanae asked solemnly.

After defeating Charlotte, the Mistress of Excess, the realization struck at last how vulnerable the Commonwealth was. Kanae couldn’t afford to be complacent. She held Petyr’s judging gaze, hoping to demonstrate her resolve by standing firm. The high elf broke first and shot a glance to Vesh, who returned an encouraging nod.

”Very well.” Sighing, Petyr shut her eyes for a moment. ”I did come to Ehmvier to offer my aid after all. I suppose that extends to correcting the pathetic excuse you call city defenses.”

”Thank you!” Kanae was awash with relief.

Improving Ehmvier’s defensive capabilities wasn’t a simple task. It would require an overhaul, so Petyr had said. At the very least, she was able to help identify weak points in the city and suggest improvements. To that end, the former Lord-Major of the Ortesian Empire’s invasionary force whipped out a notepad and pencil, then set off to begin her inspection. Their first stop was outside the city gates.

The midday sun hung high in the sky. Carriages, wagons, and travelers formed a slow, steady stream coming in and out of the city, a sign of a healthy country in peacetime. Guards at the gate saluted to Kanae as she and her companions passed. They also jovially greeted anyone coming and going. Adventurers carrying bulging knapsacks ventured out to slay monsters, and the returning ones carried carcasses or scavenged parts as proof of kills. One party carted in some dead dire wolves.

Petyr stopped just past the open iron gates, beyond which many small plots of farms had sprouted around Ehmvier, and lumber mills slowly pushed the tree line farther and farther away. Kanae fondly recalled when this little village was surrounded by forests before the Commonwealth’s founding.

”Here we are. Now, Kanae. Can you tell me what the first line of defense for a city is?” Petyr asked.

”It’s the wall and gate, right?” Kanae thumbed behind them.

”Wrong.” She pointed out into the distance. ”The first line of defense to every city should be garrisons and outposts to slow an army’s advance, gather information, and hold key strategic locales. The bulk of my army had mostly marched unimpeded from Port Kandis, to Lograin, and finally into the Commonwealth from the south. The Rook of Rotandrix was then able to freely advance on Talahurah.” The high elf then produced a map of the country. ”Your army might not have stopped us, but imagine how much time you could have bought with a garrison here, and here.” She tapped her finger on the narrow pass leading up to the plains of Talahurah, and again on the mountainous road between Lograin and Ehmvier.

”Ugh… My forces weren’t so big at the time…”

”No excuses. Rectify this mistake. Lucky for you, Rown Company’s expansion of the Imperial Span gives you a superior advantage of controlling travel. Build garrisons and staff them.”

Kanae took a mental note, but Petyr was already scribbling into her notepad. They moved on to the wall next, where the high elf walked right up to and rested a hand on the stone fortification.

”Now, it’s the wall, yeah?” Kanae answered.

”Weak. I’ve never seen a more porous enclosure. The weather would sooner break this down. It isn’t very tall either, and catapults could bombard your city. You should hang whoever built this,” Petyr said.

”I’m not going to hang the goblins— Wait, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

Petyr, armed with her warhammer, punched a hole into the wall. Stone and rubble came crumbling down like a landslide. Patrolling guards on the ramparts fled from the collapse in terror. The opening revealed the interior, and a few soldiers poked their heads out anxiously.

”I think we need to work on your intrusive thoughts next…” Vesh stared blankly.

”Are… Are we being attacked?” one soldier asked.

”You could have seriously hurt or killed someone!” Kanae groaned.

”If I don’t, then another attacking force will because this shoddy construction won’t protect anyone. Employ stonemasons from Radevic. Tear the wall down and have them rebuild it. Or find some other way to fortify your city,” Petyr explained.

Soldiers and volunteers were already beginning to clear the rubble. The Commonwealth might not be the greatest fighting force, but they worked fast if nothing else. Petyr barked at them to continue into the city, but Kanae lingered for a few moments longer. Some visiting lamia from the Lakestalker tribe of Hollow Glade lent a hand, creating stone from the debris to move themselves.

”Petyr!” Kanae gasped as inspiration struck.

”What? We don’t have time to waste out here. There’s a lot more glaring problems to address inside,” Petyr said.

”I have an idea: what if the walls were made of stone golems? Inert. But they come to life during an attack or siege. I can recruit crowned mystics to be ready at any moment,” she explained.

Petyr followed Kanae’s gaze to the broken wall, where golems moved rubble much more easily than soldiers and carts. Her stiff lips finally cracked a smile.

”Now that’s something I can get behind. Someone build us a prototype!” Petyr roared.

Soldiers and five Lakestalker mystics agreed to help. They hastily mashed together a cruddy stone wall on the field using the rubble. The lamias combined their magic to forge a ten-foot earthen golem made of clay. Its rigid movements were sluggish, but the two massive fists could certainly pack a punch. They ordered the construct to embed itself into the wall, and the clay kind of squished in.

With a little bit of carving and shaving down, the golems might even look like statues on the wall. Attackers would be none the wiser.

”Alright. See if you can stop me from tearing down the wall!” Petyr hoisted her warhammer, but the golem backhanded her away. She guarded herself just in time and skidded a few feet. Satisfied, the paladin lifted both hands in defeat and said, ”I like it. Ortesia doesn’t have crowned mystics. The capital has a mountain on its back and ocean to the front. You thought outside the box with what is unique to the Commonwealth. I’m impressed.”

”Thanks!” Kanae smiled.

”You’re doing good, Petyr! You uttered that compliment effortlessly!” Vesh cheered.

”Shut up!” she snapped at him.

They returned to the city to address the next and most glaring problem. Ehmvier’s standing army. There was no standard template. The levels of hierarchy and leadership were blurry. It was arguably the most undisciplined army in the world. So, it came as no surprise when Petyr led them to the city barracks and called Manabe down to meet them

”This is the reason why your forces are inept. Your soldiers are no better now than a few years ago. Their weapons are hardly maintained. Training should be done in the fields, not in the comforts of their own barracks,” Petyr explained.

”I am here to just get roasted?” Manabe sulked.

”Hey, leave Manabe alone! He does his best, and more recently commanded the army to victory against the Harpy King in Savir.” Kanae hugged her friend and cradled his head.

The high elf scoffed. ”Barely. Edina’s control of Asa Mareer, Archbishop Patrice foiling the Harpy King’s ascension, and Red having an elemental lord were more instrumental in the final battle.”

”She’s right, Kanae. I’m useless!” He collapsed to his knees, hugging her and bawling into her chest. ”I’ve felt like this ever since you put me in this position! It’s like… I have imposter syndrome. I get to live it up in a big fancy room, nice pay, and people do whatever I say. But I haven’t earned any of that! I’m not like Ichi, who has a talent in ranching. Or Takumi, who’s running the mines like an actual boss. I’m just… nothing.”

”W-What about all the books you said you were reading up on about how to lead?”

”I barely passed high school, remember? And I almost always copied yours and Ichi’s homework. I wasn’t really reading. I skimmed most of it…”

Kanae patted Manabe on the head. Even Petyr and Vesh looked pitiably on him.

”This is ultimately my fault. I made you commander of the Commonwealth forces because I didn’t want to always lead it myself. I’m sorry,” Kanae said.

”Nepotism is a broken ladder. You offer a hand to those close to you up, and leave the rest to climb and risk falling. In the end, what are you left with? Your ladder is still broken,” Petyr recited what sounded like a proverb.

”What’s the alternative then? The only ones I know that can lead are in Radevic. I can’t ask them to leave their posts.”

”You have me. Name me Supreme Commander of the Commonwealth. I’ll lead your forces from now,” she suggested seriously.

Kanae and Manabe stared up at her. Elevating the very person who laid siege to Ehmvier as its de-facto military leader? It would cause an outcry. Half of the Commonwealth force would likely reject her, and that was a generous guess.

But… Petyr had led troops several times already. She was also undeniably the most martial-minded person, raised to wage war. Putting her in such a position could only be a boon.

”I’m okay with stepping down from my position, Kanae. I also think Petyr would be a better commander,” Manabe sniffled and chimed in.

”This is a very informal way of going about it, but you’re right. A lot of people are going to resist this, so I hope you’re prepared for that. Petyr, will you be the Supreme Commander of the Commonwealth?” Kanae asked.

”It will be my pleasure.” Petyr beat a fist to her chest.

”I guess I better get started on the paperwork for the transition and let everyone know. Afterwards, I need to find an open cot in the grunt barracks.” The orc hung his head and turned to leave.

She clamped down on his shoulder with a vise. ”You won’t be going anywhere. You may be an incompetent leader, but you know these soldiers. It will be an easier potion to swallow if we both lead them rather than just me alone. However, the commander’s quarter is mine. Get your belongings out of there and find a new room.”

”Y-Yes, ma’am!” He saluted before running off after she let go.

A weight lifted off Kanae’s shoulders. Petyr, too, couldn’t hide her own excitement at the prospect of leading again. Her smile was wider than before. She stood with her back straightened and chin held high. A renewed sense of purpose had returned to her in a way that Kanae was glad to be a part of.

”Anything else to address, Commander?” Kanae asked.

”There is.” Petyr nodded. ”I’ve noticed a lack of diversity in your forces. In Ortesia, we incorporate Rotandrix dragoons, who are extremely effective at breaking enemy formation. Every high elven crowned as a spellcaster is required to attend military school geared to training their use in magic. You know your country more than I do. Where do you suggest we conscript from?”

”Let’s see… Beastmen of Talahurah are pretty beefy folks. A lamia named Katia rules the Lakestalker tribe, which is full of mystics. The same ones that we had making the earth golem earlier. Oh, and Highgreen produces incredible scouts and rangers. Their campus Moonlit Avenue also teaches sex magic that could be useful!”

Petyr glared at Kanae with utter disgust.

”Is… Is that a no on Highgreen?” Kanae shrunk.

”Ugh. I won’t like it, but there is clearly merit there if you are suggesting them.” Petyr clicked her tongue.

”Oh, oh! Since I’m basically a Commonwealth citizen, my brothers and I can enlist. We can be a special incubus squad much like your Sisters of Sin. Motta can join, too! Since he’s not very combat-versed, his infiltrative instinct can be put to work instead,” Vesh offered.

”I don’t want you or the others getting hurt.” The high elf cupped his face and frowned.

”All we do is twiddle our thumbs at home. I’d like to contribute to the Commonwealth as well. We used to be a part of Lord Charron’s army. At this point, it’s not like Artaggon is expecting us back after being gone for so long. I want to be put to use,” he insisted, batting his boyish eyes.

Petyr relented, but only because Vesh was being cute about it. Kanae actually felt a lot better having incubi in Ehmvier, where they could be protected and within reach to seek help from.

The trio perked up to the sound of ringing bells. They turned to the street, where two horses pulled a single vardo wagon. One side of the cabin was wide open, and a lamia woman inside shouted at the top of her lungs.

”Potions, potions, potions! Feeling sick? Grab one or five for the entire family! Get them while they’re in stock!” Rosaline hollered.

”Rosaline?” Kanae gasped.

”Oh, hello! I’m passing out the Pickled Nose draught. My apprentices and I have begun collaborating with the other alchemists in the city. We’ve channeled our competitive streak into producing as many as possible to eliminate what remains of the plague,” the lamia explained. When the wagon rolled to a stop, citizens swarmed it in droves right away. ”No need to push and shove! I have plenty! Here you are… Oh, one for you… What was that? You need three? Of course! Wait, give that one back. I accidentally added an explosive component to it!”

Petyr leaned in and said, ”It would also behoove you to attract more alchemists to Ehmvier. Preferably, ones that are not as eccentric as Rosaline is.”

”I’ll… send some letters and see who bites. No promises,” she said.

As the day winded down, Petyr and Vesh went to join Manabe in beginning the process of transition. Kanae returned to the castle, running into Gretchen and the kids. Suvee and Kanade were riding on Avon, the female Vantaean thoroughbred mare that was a fully grown horse now. They paused in the courtyard and waited for her to catch up.

”Hi, Mom!” Suvee beamed.

”Hey, girls. Did you have fun with Gretchen today?” Kanae leaned down and asked.

”Yeah, we played a lot at the park! Avon is so fast, she almost threw me off galloping at full speed. But you’re a good girl, aren’t you?” She stroked the horse’s mane.

”I haven’t seen my mom lately. Where is she?” Kanade frowned.

”I think your mom is busy with Bright Cloister stuff again. How about we go visit her together after dinner?”

Kanade thought for a moment, looking sullen, but eventually shook her head.

”It’s fine. I don’t want to bother her,” Kanade said.

”Cheer up.” Kanae lightly pinched her cheek. ”How about we go raid the kitchen? Skip dinner and go straight to desserts?”

”Really?” She brightened up.

”Ooooh. I want ice cream cake!” Suvee bounced with joy.

”In that case, I’ll bring Avon back to her stable. Have a good night, you three.” Gretchen bowed.

Kanae whistled to a nearby guard.

”I haven’t dismissed you yet, Gretchen. Guard, would you be so kind as to take Avon around to the stablehands?” Kanae asked.

”Of course, Your Majesty!” He grabbed the lead as the girls dismounted.

”Come on, Gretchen! Let’s go eat together!” Suvee took her hand.

”Oh, if you insist.” Gretchen sighed with a smile.

They made their way to the kitchens when Kanae spotted Zadris on an upper landing. She beckoned to the white-clad succubus, who flew down to meet her and bowed.

”You three go on ahead. I’ll be right there,” Kanae said.

”We won’t wait up if you don’t catch up!” Suvee smirked.

”Your Majesty, how may I be of service?” Zadris lifted her head.

”I want you to start drafting some letters for me. One each to Highgreen, Talahurah, Radevic, and the Sultans of Savir. Tell them their empress asks for able-bodied soldiers. I’ll join you in a few hours to look over them,” she said.

Zadris took a step back and bowed with her arms and wings outstretched, then lifted into the air to the upper floors.