Pretending to Be Human Is Exhausting Again Today - Chapter 46

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Struggling to Pretend to Be Human Today Episode 046

 

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My adopted daughter, Asmo-rina.

 

Her biological parents were the previous Second Legion Commander, who was like a mentor to me, teaching me the mindset of a soldier and the attitude of a commander.

 

However, the Second Legion Commander lost his life in an enemy ambush. I, who regarded the Second Legion Commander like family, came to adopt his daughter, Asmo-rina.

 

At the time, I was also a young demon, so she seemed more like a younger sister than a child to me.

 

But I couldn’t be a good family to her. Not only was I too busy to stay by her side, but she also wouldn’t allow me to approach her.

 

‘Don’t act like family, it’s disgusting.’

 

‘You were asked by my parents? That’s ridiculous. What does that stubborn old fool have to do with me?’

 

‘Asmo… so you were the one who gave that damn name to that old fool?’

 

…She would spout curses every time we met.

 

After long efforts and various incidents, I succeeded in getting her to call me ‘mother,’ but our relationship didn’t improve much.

 

Rather, her wariness increased, and without my permission, she enlisted and went to the battlefield, achieving great merit and rising to the vacant position of Second Legion Commander.

 

When I asked why she became a soldier when she hated it so much, she said:

 

‘I became a soldier just because I can use my strength freely. Don’t tell me you think I followed your example? Do you think I became a legion commander because I wanted to be by your side!’

 

She snapped at me. Thinking I shouldn’t have asked, I never questioned her motivation for becoming a soldier again after that.

 

Anyway, after becoming a soldier, she became even more violent. She never hurt her subordinates, but she treated enemy soldiers so cruelly that she was brought before the Military Tribunal.

 

Naturally, her manner of speaking toward me never became more filial either.

 

So much so that Gregory and the Third Legion Commander, who saw us both, said this:

 

‘You two… would be better suited to conducting operations in different areas.’

 

‘Rather than incompatible, a dangerous combination?’

 

The biggest troublemaker among the soldiers under my command. But also a capable person who became a legion commander at the youngest age.

 

And my family.

 

This was everything I knew about Asmo-rina.

 

“That Asmo-rina seems to be in the Human Realm. What do you think?”

 

In the dim reception room of the Separate Palace with curtains drawn, I looked at Gregory standing at attention and asked.

 

He frowned slightly and said:

 

“Is that reliable information?”

 

“Probably. At least as far as I know, Asmo-rina is the only demon who controls trees and earth.”

 

“Hmm…”

 

Gregory let out a worried sigh, which was unlike him. He was one of the people who found Asmo-rina particularly troublesome.

 

“If what you say is true, Asmo-rina… no, the 2nd Legion Commander will turn the entire continent upside down to find Your Highness.”

 

“I think so too.”

 

When I made a worried face, Gregory said consolingly:

 

“Of course, I don’t think the 2nd Legion Commander would harm Your Highness…”

 

“Would she really not?”

 

I rested my chin on my hand and recalled her personality.

 

“Remember when I disappeared from that child’s sight because of a secret mission? I was gone for about two years.”

 

“I remember.”

 

“What happened then?”

 

“…A bomb fell on Military Headquarters.”

 

For reference, it was a bomb entangled with hundreds of tree roots. It was fortunate that the quick-witted Third Legion Commander evacuated people in advance, otherwise it would have been a major incident with thousands of casualties.

 

“When I secretly stayed behind for a safe retreat?”

 

“She destroyed the supply unit.”

 

“Then, what do you think she’ll do when she hears about my disappearance this time?”

 

After thinking for a moment, Gregory answered:

 

“She’ll destroy the Imperial Palace.”

 

“Will it end there?”

 

“…Half-destroy the capital?”

 

“Humans are different from demons. They die easily even from such small disturbances.”

 

“I see,” Gregory replied plainly and nodded readily.

 

I sighed and leaned back in my chair.

 

“If I want to live as a human, I should avoid her. That child sees humans as less than insects, so associating with them is even more dangerous.”

 

“I agree. Bloodshed will definitely occur.”

 

She had the personality to say ‘It’s disgraceful for a demon commander to live in a human body, so die’ the moment she saw me.

 

But my current life was much more important than Asmodina’s life… no, even more so. I was sorry to Gregory and my other subordinates, but I had long since settled my life in the Demon Realm.

 

‘If I really missed the Demon Realm, I would have been looking for a way to return there instead of living as a princess.’

 

That was the reason I chose humans, even while being puzzled by the fact that I had been reincarnated.

 

I’d rather die than return to the Demon Realm.

 

For my sake, and for everyone’s sake.

 

“But Your Highness.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Do you know why the 2nd Legion Commander is looking for you?”

 

“Isn’t she trying to vent her anger?”

 

As a commander, I delegated all rights and responsibilities to the legion commanders and retired. Gregory accepted it without complaint, but Asmo-rina didn’t.

 

‘Don’t be ridiculous! Who said you could retire!’

 

But at that time, I had no intention of standing on the front lines anymore, so I ignored her opposition and left the military.

 

After that, I heard that all sorts of people aiming for the power vacuum attached themselves to Asmo-rina. Officially, she was my successor, so there must have been quite a few demons trying to curry favor with her.

 

‘Given Asmo-rina’s personality, she couldn’t have endured such a position.’

 

I could clearly picture her getting angry.

 

“She hated me quite a bit, so it must have been hard for her to be forced into the successor position. It’s not like she could run away from such a position either… She might well hold a grudge against me.”

 

“…Do you really think she came all the way to the Human Realm for that reason?”

 

“Yes, isn’t that it?”

 

I couldn’t think of any other cause. She was a child who would kick over a set table and leave, saying she didn’t want to eat with me. Moreover, with her personality of never forgetting a grudge once formed, she wouldn’t give up revenge even after decades.

 

Then Gregory muttered in a small voice:

 

“How can this be…”

 

“What?”

 

“It’s nothing. I just realized anew how powerless I am.”

 

“…?”

 

He shook his head, saying he had nothing more to add to this topic.

 

“Then our future direction is…”

 

“Same as now, living without being discovered as demons. And if information about Asmo-rina comes up, investigate it as top priority.”

 

In that sense, the meeting with the princess of Jins Kingdom was a golden opportunity. I could get information about the rebel army from her.

 

Then, Gregory frowned as if something was strange.

 

“But how did the 2nd Legion Commander find out that Your Highness is in the Human Realm? Did you perhaps leave some clue in the Demon Realm…”

 

“No. Though my final memories are hazy, I never wished to be reincarnated as a human.”

 

I was interested in humans, but not to the extent of dreaming of reincarnation.

 

‘Come to think of it, that’s strange. I regained my past life memories only a few months ago, so what basis did Asmo-rina have for coming to the Human Realm?’

 

Could it be related to my past life’s death and the missing memories?

 

Thinking that way, I suddenly recalled the time of my resurrection.

 

‘Back then, I definitely heard my past life’s voice. Asking if I didn’t want to live.’

 

But I wasn’t the type to leave such a will (or communication).

 

Who was I at that time?

 

I fell into contemplation with no clear answer.

 

* * *

 

On the outskirts of the Empire, shrouded in darkness without a single point of light, Ruslara was walking along the quiet road with an excited heart.

 

She had finally finished her schedule in her hometown and was returning to the Imperial Capital.

 

‘I’m glad my whole family is healthy. Now I can be with Her Highness with peace of mind.’

 

When she returned to her hometown, she told her family that she had gained her freedom and explained what had happened. Her family was greatly pleased to hear that Ruslara would be staying with Asmodina.

 

‘We’ve kept you caged like a bird. You’re a proper warrior.’

 

At the heartfelt words from family members who finally acknowledged her, Ruslara swallowed back her tears.

 

After that touching reunion ended, she suggested they all look for a hideout around the capital together. It meant joining together as Deina’s subordinates.

 

However, Mihilda, the representative of the Baobhan sith, refused, saying they couldn’t do that.

 

‘You said those targeting us were fellow demons? I have someone in mind. Pursuing her takes priority.’

 

She continued explaining the reason they couldn’t move.

 

‘If we become more indebted to the Princess, the Temple might catch our trail. It won’t be too late to move after the Princess builds her forces and we have a perfect hideout.’

 

At Mihilda’s rational decision, Ruslara had no choice but to return to the capital alone. Still, her steps were lighter than before.

 

‘I must tell the Princess this news quickly. She’ll surely be delighted!’

 

With dozens of Baobhan sith expressing their intention to join, it would certainly be a great help to Deina.

 

With such joy, as she ran day and night without rest, before her appeared.

 

“Hey, you. You’re a Baobhan sith, right?”

 

A violet demon with overwhelming magical power appeared.

 

At such sinister magical power, Ruslara reflexively drew the sword at her waist.

 

“Who are you! Your identity…”

 

At that moment, sharp tree roots sprouting from the ground flew toward Ruslara.

 

‘Oh no, I need to dodge…!’

 

Before Ruslara could even react, the swiftly shot roots pierced through her thigh in an instant.

 

“Aaaaah!”

 

Watching her writhe on the ground, the demon spoke.

 

“You should answer ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ Why are you asking back and acting up? Lost your discipline?”

 

It was a tone that seemed indifferent to Ruslara’s pain.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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