Pretending to Be Human Is Exhausting Again Today - Chapter 46

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

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Pretending to Be Human: Episode 046

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My adopted daughter, Asmo-rina.

Her biological father was the previous Second Legion Commander, a mentor figure who taught me the mindset of a soldier and the bearing of a captain.

But the Second Legion Commander fell to an enemy ambush. Treating him as family, I adopted his daughter, Asmo-rina.

At the time, I was still a young demon, so she seemed more like a younger sister than a daughter.

Yet I never became a good family member to her. I was too busy to be at her side, and she refused to let me draw close.

“Don’t pretend to be family. It’s disgusting.”

“You say my parents asked you to? That’s hilarious. What does that stubborn old fool have to do with me?”

“Asmo… so you were the one who gave that cursed name to the old fool?”

Such were the curses she spat every time we met.

After years of effort and countless hardships, I succeeded in hearing her call me “Mother,” but our relationship barely improved.

Her wariness only deepened. Without my permission, she enlisted, went to war, earned great merit, and ascended to the vacant position of Second Legion Commander.

When I asked why she became a soldier despite hating it so much, she snapped back.

“I became a soldier because I could use my power freely. Did you think I followed your example? Do you really think I became a legion commander because I wanted to be by your side?”

I regretted asking and never inquired about her motivation again.

In any case, after becoming a soldier, she grew far more violent. While she never injured her subordinates, she treated enemies so brutally that she was brought before the Military Tribunal.

Naturally, her manner of speech toward me never softened into that of a daughter.

So much so that Gregorina, the Third Legion Commander, who witnessed us together, said this.

“It seems… you two would be better suited operating in different sectors.”

‘Not so much opposition, but a dangerous combination?’

The most troublesome soldier under my command. Yet a skilled warrior who had risen to Legion Commander at the youngest age.

And my family.

This was all I knew of Asmo-rina.

“It seems that Asmo-rina is in the Human Realm. What do you think?”

In the dimly lit Reception Room of the Separate Palace with curtains drawn, I asked while observing Gregory standing at attention.

He furrowed his brow slightly and spoke.

“Is that confirmed information?”

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

“Hmm….”

Gregory exhaled a worried sigh, uncharacteristic of him. He was one of those who found Asmo-rina particularly troublesome.

“If what you say is true, then Asmo-rina… no, the Second Legion Commander will overturn the entire continent searching for Her Highness the Princess.”

“I think so too.”

As I wore an expression of concern, Gregory spoke as if to comfort me.

“Of course, I don’t believe the Second Legion Commander would ever harm Her Highness the Princess….”

“Would she really not?”

I rested my chin in my hand and recalled her temperament.

“Do you remember when I disappeared from that child’s sight because of a covert operation? I was gone for about two years.”

“I remember.”

“What happened then?”

“…A bomb has fallen on Military Headquarters.”

For context, it was a bomb entangled with the roots of hundreds of trees. Had the perceptive Third Legion Commander not evacuated the personnel beforehand, it would have been a catastrophic incident claiming thousands of lives.

“And when I deliberately remained behind to ensure a safe retreat?”

“I destroyed the supply unit.”

“Then, what do you suppose will happen when they learn of my disappearance this time?”

Gregory paused briefly before answering.

“I would demolish the Imperial Palace.”

“Would that suffice?”

“…Perhaps reduce the Capital to half-ruins?”

“Humans are not like demons. They perish far too easily from even the smallest disturbance.”

Gregory responded with understated agreement, nodding readily.

I exhaled deeply and leaned back against my chair.

“If I wish to live as human, I must avoid him. That child regards humans as beneath insects, so association would only invite greater danger.”

“I concur. Bloodshed is inevitable.”

The moment he laid eyes on me, he would declare: ‘A demon general living in a human body—such disgrace demands death.’

Yet my current life mattered far more to me than Asmodina’s ever had. I harbored no regrets toward Gregory and my other subordinates, but I had long since abandoned my existence in the Demon Realm.

‘Had I truly yearned for the Demon Realm, I would not be living as a Princess. I would have already sought a way to return.’

Even as I marveled at the fact of my reincarnation, this was the reason I had chosen humanity.

Death would be preferable to returning to the Demon Realm.

For my sake. For everyone’s sake.

“By the way, Your Highness the Princess.”

“Hmm?”

“Do you know why the Second Legion Commander is searching for you?”

“To vent her frustrations, perhaps?”

I had delegated all my rights and responsibilities as commander to the legion commanders before my retirement. Gregorina accepted without complaint, but Asmo-rina did not.

‘Don’t be ridiculous! Who decides to retire on their own terms!’

But at that time, I had no intention of returning to the front lines, so I ignored her objections and left the military.

Afterward, I heard that all manner of ambitious demons sought to curry favor with Asmo-rina, sensing the power vacuum. Since she was officially my successor, there must have been countless demons eager to align themselves with her.

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

I could vividly picture her rage.

“She despised me thoroughly, so being forced into the role of successor must have been agonizing. Yet it wasn’t a position she could simply abandon either… She has every reason to harbor resentment toward me.”

“…Do you truly believe that’s the only reason she would seek you out in the Human Realm?”

“Yes, or perhaps not?”

I could think of no other cause. She was the sort of child who wouldn’t even share a meal with me—she’d kick over the prepared table and storm away. Moreover, once she harbored a grudge, she never forgot it. Even if decades passed, she would never abandon her desire for vengeance.

Then Gregorina muttered something under his breath.

“How could I possibly…”

“What?”

“It’s nothing. I’ve simply been reminded of my own helplessness.”

“…?”

He shook his head, indicating he had nothing more to add on the subject.

“So, what should our direction be going forward….”

“The same as now—living without revealing that we’re Demons. And if any information about Asmo-rina surfaces, investigating it becomes our top priority.”

In that sense, meeting with the Princess of Jins Kingdom was a golden opportunity. I could obtain information about the Rebel Army from her.

Just then, Gregory furrowed his brow as if sensing something amiss.

“But Second Legion Commander, how did you learn that the Princess was in the Human Realm? Did you perhaps leave behind some clue in the Demon Realm….”

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

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

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

Could it be connected to my past-life death and the vanished memories?

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

‘At that time, I definitely heard my past self’s voice. Asking if I wanted to live.’

But I was not the type to leave behind such a will—or message.

Who was I back then?

I fell into contemplation with no answer in sight.

* * *

On a quiet road through the Outskirts of the Empire, shrouded in absolute darkness, Ruslara walked with an eager heart.

She had finally completed her business in her hometown and was returning to the Imperial Capital.

‘It’s a relief that the whole family is healthy. Now I can be at ease accompanying the Princess.’

Upon returning to her hometown, she informed her family that she had gained her freedom and explained everything that had transpired. Her family rejoiced greatly at Ruslara’s words that she would now be with Asmodina.

‘We had kept you caged like a bird. You are a true warrior, after all.’

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

After such a moving reunion ended, she proposed that they all search together for a hideout around the Capital. It meant joining as subordinates under Deina.

But Mihilda, the representative of Baobhan sith, refused.

‘You said those targeting us were of our own kind? Someone comes to mind. Pursuing her takes priority.’

She continued explaining the reason she could not move.

‘If we owe the Princess any more favors, the Temple might catch our tail. After the Princess builds her own forces and we secure a perfect hideout, we can relocate then.’

Faced with Mihilda’s rational decision, Ruslara had no choice but to return to the Capital alone. Still, her steps felt lighter than before.

‘I must tell the Princess about this right away. She’ll surely be delighted!’

With dozens of Baobhan sith expressing their willingness to join, it would certainly be a tremendous asset to Deina.

Thus, racing forward day and night with joy in her heart, she suddenly found herself face to face with—

“Hey, you. Baobhan sith?”

A Violet Demon with overwhelming magical power materialized before her.

Ruslara reflexively drew the sword at her waist, recoiling from such an eerie aura of power.

“Who are you! Reveal your—”

In that instant, sharp wooden roots erupted from the ground, hurtling toward Ruslara.

‘Damn, I need to dodge—!’

Before Ruslara could even react, the rapidly fired roots pierced straight through her thigh in a single moment.

“Aaaahhh!”

Watching her collapse to the ground, the Demon spoke.

“You should answer with ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ Why are you asking back and making a fuss? Your discipline has grown slack.”

Ruslara spoke as though indifferent to his own suffering.

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

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