Reincarnated as a Princess's Pet: With Trash Stats, but SSS-Rank Skill-Chapter 74: Lucifero’s Truth

The sewer door creaked open, releasing a metallic groan. The light from the hall greeted them—along with the smell of blood.

Max was the first to climb the stairs, and he froze as soon as he saw the scene in front of him.

"...no way..."

The floor was covered in blood. Completely red. Soaked. Remains of bodies scattered everywhere. Flesh. Bones. And at the center lay Cerberus—or what was left of him. His massive body lay still.

The armor was completely destroyed. The chains, broken. Two of his heads were severed and mangled. The third hung limp, claw marks across its face. There were pieces of bodies still inside its mouth.

Azael came up behind him and stopped. His eyes widened slightly. Then his expression hardened.

"...I can’t believe it."

He clenched his fists.

"...that bastard actually dared to do this to me."

His eyes swept over the devastation.

"...and I can’t believe my father would let someone like that into our home..."

He gritted his teeth.

"...just for his money."

Max swallowed, still staring at the beast’s body.

"...I really don’t get it..."

He shook his head slightly.

"...how can he be that desperate for money?"

Pause.

"...he’s the Lord of these lands."

Azael let out a dry, humorless laugh.

"...he’s not, actually."

Max turned his head.

"...what? How?"

Azael took a few steps forward, walking through the blood without hesitation.

"...because of a stupid magical contract..."

He shook his head.

"...these lands don’t belong to him."

His eyes fixed on nothing.

"...they belong to Dante."

The atmosphere turned tense.

Max frowned.

"...you’re joking, right...?"

Azael shook his head.

"...one night, at a party."

He stepped over a mangled leg.

"...my father was very drunk."

He picked up a head from the floor.

"...surrounded by Dante’s succubi."

His voice dropped. Bitter.

"...he bet the kingdom."

He crushed the skull in his hand.

"...and lost."

Max blinked, processing what Azael was telling him. Then he let out a short breath.

"...I don’t know why..."

He shook his head.

"...but I’m not surprised."

Something shifted inside him. This information wasn’t in the game. Lucifer hadn’t been portrayed like this. Max narrowed his eyes, listening more closely now.

Azael continued.

"...since then..."

He turned slightly.

"...Dante walks freely through the demon kingdom."

Pause.

"...because it actually belongs to him."

A chill ran down Max’s spine.

"...wait..."

Azael glanced at him.

"...my father..."

There was anger in his gaze.

"...pays him for these lands."

He placed a hand on Cerberus’ body.

"...in simple terms..."

A bitter smile.

"...he rents the kingdom."

Max’s eyes widened.

"...no way..."

Azael continued, relentless.

"...the title of king..."

Pause.

"...as well."

Each word felt heavier than the last.

"...but the real owner..."

His eyes hardened.

"...is that idiot, Dante."

Max stayed silent, processing everything Azael had just revealed. How everything kept getting worse.

Azael kept walking, as if speaking was easier than thinking.

"...that’s why he wants to conquer other lands."

He stopped.

"...to move the kingdom, or expand it."

His voice lowered even more.

"...but to have something of his own."

Silence.

"...because Dante won’t give it back."

Max clenched his teeth.

"...unless..."

Azael looked at him, straight in the eyes.

"...he convinces him by handing over one of his daughters."

He pointed at Abby.

"...so she can take the place of his seventh wife, now that it’s vacant."

Max turned his head, looking at Abby, still unconscious in the skeleton’s arms.

His expression hardened.

"...so that’s why he’s giving her away so easily."

Azael slowly shook his head.

"...no."

He stepped closer. His gaze softened slightly as he looked at her.

"...this didn’t start now."

Pause.

"...he’s been preparing her her whole life."

He adjusted her hair.

"...to sell her."

Max felt something rise in his chest. Anger.

"...no offense, but this situation just keeps getting worse."

He tightened his grip on the hammer.

"...it must’ve been hell growing up like that."

He took a deep breath.

"...with a father like that."

Azael didn’t respond immediately. He stared ahead, thoughtful.

Then he shrugged.

"...you have no idea."

But he didn’t sound angry. Or sad.

Just... used to it.

"...but you learn."

A faint smile appeared on his face. Tired.

"...to see things differently."

Silence grew heavy.

Azael looked away.

Then back at Max. More serious. More direct.

"...now that you know the truth, and all the shit in this kingdom..."

He clenched his fists slightly.

"...don’t forget what you promised me."

His eyes hardened.

"...help me face him and take my wife back."

Max looked at him, uncertain.

Then he exhaled, a faint smile forming.

"...you mean the blood pact?"

He raised an eyebrow.

"...because if it’s about that..."

He shrugged.

"...even if I wanted to, I’m screwed."

Azael stared at him, not reacting.

Max let out a small, tired laugh.

"...if I don’t follow through, I die. Not much of a choice, right?"

His gaze shifted to Abby.

"...besides, Dante’s never going to leave her alone."

He smiled with conviction.

"...guess I’ve got no choice but to smash his face in."

Azael watched him. In silence. Evaluating him.

Then he nodded.

"...if everything goes well..."

His voice lowered.

"...take Abigail far away from this kingdom."

Max frowned slightly.

Azael continued, without looking at him.

"...from my father."

Silence.

"...as soon as I can..."

A soft exhale.

"...I’ll leave too."

For a moment, his tone changed. Lighter. More honest.

"...somewhere all this shit can’t reach me."

Max glanced at him. Then nodded without hesitation.

"...that’s the plan."

He tightened the collar in his hand.

"...far away."

Azael turned halfway around and pointed toward the metal gate.

"...then let’s move."

The skeletons began to advance. One of them carefully carrying Abby.

Max took the first step. The pain was still there—but it didn’t matter anymore. They crossed the hall, through blood and remains, leaving Cerberus’ ruined body behind.

The gate stood open. Waiting for them.

And without looking back, they walked out.

Leaving the scene of horror sealed in darkness behind them.