Chapter 78: A Moment of Respite

The gentle clink of a coffee cup on a table seemed a foreign concept to Lamia.

It was akin to her old habits in the Demon Lord’s Castle, where she’d simply grab handfuls of Magic Stones and shove them into her ‘mouth’—though the very notion of her having a mouth was debatable, the sensory organs for taste certainly remained.

Her eating habits, naturally, were swift and decisive, befitting a great Demon Lord who always had pressing matters awaiting her attention.

This ingrained habit had proven difficult to shed, particularly when she was among her ‘old acquaintances.’

While at Wade’s home, she could still feign politeness, slowly savoring her meals as a token of respect for the chef.

Now, however, surrounded by familiar faces, there was no need for pretense. She gulped down the coffee in two or three rapid mouthfuls, consuming the refined beverage with the gusto of a seasoned drinker enjoying a potent spirit.

“Would you like more?”

Noticing the Demon Lord had finished, they reached out to collect the empty cup.

“Hmm… if it’s not too much trouble, another cup perhaps?”

Lamia licked her lips, savoring the coffee’s lingering warmth, as if still contemplating the unique taste of this human beverage.

The addition of Magic Stone powder certainly enhanced its flavor, making it truly delightful.

“Of course, I’ll prepare it for you.”

Kaze smiled, a hint of genuine pleasure in his expression as he prepared Lamia’s next cup. To be able to bring a smile to the Demon Lord’s face was indeed a source of quiet joy for him.

“It’s quite good, isn’t it, my dear sister? I also have some pastries that pair perfectly with coffee. Feel free to take any you like; I’ve sprinkled them all with Magic Stone powder.”

“Excellent, then I’ll take two pieces later for my usual enjoyment.”

As Lilith prepared the items, Lamia had no intention of refusing. This gesture could, in fact, be considered a ‘normal exchange.’

After all, despite her private amiability, she remained the formidable Demon Lord of the Demon Lord’s Castle. It was hardly uncommon for subordinates to offer such ‘gifts’ to their Demon Lord.

Thus, if Lilith offered, she would accept.

“Life in human society is quite pleasant, isn’t it? My dear sister, do you…

…feel a sense of novelty?”

Lilith’s face still held that familiar, knowing look, her eyes crinkling in a smile.

“Hmm… there certainly is.” Lamia answered truthfully. “Human society and the ecological illusion of the Demon Lord’s Castle are quite different. It truly offers a sense of novelty.”

“Then why not stay a little longer? It’s much more enjoyable here than in the Demon Lord’s Castle, isn’t it?”

The opening remark had merely been a prelude to this very question, a sentiment Kaze struggled to voice himself.

Indeed, stay a while longer.

Anywhere was preferable to the Demon Lord’s Castle.

“Human territories certainly hold many interesting facets. You could easily extend your stay for a significant period. There’s no need to rush back to the Demon Lord’s Castle so hastily.”

Upon hearing Lilith successfully steer the conversation this way, Kaze quickly chimed in. He seized the opportunity to express his own views.

Of course, this was no longer simply an opinion; it bordered on an ‘entreaty.’ He genuinely wished for Lamia to remain among humans.

Those individuals in the Demon Lord’s Castle were beyond saving.

‘Even Kaze finds this place interesting?’

Yet, Lamia’s attention was entirely focused on Kaze’s initial remark.

Kaze, after all, was known for his perpetual air of disinterest. He was capable of doing anything, mastering anything, yet rarely found anything truly captivating.

To hear him utter the word “interesting” was genuinely surprising to Lamia.

In Kaze’s entire life, there seemed to have been only two instances of intense emotional upheaval. The first was when Lamia had just rescued him.

Back then, Kaze, a mere child Flame Demon, had clung to the leg of her dark, imposing armor. He had cried and shouted, “Demon Lord, your life-saving grace is beyond repayment!”

“I will never be disloyal in this lifetime! This life of mine belongs to you!”

Lamia could even now recall the sound of crackling sparks. They had erupted uncontrollably around his head due to his sheer excitement.

At that point, Kaze hadn’t even possessed a human form; he was little more than a fiery, vaguely head-shaped entity.

The second instance occurred when Kaze openly quarreled with Orlan in the Council Chamber. The exact trivial issues they had argued over had long since faded from Lamia’s memory.

However, Kaze’s true objective had been singular: he wanted to provoke an argument with Orlan, thereby revoking his access to the Council Chamber. This would ensure he’d never have to lay eyes on Orlan again for the rest of his life.

By then, Kaze had already adopted a somewhat human-like form. Though still distinctly ‘demonic’ in nature, he bore a resemblance to a human.

It was undeniable that, even then, Kaze’s appearance clearly marked him as Lamia’s subordinate. Lamia herself, at that time, was a black-armored figure wreathed in dark miasma.

Kaze’s adult form, too, was a black and crimson armor, wreathed in flames. The cascading red — whether a long tassel from his helmet or a blend of hair and cape — was unclear.

Regardless, any strong emotional fluctuation would cause sparks to erupt around his head. This particular trait had never changed. The day he argued with Orlan, his ‘fiery’ disposition had physically threatened to rip the ceiling off.

“Interesting… yes, it certainly is. After all, having spent so long in the Demon Lord’s Castle, occasionally experiencing life outside is quite pleasant, my Lord.”

Kaze was always straightforward, a man of blunt honesty in many respects. Even when Lilith poured him coffee, a time when he wasn’t particularly fond of her, he would still offer a polite thank you.

Now, facing the Demon Lord’s teasing remark, he responded with equal candor. There was simply no need for pretense.

“Indeed… it’s quite good. These past few days in human society have brought me entirely new insights. Hmph… I’ve even managed to get some rare, good sleep.”

She took the freshly made coffee from Kaze and gently blew on its steaming surface. Her voice sounded considerably more relaxed, and she chuckled softly.

She didn’t actually need to blow on it; such heat was inconsequential to her. Yet, these small human habits had begun to subtly take root within her.

“Then, please, stay a while longer.”

Hearing Lamia’s words, Kaze quickly pressed his advantage.

Lamia gazed at Kaze, whose tone held a hint of urgency, and she smiled.

She seemed to understand Kaze’s intentions, for he had always stood unequivocally by her side. For years, he had consistently considered her well-being above all else.

“—It’s impossible.”

Yet, in the end, she shook her head.

She bore too many responsibilities, burdens that often left her gasping for air.

“But… you don’t like that place at all.”

“No, this has nothing to do with my personal preferences. I don’t need to entertain such thoughts of ‘liking’ or ‘disliking,’ Kaze.”

As Lamia spoke, she took a deep breath, as if the warm coffee flowing down her throat aided her contemplation. She then exhaled a plume of warm air.

“My personal preferences are meaningless. What matters is what I must do.”

“—And what is it that you must do?”

The voice came from behind her.

Lamia instinctively turned her head, her gaze falling upon the man who had entered the doorway unnoticed.

“…Wade?”