Chapter 246
At the time, circumstances hadn’t allowed it to be used, but at Roman’s request, Carmen had developed a magic tool that could find any human in the world as long as you had a single strand of their hair.
Roman, of course, had paid dearly for that favor.
“Hehe. Once I find them, I’m going to drain them dry.”
“Don’t kill them, okay, sis?”
“I know, I know. It’s just an expression.”
Still, Ashtel wasn’t entirely convinced.
* * *
Hoping Duvalkan and Van would be alright, Ashtel and Payne moved on to their next stop.
As evening approached, they headed to Jo’s territory, known for its abundance of food. Typically, succubi didn’t need to eat physical food, since they subsisted on life force.
But since Ashtel, Payne, and Roman now required actual nutrients, everyone agreed to share meals together during their ten-day visit.
Jo’s place was overflowing with fresh meat—she loved hunting wild game—but the problem was, it was nothing but meat.
“Sis, I want to eat some veggies too!”
“What? Veggies?”
“Can we eat the plants that grow in the demon realm?”
“Of course not!”
Naturally, chaos ensued.
The first three or four days had been fine, since Payne had prepared food from the human world, but now that they were eating only what Jo caught, everyone was getting a little sick of meat.
Ashtel, especially—her experience as a maid in Medialle had made her fond of simple, balanced meals. Carrot soup, a little salad with sauce… She’d never complained before, because whatever Payne cooked was always delicious, but even he could tell she was getting tired of the menu.
‘What should I do?’
Payne wondered, scanning the area for a solution. Just then, he noticed Hela slipping off somewhere.
“Hela, where are you going?”
“Whoa, you startled me! Why are you following me?”
He’d figured she was off to get some ingredients—after all, this was still the demon realm, so he wasn’t about to let his guard down, even if it was Ashtel’s family territory.
Hela let out a sigh.
“Here, take this.”
“…What’s this?”
Food from the human world. It looked freshly washed and neatly arranged, probably store-bought.
“When did you buy this?”
“Day before yesterday.”
“Ashtel’s going to be so happy if she finds out.”
“Yeah, I know. But just take it.”
“What?”
It was an uncharacteristic gesture from Hela. Normally, she’d be the one to present Ashtel with a bounty and bask in her sister’s praise.
“You’ve been through enough coming to the demon realm. Go get some of Sue’s love.”
“…..”
Payne just stared, dumbfounded.
That Ashtel already showered him with love was one thing, but for Hela—a demon—to yield something to him was remarkable.
Maybe, as Ashtel had said, the fruits of the Asti tree truly were capable of loving others. Maybe Hela was finally accepting him as family, as her beloved sister’s husband.
“To be honest, we only brought you here to test you.”
“I figured as much.”
“Yeah, I thought you were just tagging along with Sue… Wait, you knew?”
“Yes.”
Wouldn’t it be stranger if he hadn’t? Living with the in-laws in the demon realm was hardly a normal thing.
“But I get it. I’m responsible for Ashtel’s choices.”
“True. If it wasn’t for Sue, you wouldn’t have had to deal with things like heat cycles and all that.”
She had a point. Payne looked at Hela with newfound respect—she was more objective than he’d given her credit for.
“But if it’s a trial Sue gives you, you’d better just accept it.”
Objective, but still completely biased.
Payne regained his composure and just nodded. Best not to protest, lest he risk another round of teasing.
He was a little embarrassed to hear someone besides Ashtel mention his ‘heat.’ He didn’t want to blush in front of Hela, so he just took the food and prepared to head back.
But Hela stared at him for a long moment before asking, quietly.
“Do you really love Sue?”
It was an unexpected question.
Of all things, for a demon—a succubus, no less—to talk about love. Payne was caught off guard, but after only a moment, he turned to meet Hela.
With a calm, sincere smile, one as steady as the love Ashtel had taught him.
“Yes. I love her.”
After all, it was Ashtel who had taught him what love truly meant.
* * *
The meal was a success.
Hela’s attitude toward Payne had softened, though she still complained and fussed over Ashtel as usual, wishing her little sister would settle down in the demon realm.
But she knew it was selfish to hope for such a thing. After all, humans couldn’t live here forever.
Still, seeing Ashtel and Payne look at each other and laugh so happily, Hela was able to set her worries aside.
As long as her little sister was this happy, that was enough.
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