The Demon and the Healer - Chapter 16- What she wants...
“Where are we heading to, exactly?”
Generally, I do not tend to be this curious nor impatient but walking aimlessly for more than an hour now brought such a query.
The Emperor was suspiciously lenient at lending me permission to go out with Ray. I have no idea what he’s brewing in the shadows but as closely as I know my father and his right hand, The Prime Minister, I know for sure that they would not let this matter pass by this easily and accept Ray’s presence in my life just because he showed such an overwhelming might.
By now, it must have become clear to them how outmatched the royal army, the holy church, and most importantly the Light hero were in front of this man walking to my left right now.
A demon who can withstand the effect of the veil, can trespass the holy barrier around the palace yet still possess such an immense presence was undoubtedly subject to getting concerned, but only for those who see Ray as a threat.
From my point of view, Ray was many things but a catastrophe like the Demon Lord. When I asked him in the demon caste whether Ray also had dreams of world dominance, his answer greatly shocked me:
“I was just getting bored that’s why I am here in the first place. Conquering the world…nah. I am fine with having a small shelter and spending the rest of my life in solitary…”
A demon with such caliber had more human-like expectations from his future…or to be precise, I strongly believe that even one percent of the human populace has such uncomplicated and simple plans. With that much might, Ray could have strived for greater heights yet…
Returning to the present I saw Ray making a complicated expression, seemingly finding it difficult what to say here, when I suddenly realized something.
“You don’t know anything about a date, right?”
Whether it was my words or my unusually playful tone, I saw his body jerking a bit after he came to a halt. My feet naturally paused as well before I titled my body forward and with a grin, peeked at his blank face.
Don’t tell…was he embarrassed right now?
Oh lord, is this man for real? After confidently inviting me to date now he was contemplating his decisions?
In normal circumstances, a woman should have been getting annoyed by such a notion but for me, only amusement is what I could feel building and a fit of laughter which I was barely holding in.
“You are strangely rude, woman, to laugh at my helplessness.”
“Oh my, I am sorry. But isn’t it hilarious to think that the prideful Demon General whose mere gaze made the courtroom shake in fret is now finding it difficult to lead a date?”
I was not able to hold it in, and much to Ray’s annoyance, I began to laugh loudly this time. Fortunately, there was not anyone around since my dear Ray did not even know the route to the city market.
We were still walking at the border region between the main palace and the city grounds where majorly forests were widespread.
“Okay, then how about we go to see some plays and eat outside?”
This was the generic route of a date I have mostly heard about from my friends and even the recent first experience of dating I had with Helios told the same thing.
Since I had not much knowledge regarding the subject I chose to follow the norm, but…
“Is this something you would like to do, woman?”
My steps halted with a strange “Eh?” leaking out in confusion at his words.
Seeing my unladylike expression, he explained, “Tell me truly where you feel comfortable and want to spend your time. I would like to know such a place more than any fancy eatery or something.”
Ray…are you a natural charmer? This is what I would have liked if not for the sudden sensation of warmth spreading inside my chest which was a foreign experience.
Majorly, dates between a couple start and end with the male’s preferences and that was a common practice in this current era. They decide the venue and everything related. However, to think Ray would consider my feelings rather than imply his ideas…
It was true that Ray didn’t know any ideal place for a date but it doesn’t change the fact that he moved my heart with those words.
I turned toward my left with a soft smile spreading on my lips before I began to lead.
“Follow me.”
*******
‘Ah…it’s getting annoying… ‘
The number of bystanders gawking at us like we were some specimen out of the experimentation ward, has been making me irritated by now.
I usually get flocked by children whenever I visit the city and many elders come to greet me both because of my status as a princess and as a Hero, but now all I could see was wariness and looks of caution on townspeople.
Not even a whole day has passed and the whole capital now knows what transpired yesterday. Well, it was indeed a little disheartening but now I was getting accustomed to it.
Having accepted being an outcast…was it something in my behavior I should get worried about? Generally, people tend to fall into endless despair but here I am. Enjoying the day, bringing my date to my only remaining friend’s house.
Lily was the only one who despite knowing all the things which happened between me and Ray in the palace, never judged me nor put any hatred for demons to become a hindrance in our friendship.
If anyone to whom I could introduce as my relative or associate then it was only my late comrade’s wife and daughter.
“Hmmm…?”
A sense of anxiety ran across my spine as I neared the sole mansion built on the outskirts of the capital signifying that the place was expensive to buy, but for a hero, it was nothing.
I no longer kept noticing whether my company was following me or not since the feeling of unease was raising exponentially as much I inched close to the ominously silent house which had its doors entirely pushed apart.
There were no guards at the entrance which I considered bothering about for later before walking inside the mansion…only to find my heart falling into greater depth of apprehension.
“Ellie?!”
I rushed toward the small girl who was lying motionlessly on the floor with a pale face. There was dirt tainting her features, sprawled hair, and a streak of blood trailing down her head.
For a moment there I forgot to breathe seeing the all-time cheerful and lively little girl like that, my heart began to slow down to the point where I doubted I might fall any second now.
“Calm down, Charlotte.”
It would be after a long that I would realize that this was the first time Ray called my name since my attention was currently directed at the warming sensation spread across my body and also the faint glow radiating around Ellie’s frame, bringing the natural shade back to her face. Her wound also healed up and her face was cleansed as well.
She has yet to wake up but her breathing was now calm and from my analysis magic I could sense that Ellie was now just comfortably sleeping.
If not for Ray’s finger brushing against my cheeks, I would not have motives anytime soon that I already was wailing.
“T-Thank you.” I stuttered, probably not even a percent of gratitude I could have expressed with mere words but right now I could express only that before I took the little girl in my arms and laid her on the couch.
“Lili is not here…” I used observation and there was no other signature in the house. The flipped furniture and the muddy footprints on the floor signify someone has intruded and Lili is most probably taken away by those varmints.
“We have to find her-”
“There’s no need. I have already located her.”
I turned my head toward Ray and got slightly startled to see an extra eye in the middle of his forehead which soon retracted.
I patiently waited for him to disclose her location but I could have never expected who was after this incident…
“Adam von Carlesthine, your elder brother has the mother of this lass.”
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A/N: – Drop a comment~