Chapter 45: The Demon King’s Daughter

It was a kind of natural palace (if that was even the right word for it), formed from entire trees that had intertwined of their own accord, along with countless vines.

The structure was fairly large, but it was infinitely smaller than Dusk Manor, and there was no way it would pass even the most basic moisture-control building code.

Still, he could not complain. It had been a gift, after all.

Nerez had told Avelle that he would soon have to leave in search of the river of death, but the local goddess had replied that it was meant for his future visits.

It was the first time Nerez had seen it completed, as well as the first time he had entered it, but the inauguration ceremony would have to wait. At that moment, everyone’s attention was fixed on the figure prostrated on the floor.

On the floor of a throne room, so to speak. The throne itself was made of wood and decorated with various reliefs depicting the battle in which Nerez had prevailed over Avelle’s forces.

A rather curious choice, considering Avelle herself had prepared it.

Nerez sat on that throne (he had given in to everyone’s expectant gazes), with Cerys and Avelle standing beside him. The rest of the hall was filled with dryads and other forest spirits.

All of them were staring, each with a different expression, at the figure prostrated on the floor.

“I cannot believe I attacked Lady Avelle’s own lord, the god of death himself…” Drazira lowered her head so deeply that it struck the floor. “More importantly, I attacked the very person who rescued me from the water when everyone else was afraid. I deserve to have my head cut off!”

“And don’t forget you took advantage of me!” Cerys exclaimed, causing Nerez to cover his mouth to hold back his laughter.

“What are we to do with her, Lord Nereziel?” Avelle asked in turn. “I would like to request clemency, considering I have only just finished healing her… But it is true that raising a hand against you is a grave offense.”

“That’s true,” Cerys agreed. “We should cut off her head like she’s asking. And after that, Avelle, the coward, comes next, since she did the same thing before.”

Hearing that, Avelle crossed her arms indignantly.

“Were you not the first to raise your hand against Lord Nereziel, Lady Reaper? You drunkenly boasted that you had given him a good fight only a few nights ago!”

“I wasn’t drunk! Besides, it was a fair contest, and I did die for it, so it doesn’t count anymore!”

Whispers had begun spreading through the hall over the exchange between the two goddesses, but silence returned when Nerez raised his hand.

“Cerys, it’s about time you made peace with Avelle. It’s true she didn’t make the best first impression on you, but she’s doing me quite a few favors right now, especially by handling one very important matter I’ve entrusted to her.”

“It is not a favor, Lord Nereziel. It is my pleasure to serve you,” Avelle replied, bowing to him and sticking her tongue out at Cerys in the process.

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The sparks in Cerys’s eyes seemed intent on reducing the place to ashes, but Nerez raised his hand again to stop her.

“You too, Avelle. You know how Cerys is. Don’t go adding timber to the fire… Mm, considering the nature of you two, that’s a pretty fitting metaphor.”

“So? What are we going to do with this pervert?” Cerys finally huffed, turning her attention back to the prostrated Drazira. “At the very least, I think we should cut off her lips.”

“Cerys, you need to learn not to be so impulsive, and above all, not to shove me around whenever you feel like it… Consider that kiss your punishment and let it go once and for all.”

“Tch…”

“Besides, I’ll be the one to bring this up when you least expect it, just so I can laugh in your face.”

“When that happens, you’re going to earn yourself a bite!”