"I'm gonna pretend I didn't just hear what I think you just said, Ronald," Dante muttered, brushing the man's hand off and standing up.
"I think I've overstayed my welcome. I'll be taking my leave."
He was halfway to the door when the sound of footsteps echoed from the kitchen.
"Damn it, old man. Act natural," Dante hissed under his breath.
"Shit!" Ronald scrambled back into his seat, forcing an awkward smile as Erona entered.
"Hm? Did I miss something interesting?" she asked, setting down a platter of freshly steamed buns.
Ronald coughed. "Erona, why don't you sit next to Maladeva? You're both sixteen, after all."
"Father…"
"Erona." His tone sharpened.
She pouted, dragging her chair beside Dante's. "Fine."
Dante smirked, knowing full well what Ronald was trying to do.
"Oh, would you look at the time!" Ronald suddenly announced, rising so fast his chair nearly toppled over. "I forgot—an urgent errand from the guild! You two enjoy breakfast! I'll be back in ten minutes, hahaha!"
Before either of them could react, he bolted out the door and slammed it shut behind him.
"Bitch," both Dante and Erona said at the same time.
They blinked, then glanced at each other.
"No offense?" Dante offered.
"No offense. I mean—who invites someone for breakfast and then runs off on some errand?" Erona groaned, crossing her arms. "That old man's gonna drive me insane."
"Regretting the idea of getting married off already?" Dante teased.
"Ha! Big fat no, Maladeva."
They both laughed. The tension broke — and for a moment, it felt… warm. Their hands brushed, fingers briefly touching.
Erona looked up. "Maladeva… your eyes…"
"Same goes for you," Dante replied softly.
"Kid!" Kilamahi's voice boomed in his mind. "Don't even think about it!"
"Why?" Dante whispered mentally.
"Alderman eyes glow for a reason. Faint glow means desire — mating. Mid-glow is willpower. Full glow…"
"And that is?"
"Wrath. You'd lose control. Pure instinct — pure carnage."
But both Dante and Erona's breathing grew heavier. Their hearts raced.
"Kila! Do something! We're both minors!" Dante pleaded.
Kilamahi groaned. "Damn it, kid—fine!"
A faint divine pressure suppressed the heat between them. But before it could fade completely—
Chu!
Erona's lips crashed onto Dante's. Her tongue slipped past his lips before she realized what she was doing.
"Mmph—!" Dante froze, eyes wide.
"Kila!!!"
"Shit!"
When she finally pulled away, a thin string of saliva hung between them. Both of their eyes widened.
Erona blinked rapidly, noticing her lipstick smeared across his mouth. "I—I—I—uh—"
"I think I should leave…" Dante muttered.
"Y-yeah… right… you should… I'll, uh… pretend this never—"
"Stop! Not one word. Not to Ronald. Got it?"
"Agreed."
They both nodded stiffly. Dante turned on his heel and walked out, shutting the door behind him.
Outside, he sighed. "Great. I kissed a stranger."
"You're lucky you didn't go further," Kilamahi scolded. "If you had, the Alderman's blood in both of you could've gone berserk."
"Worse by law… or Alderman worse?"
"Both, kid!"
"Perfect." Dante pinched the bridge of his nose. "Let's just forget this ever—oof!"
He bumped into someone — Ronald.
"Ah! Maladeva, leaving already?" the man said, amused.
"Yeah. Erona packed me some buns and chicken soup for the road. I'll start my questing today."
"Nahahaha! Good lad. But… have you decided?"
Dante hesitated, exhaling. "I get what you're asking. Let me think on it. I'll be leaving tomorrow — you'll have my answer then."
"Very well." Ronald smiled faintly, then turned serious. "But remember, Maladeva… I'm not asking as a knight or a comrade."
He paused, eyes softening.
"I'm asking as a father."
Ronald walked past him, back toward the house. Dante stood there a moment longer, sighing before heading for the inn.
[Back at the Inn — Morning]
When Dante pushed open the door to his rented room, he found Kaen curled up on the bed, tail twitching slightly as she slept like a kitten in the sun.
"This feline…" Dante muttered.
"Lazy creature…" Kilamahi's voice echoed in his mind, mirroring his thought.
With a snap of his fingers, the brand on Kaen's chest flickered — a brief sting of magic.
"NYAA!!" Kaen jumped up, clutching her chest. "Master, that hurts, nya!"
"I was gone for one hour and you're already taking a nap in the morning?"
"But you told me to stay here, nya…" she murmured, rubbing her eyes.
"True," Dante said, folding his arms. "But I also said you could take a stroll and—wait."
He stepped closer, his sharp eyes narrowing. There were faint bruises on her forehead.
"Who did this?" he asked coldly.
Kaen flinched under his tone. "I… tripped and fell, Master. Ehehe…"
Dante frowned. Those weren't the kind of bruises a simple fall would make. Without a word, he raised his hand, and a soft crimson glow emanated from his palm. The bruises faded as his healing spell took effect.
"Come on," he said at last. "Pack your gear. We're heading to the guild to take on some quests."
Kaen nodded quickly. "Yes, Master."
The moment they entered the guild hall, the atmosphere shifted. Whispers rippled through the air, thick with malice and mockery.
"Hey… isn't that the feline who got kicked out of the Hero's Party?"
"I heard she attacked the hero."
"No, I heard she slept with him and got caught."
"Pfft, disgusting slave."
"Why's she even allowed in here?"
Kaen froze. The venom in their words stabbed deep, and all she could do was lower her head in shame. Her tail drooped as laughter and gossip surrounded her.
"Guess that's what happens when you think you're above humans," someone sneered.
"Ha! Look at her now — high and mighty one day, property the next!"
The jeers continued. Kaen's claws twitched, but she didn't speak. She couldn't.
Dante didn't look back. He walked calmly ahead, voice low but steady.
"Ignore them."
Kaen blinked and looked up slightly.
"Don't listen to what they want you to become," he continued. "You create your own path — whether you're a villain or a hero."
Kaen swallowed hard and nodded. "Yes, Master."
"Good," Dante said. "Don't take this as failure, Kaen. Take it as a lesson."
Together they approached the quest board. Dante tore off a few missions — monster exterminations, bandit cleanups, and a rare bounty request. Kaen followed silently, her eyes still dim but her spirit beginning to spark again.
By the time the sun began to sink behind the city walls, the guild hall was buzzing with new rumors — not of scorn, but awe.
"Did you hear? The slave and her master cleared four quests in a single day!"
"They took down the Raging Wyvern nest at the outskirts!"
"That kid… he's no ordinary adventurer."
As the guild master stamped their papers, both Dante and Kaen were officially promoted to A-Rank before nightfall.
The room glowed softly under the warm lantern light. Dante and Kaen sat across from each other, sharing a simple meal.
"Thanks for the meal, Master, nya!" Kaen said cheerfully, licking a bit of oil from her finger. "It tastes so good! How do you even know how to cook, nya? I thought cooking was always a female's job."
Dante gave her a dry look. "Culinary skill isn't bound by gender or race. Anyone can cook. Since you're feline, I made fish and chips. Figured it'd suit your taste."
Kaen's ears perked up as she wagged her tail. "Thank you, Master, nya! It's crispy outside, warm and soft inside… I never tasted anything like this before, nya."
"If you want seconds, just ask," Dante replied, finishing his mug of ale. "We'll be leaving Vidalier tomorrow night, Kaen. Rest well tonight."
"Don't worry, Master. I'm full—like I just ate a whole horse, nya!"
Dante chuckled quietly. "Do all Sha'karr eat both sea creatures and land meat?"
"Both, Master. But fish is still our favorite, nya."
"I see. Then here."
He reached into his pack and handed her a small, leather-bound notepad. Kaen blinked, ears twitching.
"What's this, nya?"
"Your daily task," Dante said simply. "Every night before you sleep, write down what you did that day. Think of it as a diary. Someday, when you look back, you'll see how far you've grown."
Kaen looked at the notepad for a moment before hugging it gently. "Nya… okay, Master. I'll treasure it."
Dante reached over and patted her head, his fingers brushing under her chin. Kaen's tail stiffened for a moment, then began swaying softly as she purred, eyes half-closed.
"Alright," Dante said with a faint smile. "Take a bath and head to bed. You can sleep on my bed tonight. I don't want you sleeping on the floor anymore, got it?"
Her eyes widened slightly, then softened. "Nya… okay, Master."
As she left for the bath, Dante leaned back in his chair, gazing at the flickering lantern.
"…She's learning fast," he murmured.
Kilamahi's voice echoed softly in his mind.
"She's changing because of you, kid. Whether you realize it or not."
Dante didn't answer. He just watched the lantern flame dance quietly — a small, fragile light in a dark world.
After breakfast, Dante followed his usual morning routine — sharpening his blade, cleaning his coat, and preparing his bag. Kaen waited quietly by the door, tail flicking lazily.
"Before we head to the guild," Dante said, fastening his cloak, "we're making a stop."
"Nya? Where to, Master?"
"The clothing store."
A few minutes later, they stood inside a modest boutique. Kaen blinked at the rows of dresses and tops.
"Nya? Master, this is the female section."
"I know." He gestured toward the racks. "Pick a few. You can't be wearing the same clothes every day, right?"
Kaen's ears twitched nervously. "B-but, Master—"
Before she could finish, a store clerk approached with a polite smile. "Good morning, sir. How may I assist you?"
Dante pointed at Kaen. "She needs clothes. Something that doesn't draw attention, nothing too revealing — but light enough for agility and easy movement."
"Understood," the clerk said with a bow, before hurrying off to select outfits.
A few minutes later, Kaen stepped out of the dressing room wearing a fitted outfit of dark cloth and flexible leather straps, her tail swishing side to side.
"Master, these are too expensive—thirty gold, nya?!"
"I don't care about the price," Dante replied, arms crossed. "Money's just a tool. What matters is using it for the right purpose — and right now, that purpose is you being ready for the road ahead."
Kaen blinked, her ears lowering slightly. "Nya… okay, Master."
She tried a few more sets — a hooded traveler's outfit, a light tunic for training, and a comfortable sleeping dress. Dante paid for them all without hesitation, since slaves couldn't handle coin directly.
As they stepped out of the store, Kaen clutched her small parcel of clothes to her chest. "Thank you, Master… I'll take care of them, nya."
"Good," Dante said simply, adjusting his gloves. "Now let's move. The guild's waiting."
As Dante and Kaen entered the guild, they walked up to the receptionist's counter. The clerk looked up and smiled.
"Ah, Sir Maladeva and Kaen. Today marks your final day here as temporary adventurers. But as for your slave, Kaen…"
"What about her?" Dante asked, his tone calm but edged with authority.
"Before she became a slave, she was registered as part of the Hero's Party—meaning she holds a permanent adventurer license. Since you, Maladeva, are now her contractor, the choice falls to you: abolish or retain her license."
"Keep it," Dante said without hesitation. "It'll be useful in the future—especially when we stop to rest in other towns or kingdoms."
"Very well."
The receptionist stamped several documents before handing them back. "Everything's settled. You may still take on quests before nightfall, Sir Maladeva."
"Thank you for assisting me during my stay in Vidalier, Miss…?"
"Umma. Umma Valle."
Dante nodded politely. "Understood."
He turned to Kaen. "Let's move. We're taking on ten A-rank quests today."
Kaen's tail froze. "Nya?! Ten?!"
"Wish to question that?"
"N-no, Master!"
"Good. Then first, we head to the blacksmith. I know just the man."
The sound of hammering echoed as Dante and Kaen stepped inside.
"Ah, Maladeva!" Ronald greeted with a booming laugh. "And this is… a slave?"
"Morning, Ronald. Yes—but with reason."
Dante explained Kaen's situation. Ronald nodded understandingly, his face softening. "Despite her attacking you on your first day and later being betrayed by the Hero's Party, I can say she's on the right path under your care, Maladeva."
"Hah! See? At least he gets it," Kilamahi's voice teased telepathically, arms crossed in Dante's mind.
"Yeah, yeah. Two minds think alike," Dante replied under his breath.
"So, kid," Ronald said, wiping sweat from his brow, "what kind of weapons you looking for?"
"For me—twin daggers. Forged with chain links etched into the handles. For Kaen—combat gloves with clawed edges and diamond steel plating for parrying."
"Got it, kid! Hahaha!"
After half an hour, Ronald presented the finished weapons. "Here you go, lad. That'll be forty gold."
Dante handed over a pouch. "Make it sixty. Consider it a tip."
"Nahaha! Much appreciated! Oh—and both weapons carry my blessing mark. Unlike the Hero's blade that shattered when you broke it—because that one had no blacksmith's blessing."
As they turned to leave, Dante stopped—facing Erona, standing at the doorway in her black belly-dancer attire beneath a cloak.
"Oh… Maladeva. And that's a Sha'karr, right?"
"Erona, dear," Ronald said quickly, "don't worry. I'll explain later. Be a good girl and walk Maladeva out, will you?"
Erona sighed. "Fine. Let me grab my rag bag first."
When she stepped inside, Ronald leaned close. "About my offer—to let Erona travel with you?"
"My answer's no," Dante said firmly. "It's better this way. There's no threat to her here. If word spread that the rumored Alderman child was her—and not me—they'd hunt you both down. Do you really want that, after finally finding peace?"
Ronald exhaled heavily. "Sigh… My offer still stands, Maladeva. But I understand. Don't worry—your true name is safe with me. The Ruthwilfer Heir Trial will remain secret."
Erona returned, and the three walked together toward town. They stopped outside the diner where Erona performed her sultry routines.
"I guess I won't be seeing you again," she said, twisting a strand of her black hair.
"Don't worry. I might return someday. Can't promise, though."
"You—!"
Dante lifted her chin gently, giving a small smirk. "Stay safe, Erona. And maybe find a proper job next time. Belly dancing doesn't suit a sixteen-year-old."
"Hey! By Vidalier law, sixteen is an adult! So technically, I am an adult—hmph!"
Erona scoffed like a flustered tsundere and stormed into the diner.
"Hmph. Guess she never wondered why her eyes and mine glow the same," Dante muttered.
"Forget it, kid," Kilamahi's voice echoed softly. "I peeked into her memory when you two accidentally kissed. She's living a peaceful life. Let her be."
Dante smirked faintly. "I was right then. Better not to interfere with what fate already settled."
"Finally, some sense from you. I half-expected you to fall for her and let nature take its course."
"Right… You would've used an aphrodisiac spell if I didn't stop you."
"Well… maybe~"
Dante sighed. "Unbelievable. You're the Goddess of War, not Lust."
"Nahahahaha! What can I say? Chaos runs deep!"
As evening fell, Dante and Kaen returned to Vidalier, exhausted but successful.
"Nyaaa… Master, I wanna sleeeep…" Kaen mumbled, dragging her tail behind her.
"Those were just warm-ups," Dante replied, expression calm as ever.
"W-warm up?! We fought a King Orc! Then a demon base! Then a Goblin King! Nya, what kind of warm-ups are those?!"
She continued her complaints all the way to the guild counter.
"Here are the completed quests, Umma," Dante said, placing the stamped papers on the desk.
Umma blinked, jaw dropping. "T–T–TEN A-RANK quests?! In one day?!"
The guild erupted into murmurs. Moments later, the Guildmaster himself emerged from his office, eyes wide.
"You're Maladeva, the temporary adventurer, correct?"
"Yes."
"My apologies, but we've run short on gold. Would you mind returning tomorrow for payment?"
Dante shrugged. "I was planning to leave tonight, but one more night won't hurt."
"Yay! Nya!" Kaen cheered.
Dante shot her a glare. "..."
"Hehe… sorry, Master nya."
They stopped by the diner where Erona performed. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and music. Dante sat quietly, eating as Erona danced gracefully under the lantern lights.
But behind him, two drunk men whispered.
"Man, look at her. That body…"
"Heh, we should 'talk' to her after she's done. I've got a plan."
Dante's eyes narrowed. He didn't look back. Instead, he spoke telepathically to Kaen.
Kaen. Go back to the inn.
She tilted her head, confused, but nodded obediently. "Yes, Master."
Erona closed up the diner, humming softly as she walked home. The street was quiet—too quiet.
Then—footsteps.
"Well, well. If it isn't Vidalier's star performer," a voice sneered. Two men stepped from the shadows, the same ones from earlier.
Erona frowned. "I'm not in the mood. Get lost."
"Oh, come on. We just wanna talk. Maybe… make an offer." One smirked. "A thousand gold coins for some private time."
Her glare could cut steel. "Get. Lost."
She turned to leave, but one of them grabbed her arm roughly.
"Don't touch me!" she snapped, shoving him back.
He grabbed again, this time harder. The playful tone vanished from his face. "You should've taken the offer."
Erona's heart pounded. Fear and fury collided—her eyes began to glow a deep, bloody red.
The men froze for a moment. "Her eyes… they're glowing…"
Before they could react, a blade flashed.
One man fell instantly—silenced by a dagger through his temple.
"What the—!?" the second shouted. "Who's there?!"
From the darkness, two shadowy figures emerged—one shaped like a female orc, the other a tall, elegant demon woman cloaked in black flame, Lustia, former demon general.
Dante stepped out between them, his red eyes burning like molten rubies.
"...You two made the wrong choice. Sick' em girls."
The men's courage broke as the shadows closed in. A heartbeat later, the alley fell silent. Only the crackle of black flame remained as Dante burned the remains to ash.
When it was over, Dante knelt beside Erona, checking her arm and shoulder.
"You okay?" he asked softly.
Erona trembled but nodded. "Y-yeah… I think so."
Her eyes met his—both glowing faintly red under the moonlight.
"You shouldn't walk home alone anymore," Dante said, standing.
Erona swallowed, still shaken. "And you shouldn't scare people like that…"
"Next time," he replied coldly, "they won't have time to scream."
---
Chapter 41 — End.