I stepped out onto the balcony, and Ingvild was looking up at the artificial moon above.
She was humming a song—her voice was really beautiful.
I walked over and leaned against the railing.
"I didn't notice you, Cassien. When did you get here?" said Ingvild.
"You sing beautifully. Your voice is a perfect fit for your sacred gear, like a match from heaven."
Ingvild giggled: "It's weird hearing that from a devil—especially a noble one like you."
I turned toward her: "I guess you're right… So, are you happy with your life here?"
"Everyone is so kind to me. Especially Venelana-san—she keeps hugging me and comforting me."
When I looked at her face, she was smiling.
This girl was very gentle and innocent.
Like Asia, but not stupid.
Still, it was obvious she missed her family: "Ingvild, I can understand the feeling of being alone in the world after losing your family."
But she interrupted: "That's not the point, Cassien. Actually, you guys didn't let me feel the absence of my family. It's more like… a new family. I'm grateful for that, and by joining your peerage, I want to help you as much as possible."
I stepped closer and stood in front of her.
She was standing straight, but I could tell she was a little embarrassed.
I flicked her forehead lightly with my finger: "Idiot. Even if I want your help, you still have to think about yourself, too. I'm not an oppressive person. As long as you don't do something that goes against morals…"
"I'll listen to your advice."
She turned around and headed toward the door: "Still… thank you for everything."
After she left, it wasn't long before Venelana came: "You need to learn how to talk to girls."
I crossed my arms and leaned my back against the balcony railing this time: "Maybe you're right, but I value honesty and sincerity above everything. Actually, there are a few things I don't understand about you, and I'd like you to enlighten me."
She smiled and came closer: "Of course, gladly."
"Why were you so obedient toward Zeoticus? I mean, I would've expected you to either kill him or fight him back then."
She sighed and placed her hand on her forehead: "Back in the old days—I mean during the war times—the devil population was dropping rapidly. Zekram Bael and Runeas Gremory agreed and decided to marry me off. At first, I resisted, but I was powerless against them or the entire devil society. A sacrifice had to be made… and that sacrifice was me, in a way. After the marriage, I was actually quite rebellious toward him, but I realized it was pointless because I couldn't change reality. In fact, he took advantage of it and added a lot of women to his harem—some I didn't even know, and he used them just for sex… I only slept with him a few times over centuries, thinking that having an heir would free me from all this, and I was right…"
I interrupted: "Sirzechs was born, then centuries later, Rias was born, and now your duty is basically done. So you became a sacrifice for the clans' happiness or agreement, right?"
"Yes… I managed his harem so he wouldn't get bored, and that way I lived comfortably. Actually, I even feel a little jealous of Grayfia, but that girl stood strong despite everything."
I held Venelana by the shoulders: "When you're with me, be yourself and know that you can do whatever you want. Even if I love you, I wouldn't stand in the way of your happiness. So do whatever you feel like."
"Of course, except committing crimes, right?" she said and lightly tapped my shoulder.
We laughed a little together and then calmed down.
I could see the girls watching us from inside: "Girls, come out."
"Hehehe, hello… we were just passing by and happened to see you. What a coincidence, right, Valerie?" said Lavinia, looking at Valerie.
Valerie trembled and forced a smile: "Of course, total coincidence. How crazy, right?"
"Actually, you know what, Cassien? My room is really big, and I'm lonely. I want to sleep with you," said Venelana, placing her hand on my chest.
Valerie pointed at Venelana: "Hey, she's ours."
"Hahaha, of course, there's no problem sleeping with me. Girls, actually, I noticed something."
"Hmm, what is it?" said Valerie.
I loosened my tie: "Tonight I'll be with all of you girls. But there's no going back from this."
"FINALLY!!!" Lavinia shouted and hugged me.
Valerie came too: "We're going to make little Cassiens together."
I looked at Venelana: "Well… tonight might not be the best time to sleep with us, Venelana."
But she winked: "I've decided to join too."
"…"