Chapter 37: Aftermath (Volume 1 End)
Haltingly, my eyes began to open as traces of purple light pierced the blinds of our bedroom windows. Waking me to the sensation of strained, aching muscles, and thick strands of hair the color of sakura flowers tickling my nose and skin, skin that had been caked in nail and tooth markings, as if I had just survived a gruesome mauling at the hands of a wild animal.
Coupled with a fair amount of hickeys here and there, mainly around my neck area. I know I said she could be rough, but I didn't think she'd be so… animalistic, good grief. I smiled softly, gently brushing my fingers against the purple, bruise-like blotches covering my form. In all fairness, I am the one who kept egging on my Satan-Class fiancée, I probably should've thought that through a little better.
Oh well, what's done is done. It's not like I didn't enjoy myself, quite the opposite, really. I was given a first experience far more memorable than anything I could have ever expected. I imagine she feels the same way. No, I know she feels the same way. She was far too passionate for that not to be the case.
And like me, I could tell that she worked off an immense amount of steam as I watched her bare figure lie soundly asleep, curled up right next to me with her arms coiled tightly around my torso and her head buried deeply within the crook of my neck. The sweat we had exerted still clung to both our bodies, polluting the bedsheet and atmosphere with our musk, and causing the surfaces of our skin to stick to one another as if a thin layer of glue had been woven between us.
It's a good thing this room's temporary. I doubt even a whole week's worth of nonstop cleaning would be enough to wash the smell out, and definitely not the—fluids—staining the fabric. Cough, cough.
Her chest rhythmically rose and sank against mine, and I could hear the sound of her heart thumping calmly at a resting pace. Her peace of mind was made clear to me by the look of absolute serenity on her sleeping face, as if nothing in the world could even remotely bother her.
We had encased each other in our own little bubble, where we could pretend, even if just for a moment, that the ocean of problems revolving around us didn't exist. It was a chance for our minds to reset, and I couldn't be more thankful. My head's never felt so light, I didn't think it possible for me to ever be so—relaxed. So calm. So at ease. Yet here I am, lying in bed with my wife-to-be, basking in the afterglow of our lust-fueled night together.
"Roygun," I whispered her name in a low, raspy morning voice. "It's time to wake up," I gently traced my digits through her locks in an attempt to give her a pleasant awakening. As much as I'd rather remain here and lounge with her all day, I've already pushed Lady Leviathan's patience further than I'm comfortable with. It's about damn time I hold up my end of the bargain.
"Mmmmm…" She breathed a weary moan, her warm air hitching against my skin. My touch caused her to shuffle around a little, but she remained asleep nonetheless. I guess I'll have to try a little harder.
"Roygun," I said once more, leaning closer this time and placing my palm on her upper back. Like I was trying to give her a massage, I started to move my hand up and down while tracing her spine. "Come on, wakey wakey." I continued to caress her, only stopping once I felt her breathing rhythm change, indicating that she was finally coming to.
"Yaaaawwwnnn… " She gave her limbs a good stretch, using my body as a yoga mat of sorts. "Is it morning already?" She rubbed her eyes, cleaning out all of the accumulated eye dust before smacking her lips together.
"Yes, it's morning." I adjusted the unruly bedhead she had developed, making sure her hair wasn't blocking her face. "Did you sleep well?"
"Better than I ever have," she replied, offering me her soft, tender gaze that told me more than words ever could. "And you?"
"About the same," I said with a faint, yet cheery smile. "Although I am feeling a little sore thanks to a certain someone." I wore a feigned pout, letting out an excessively dramatic groan as I rolled my shoulders. I should be able to mitigate the strain with some nifty Ki circulation, but it might take a while.
"Oh? Aren't you the one who said I could be as rough as I wanted to be? What happened to all that bravado?" She chuckled, her eyes drifting towards the myriad of markings she had engraved into me with such lustful abandon last night. "All that really happened, didn't it?" Her voice turned somber.
"Mhm, it did," I confirmed with pleasure. "Having regrets?"
"Absolutely fucking not, I'm insulted that you'd even ask me that." She scoffed, shooting me a harsh, admonishing glare. "You better not be asking me that because you're feeling that way, need I remind you that you're the one who-"
"No, I don't regret a thing." I cut her off before she could continue. Sheesh, I should really watch myself with how much I push her buttons. It'd do me good to remember that she isn't the most composed person around when it comes to—well, me. "I feel like I've been given a second wind because of this. It's like every fiber of my being has been refreshed, so much so that I can't even fully put it into words." My voice was practically oozing with passion, as embarrassingly corny as it sounded, it didn't make it any less accurate.
"Good, because I feel precisely the same way." She nodded contentedly, cupping my face and slipping a pleasant, loving kiss into my mouth, one which I didn't hesitate to respond to in kind as if it had already become natural to me. "Alduin," she deliberately started to circle her index finger around my chest. "Part of you now belongs to me, you understand that, don't you?" She pursed her glossy, cherry colored lips.
"Of course," I nodded promptly. "You're my wife after all, I wouldn't have it any other way." I watched her tremble with delight in response to me referring to her as my wife. Technically, it's improper, but I honestly couldn't care less since we've already gone ahead and consummated our engagement and all.
Not that I've ever been one for formalities in the first place.
"I'm pleased to hear that, believe me, I really am." I tilted my head, sensing a but coming. "But, there's someone else you also wish to give a piece of you to, isn't there?"
Huh, I didn't think she'd be the one to bring that up first. Still, it's good that she did, this is a conversation I'd rather have before I leave for Kuoh Town.
"Yes, I meant what I told you yesterday. I'm in love with Thora, and I plan on getting closer to her while I'm absent from the Underworld." I affirmed with steadfast resolve and crystal clear honesty. Anything less would be an insult to Roygun. It might be rash of me to think that I can love both of them at the same time, and maybe even a bit outlandish, but my feelings are my feelings. I have no interest in lying to myself.
"I see," compared to yesterday, Roygun's reaction was definitely a lot more tame. "You've loved her for quite some time, haven't you?" She continued. I found it mildly disturbing that I couldn't discern whether I'd get a positive or negative response from her, but I remained firm.
"I have."
How could I not? She's the only reason I haven't turned out like Sebastian or Martha, she was the one who was always there to pick me up each time I was on the verge of crumbling under their pressure. Always. Even now, when I'm opposing them, people she has every right to be scared shitless of, she's still standing by me.
To say I'm fortunate to have her would be a criminal understatement.
"And you truly believe she's earned your love? You hold no doubts about that whatsoever?"
"None at all." The real question is, have I earned hers? She's done more than enough for me, and I want to make sure I return the favour a hundredfold.
"I see," she repeated. "You love her, yet you still decided to give your first time to me-"
"It was your first as well," I clarified. Shooting down any chances for her to develop any sense of guilt, I thoroughly enjoyed last night, and I won't let her have any misunderstandings about that.
"It was," her tone lightened up a little. "I know this is a little hypocritical of me to say, but aren't you worried that she might be unhappy with this? Assuming your feelings are mutual."
Ah, so that's why she's feeling down again.
"Roygun, before I say anything. Are you bringing this up because you've—" I paused, taking a deep breath. "—changed your mind?"
"Mhm, I thought about it right before I fell asleep. Yesterday, you decided that you wouldn't be selfish with your feelings for her, and you proved that those weren't just empty words, there's no denying that. Now I think it's my turn to do the same with what I feel for you." My eyes widened, my mind already deciphering what her following words would be. "After everything you've told me, it's become abundantly clear that she's someone capable of properly caring for you, and while I'd rather not give her all the credit, I suppose she's partially responsible for you becoming the man I've fallen for."
"I imagine she'd be flattered," I quipped.
"Don't let it get to her head," she chuckled lightly. "Point being, I think it was rather unfair, and frankly a little childish of me to dismiss the prospect of you two having a relationship. Which is why... yes, I've changed my mind. As your wife, I'm giving you my blessing to pursue her romantically."
"Roygun, thank you-"
"I'm not finished," her voice sharpened, which caused my posture to stiffen in response. "I want to make sure you understand that I'm allowing you to be with Thora, and Thora alone. If I find out that you so much as touched another woman while you're up there, without my explicit permission, I'll hurt you in ways you couldn't even imagine. Are we clear on that?"
Gulp.
"C-crystal!"
"Good," she breathed a satisfied hum. "There's also one more thing you ought to remember. I know it's not something I can make happen immediately, but I will make you love me as much as you love Thora. I'll never be truly satisfied with anything less, you understand that, don't you?"
"Yeah, I understand." I let out a soft exhale, leaning forward and planting a gentle peck on her forehead. "You're already off to a great start. I doubt it'll be long before you succeed."
"I know, I'm irresistible after all." She huffed, earning a playful chuckle from me in return. "Now then, you've got an appointment with Serafall to adhere to, and I've got one with Sirzechs later in the day, so it's probably for the best that we get moving."
I'm glad Lord Lucifer's the one handling the Belphegor Clan's conversion into one of the 72 Pillars, he and Lord Beelzebub are without a doubt the only people in the Underworld capable of making Sebastian behave, and more importantly, keep him from trying anything.
As for Martha, I'm not really sure what her angle is anymore. I suppose I'll have to wait and see. I'd love it if she just continued to sit in her forest and pretend like everything around here doesn't even exist, but that'd be wishful thinking. I know for a fact she's going to do something, the problem is finding out what that something is before it's too late.
"Probably," I agreed.
We both took a not-so-quick shower, together, of course, hoping to rid ourselves of the built-up sweat and pungent odour clinging to our bodies. I'd rather not appear before Serafall looking like I just went ten rounds with a demonic beast in the octagon.
Obviously, my robes were no longer in any condition to be worn, not without extensive cleansing. Fortunately for me, Roygun was kind enough to hand me one of the plain white dress shirts she owns alongside a set of black slacks, since we're around the same height they fit me pretty well, they were just a little loose around my chest area and buttocks for—obvious reasons.
"Alduin, you can go on ahead and find Thora. I'm in a pretty good mood today, and I'd rather not ruin it by forcing myself to look at Serafall's face."
Yeah, that's understandable.
"Just out of curiosity, when do you plan on visiting?" I asked.
"The first chance I get, obviously." She scoffed, as if the question itself was redundant. "Don't worry, it won't be long before you see me again, and when you do, I'll be expecting a healthy serving of nighttime care to make up for our time apart, got it?" She smirked.
"Got it," I smirked right back. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to it as well. Besides, I'm the one who promised her we'd share countless nights together. I plan on being a man of my word.
I spread my Ki throughout the entirety of the Belphegor Estate, quickly picking up on the two presences I was looking for, Thora and Sylvie, both situated in the lobby.
Speaking of Sylvie, it only now occurred to me that I had completely forgotten about her while Roygun and I were getting busy… hopefully, she had a chance to leave before we went from the balcony to the bedroom.
That was a serious oversight on my part. I should really be more mindful next time.
"Massster, you finally decided to ssshow yourssself." Naturally, Sylvie was the first to notice my presence once I arrived, thanks to our established bond. She slithered towards me and crawled up my body until she was coiled firmly around my neck like a scaly scarf. From her tone alone, it was clear to me that she wasn't in a great mood.
Fair enough.
"Sylvie, about yesterday, I kinda got lost in the momen-"
"I'd rather we not discusss it massster, all I ask is that you promissse me to give me some sort of warning in advance next time. I'd appreciate you giving me an opportunity to depart before you engage in sssuch activities."
"Yeah, I promise." According to Martha, Sylvie's still a newborn, so I'd rather she not see anything graphic at her age. Especially if it's me.
Wait a minute, how did she even know what Roygun and I were about to do in the first place? A child shouldn't have that kind of knowledge! Who dared to fill my baby's head with such lascivious information?! I'll have them incinerated!
"I happen to agree with the little serpent," I flinched at the sound of Thora's voice. "I was wondering where you had gone after your spar with Lady Roygun's Knight yesterday, only to pass by a room where… interesting sounds were being made." She cleared her throat, side-eyeing me with a look that told me 'I heard everything.'
Ah, that wasn't exactly how I wanted her to find out.
"While I'm sure we have much to discuss," she continued. "I suggest you start by informing Lady Leviathan that you're prepared to depart, you've certainly kept her waiting long enough. We'll have all the time in the world to talk once you've settled into Kuoh."
"Right… I suppose I should." I'm a little hesitant to put a conversation as meaningful as the one we're going to have on the shelf, but it'd probably be better to have it once I've dealt with all my more immediate matters.
I pulled out my Foreign Affairs badge. Apparently, now that I've been registered to it—it also serves as a direct, private communication line between me and Serafall. Completely off DeviNet's grid. All I have to do is inject my demonic power into it whenever I want to ring her. Of course, she's able to do the same.
I allowed a sliver of my energy to trickle into the badge, only to be met with silence.
Huh, she's not picking up. I scratched my head, wondering if it had malfunctioned somehow or if Serafall was preoccupied with something. She is a Satan after all, I probably should be a little more patient.
"Oh, I guess she'd rather talk face to face," I pursed my lips. Instead of picking up, Serafall chose to teleport directly towards me, illuminating the room in a dark blue hue as her magic circle appeared behind me.
"It's about damn time," her voice muttered as she materialized into the room, already dressed in her usual, turquoise semi-casual dress. "I trust there aren't any more last-minute delays you want to throw my way, Alduin?" She isn't even remotely interested in showing off her usual theatrical demeanor, which alone speaks volumes to the status of her patience.
"No, there aren't. I'm ready to go," I nodded firmly.
"Good," briefly, her eyes started to scan our surroundings. She's probably checking for Roygun. "We'll be taking my personal train to cross the border between the Underworld and the human world. The trip should take a few hours at most, and by the time we're there, it'll be around noon in Japan."
I furrowed my brow. "A train?" I had no idea that was how devils traveled between realms. Then again, we are a rather technologically advanced supernatural race thanks to Lord Beelzebub's efforts. Maybe it's not that strange in hindsight.
"Young Lord, I've already educated you on the subject." Thora frowned at me, clearly displeased.
It must've been a subject we tackled before I reincarnated. I wasn't much of a diligent learner back then, or much of a learner at all if I'm being completely honest...
"Hehe, must've slipped my mind." I shot her an apologetic look.
"Sona and Rias are still unaware of this arrangement, so when you make your introduction, I suggest you-" for some reason, Serafall chose to stop herself mid-sentence, her nose twitching. "Wait, what's that smell?"
"Smell?" I tilted my head.
"Don't move," she approached me, leaning forward and sniffing my torso without hesitation. An act that left me thoroughly speechless.
I was just sniffed by the Satan Leviathan.
What the hell?
"It's as I thought," all of a sudden, I felt my muscles tense. As if someone had just thrown me into an industrial freezer while I was still in my birthday suit. "You've got the scent of a woman's shampoo clinging to you."
Oh.
I might be screwed here.
Her eyes darted towards my neck, where Sylvie was curled up. Instantly, I could feel my serpentine companion shudder under the pressure of Serafall's suspicious gaze.
"Tell your familiar to move."
I considered arguing with her for a moment, but I'd rather not subject Sylvie to her aura any longer. Do as she says, I gave her a look of resigned approval.
"Damnit Alduin!" She groaned in frustration, now able to see the plethora of markings Roygun had left on me. Some of which faded thanks to my regeneration factor, and some of which hadn't. "I was fine with you staying with her for a little while longer as a courtesy, but I didn't think you'd actually go ahead and sleep with the hag!"
Aren't you older than her, though? Not that I'd ever say that aloud, I'm not suicidal.
"I'm not really sure what to say," I wasn't sure what else to do but chuckle nervously. "We ended up getting into a heated discussion, and you know… one thing led to another." Obviously, it wasn't that simple, but I don't think Serafall's really interested in me and Roygun's love life.
Or anything positive concerning my fiancée.
"I don't need your excuses," she gripped her forehead, shaking her head with stark disapproval. "Although, I suppose I should be more mad at her than I am at you. We've never seen eye-to-eye , but I didn't think she'd actually stoop so low as to force someone hardly a fraction of her age to lie with her. You've only known each other for a day for crying out loud! I can't for the life of me begin to understand why she thought it'd be a good idea to move things along this quickly. I guess I was right about her being nothing but a horny-"
"Yeah, about that," I intervened before her tangent could continue. "She didn't force me to do anything. I may or may not have been the one who initiated it all."
""What?"" Both Thora and Serafall blurted out at the same time.
Oi. I understand why Serafall is taken aback, but that shouldn't shock Thora. Did she really think I was the type to let myself get taken advantage of so easily?
On second thought, maybe I don't want that question answered.
"Maybe it'd be better if I explained everything on the train? It's a long ride after all." Honestly, I don't feel obligated to share everything with Serafall, our relationship is strictly that of employee and employer after all. However, I think that relationship would progress a lot more smoothly if she at least had a basic understanding of how Roygun and I saw one another.
Just because we have a deal doesn't mean I have to cater to every whim of hers. I have a right to set specific boundaries when it comes to a subject as delicate and personal as this.
"Oh, you're explaining everything alright," Serafall snapped her fingers. In an instant, a teleportation circle wide enough to envelop all three of us appeared across the flooring, whisking us away in a bright flash of cerulean light before any of us had a chance to even acknowledge what had happened.
Once the light faded, I found myself staring at a coach. The exterior of which sported a bold color scheme consisting of blue, white, and pink. A lot of pink, almost as much as Roygun used in her bedroom before it was raised to the ground. Images of Serafall in her signature Miracle Levia-tan outfit had been painted all over its surface, which instantly made me doubt whether this train was really designed for diplomatic purposes, as Serafall had stated.
Surely she wouldn't show up to a formal meeting in this, would she?
"What are you waiting for? Let's go," she motioned for us to follow her inside.
Damn, this place is like a mobile manor, I thought to myself, entering the coach. It looks a bit gaudy from the outside, but I'd be a fool not to admit that the interior work was top-notch. The way the coloring, lighting, and furniture have been done basically screams the word "comfort" at you. Oh, and there's also a snack counter here as well. That's always a nice touch, it's just a shame that my body will probably reject it all.
I sat down on a navy colored couch positioned at the center of the coach, with Thora beside me and Serafall opposite me.
Human world, here I come, for the second time, technically.
I wonder if everything up there's the same as it was in my first life?
"Well?" The Satan folded one leg over the other, awaiting my explanation regarding me and Roygun.
"Where should I begin?" I muttered to myself, sighing. "For starters, you should probably know that Roygun's not just interested in me for the sake of becoming a Pillar." I began, deciding to focus mainly on the more professional aspects of our relationship, while only briefly touching on the emotional side.
That part is for Thora's ears only.
———
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