Chapter 165: A Night in Helion(2)
Chapter 165: A Night in Helion(2)
Following Aisilia, I eventually met the King of Helium and Cecile’s father, Descal Drat Aisilia bin Helium. He wasn't in the audience chamber but was staying in a private room used for receiving guests.
As the King of the Demons, it was only natural that he overflowed with charisma, but he was also a handsome man with sharp features and a build similar to mine. At a glance, he looked as young as Gartz, but in reality, he was over three hundred years old.
Since Cecile took after Aisilia so much, it was difficult to find many resemblances to Descal, but I did notice that the shape of their horns was identical. Aisilia’s horns curved straight back like a goat’s.
In any case, while dinner was being prepared, I sat down with Cecile’s parents and began to converse about various things.
Since this was essentially a meeting with the in-laws, I was a bit nervous, but fortunately, Descal treated me comfortably, allowing me to relax a little.
"First, I want to express my infinite gratitude for saving our race. If it were up to me, I’d be willing to hand over the throne itself."
"That’s a bit much... To be honest, even I didn't expect the perception of Demons to change this much."
"Even if it was unexpected, the fact remains that our kin have begun to see the light thanks to the Xenon Biography. Just because someone is saved by chance in a life-threatening situation doesn't mean they aren't indebted."
Hearing Descal say the exact same things I had heard from Luminous and Mora gave me a strange feeling. I suppose I should humbly accept my role as the Savior of the Demons now.
Up until now, I had avoided it because it felt burdensome and I wasn't the type to brag, but it seemed better to acknowledge it clearly from here on out.
"By the way, Your Majesty."
"Ah. You may speak comfortably in private. It makes me uneasy to hear honorifics from my benefactor."
"Then... Lord Descal?"
"I would prefer it if you called me 'Father-in-law,' though?"
Another thing I learned was that Descal possessed a rather easygoing personality. I began to suspect that Cecile’s temperament had been inherited from him.
Regardless, since it was still awkward for me, I decided to call him Mr. Descal for now. He told me I could call him whatever I felt comfortable with.
"So, what did you want to ask?"
"About the Queen's..."
"Please call me 'Mother-in-law.'"
As soon as I mentioned the word 'Queen,' Aisilia corrected me with a smile.
"...Aisilia's..."
"Mother-in-law."
"...Mother-in-law."
"Hehe."
Did Cecile inherit her mischievous streak from both her father and mother? If not, there was no explaining the 'little devil' side of her that popped out occasionally.
Cecile seemed pleased when I referred to Aisilia as 'Mother-in-law,' as she stealthily grabbed my hand under the table. She was sitting to my right, so she naturally took hold of my right hand.
And if she had just held it, it would have been fine, but she focused on rubbing the writer's callus on my middle finger. It felt strange to have someone else touch that rough patch of skin.
"...I noticed that the Queen—I mean, Mother-in-law's name is also in the middle names. I was curious how that works. Is it a tradition unique to Helium?"
"That’s right. It is a tradition in Helium for the King and his children to include the name of the Queen or the Royal Son-in-law in their middle names. If you and Cecile were to have a child, and their name was, say... do you have any names in mind?"
"...I don't."
I was flustered by the sudden, direct question, but I answered calmly.
"That’s a shame. Well, let's say the name is Jin; it would be Jin Drat Isaac bin. For your information, 'Drat' and 'bin' are surnames that only the royal family can use."
"I see. What do 'Drat' and 'bin' mean?"
"Drat was the name of the founding king, and bin means 'king.'"
I was learning many facts in various ways. As a side note, I decided to ignore the fact that the name Descal used as an example was 'Jin.'
"What do you think of our Helium? Sir Gartz said he liked it because it felt like a place where people lived."
"It’s exactly as he said. Helium is a place where people live—nothing more, nothing less."
"Yes. It’s just as you say. Since its founding, Helium has never lacked a human touch. Even if the world screams that it’s a place where devils live or that once you enter, you can never leave... we are people."
Perhaps it was something he had held in his heart for a long time, for Descal’s eyes as he looked at me were incredibly warm. His eyes were blood-red, but they were filled with such infinite gratitude that I felt a bit embarrassed.
Meanwhile, Cecile was preoccupied with playing with my hand under the table. When I stole a glance at her, she was grinning ear to ear.
Was she happy in this moment? I silently squeezed her hand back. At that, Cecile’s face flushed slightly.
"I see you have affection for our daughter, which is a relief. When I heard from her that you were the benefactor of the Demons, I thought it would be fine, but I wasn't entirely without worry."
It seemed our secret affection under the table had been discovered. Startled, I looked at Descal, only to see a satisfied smile on his face.
Aisilia, sitting next to him, was the same. She spoke in her characteristically mature voice, sounding relieved.
"Actually, I felt the same way. I can't tell you how surprised I was when I heard that Cecile had found Xenon and, furthermore, had entered into a romantic relationship with him. I heard that you even have a fiancée named Mari, Sir Isaac?"
"Ah... yes. That's correct."
"My husband and I respect our daughter's choice. To us Demons, it might be a brief moment, but it’s better to leave behind beautiful memories than painful regrets. There was a similar sentiment in the Xenon Biography, wasn't there?"
"Mary said she wouldn't live a life of regret, but a life of longing," Cecile answered in my stead.
Then, she slowly pulled up the hand she had been holding tightly under the table to show the two people in front of us.
I was flustered at first, but I figured there was no need to hide it, so I followed her lead. Soon, our hands, clasped tenderly like lovers, were placed on the table, and Cecile’s parents turned their gaze toward them.
"Mom. Dad. I will never regret this. No matter how many women are by Isaac’s side, I will love him. Even if Isaac leaves for Lady Mora’s embrace one day, I will live my life longing for him."
"Noona. I have no intention of adding more women after you."
Though Adelia weighed on my mind a bit, for now, I had almost no intention of increasing the number of women after Cecile. I also doubted if Mari would readily agree to it.
However, it seemed Descal’s thoughts were a bit different. As soon as he heard my words, he countered in a firm voice.
"Well. Realistically, that might be difficult."
"Pardon? What do you mean by that?"
"Consider your value once more. Before, you were already priceless, but after the pollution of the World Tree's roots and the demon summoning omen, even the leaders of nations won't be able to treat you lightly. Savior even dispatched a Cardinal to treat you as a Saint. The moment someone touches you, not only our Helium but Savior as well could step in and thoroughly crush that nation. Therefore, they will choose conciliation over confrontation. And that conciliation would be..."
"Political marriage," Aisilia added calmly after Descal.
Descal nodded and informed me of the potential situation.
"Nothing is as beautiful as a marriage born of mutual love. However, marriage can also be a relationship bound by a type of contract. I heard from Cecile that you have a deep interest in history?"
"Yes. That's right."
"Then you must know well why a political marriage can serve as a 'shield.' You said you are engaged to the daughter of a Duke from the Minerva Empire? Then the moment your identity is revealed, the Ters Republic might try to keep you in check. In extreme cases, they might even attempt assassination. For your own sake, you must keep political marriage in mind."
"Mmm..."
I couldn't help but fall into deep thought at his constructive advice. I had thought political marriage was something that happened in other countries, but hearing it directly made it feel entirely different.
As Descal said, since I planned to marry Mari, I was essentially affiliated with the Minerva Empire. Naturally, their rival, the Ters Republic, would find that unpleasant.
The Minerva Empire, Helium, and Savior would all protect me, but one never knows what might happen. Of course, the moment the Ters Republic actually made a move, they would have to prepare for a collective beating.
It’s not a simple problem to think about.
The power of a political marriage—not one conducted within a country, but between nations—is immense. The moment a leader invades a country where their own child lives, their reputation would plummet, and the trust of other nations would take a vertical dive.
I recalled hearing that the Princess of the Ters Republic was transferring to Halo Academy. It was because the Ters Republic felt a sense of crisis after I had previously mentioned the Maishal Territory as my birthplace.
"Especially in your case, since you have achieved feats that even a nation cannot ignore, that aspect will be even more prominent. Isn't it better to have many allies rather than many enemies?"
"Then... does that mean I must enter a political marriage for my own safety?"
"If you prioritize your well-being. We will protect you, but there will be clear limits."
"It’s complicated."
"That is what politics is. Well, there’s no need to think too deeply about it right now. I’m simply informing you of a highly likely scenario."
Descal acted as if I shouldn't worry, but for me, it wasn't like that at all. Perhaps, as he said, I would inevitably have to enter a political marriage for the safety of myself and those around me.
But the problem was the partner for the political marriage. What if the Minerva Empire sent Lina as a political marriage partner to solidify their claim, let alone other countries? Mari’s position would become very awkward.
One couldn't exactly keep an Imperial Princess as a concubine. Even Mari, who was well-versed in politics, might think it was unavoidable, but she would still be hurt.
Therefore, if I were to accept a political marriage, I would have to coordinate it well to maintain a smooth family life. It was a choice that carried a great deal of responsibility.
"Well, let's stop the tedious political talk here. Let's move on to another topic. Talk about whatever you like, whatever makes you comfortable."
"Ah. There’s something I’d like to ask. Isaac?"
"Yes? Ah, yes. Please go ahead."
"What is it about our daughter that you like? Since you have affection for her, you must have accepted her choice, so as her mother, I’m curious."
"Mmm..."
Hearing Aisilia’s question, I turned my head toward Cecile. Cecile was also looking at me with her characteristic mischievous smile, as if telling me to go ahead and say it.
I slowly scanned Cecile’s appearance. Her mature beauty, along with her mysteriously glowing red eyes. Even a slight downward glance revealed her large breasts, which boasted a formidable presence with their deep cleavage.
This alone was more than enough reason to feel affection for Cecile. With my heart already pounding just from her smiling at me, no further explanation was needed.
What man wouldn't fall for Cecile? Moreover, when Cecile was the one flaunting her affection first, it would be stranger not to like her.
At this, I gave an embarrassed smile and answered quietly.
"...It’s hard to pick just one thing. She’s a woman who lacks for nothing in every way. Her face, and... well, yes."
"Hoho. I like that you're honest."
"Cecile is indeed a child without shortcomings."
Aisilia laughed elegantly while covering her mouth with her hand, and Descal wore a somewhat proud expression. Fortunately, since they had been favorable toward me from the start, they seemed to take it well.
As a warm atmosphere bloomed in front of me, I was feeling relieved internally when Cecile squeezed the hand she was holding, as if telling me to look at her. I shifted my gaze toward her.
She was looking at me with eyes full of warmth and affection, resting her chin on one hand. Her pose, which looked like a scene from a painting, left me slightly dazed.
If Mari energized me with her characteristic liveliness, Cecile drew me in with this enchanting atmosphere.
"Mmm. It seems dinner is finally ready."
While I was locked in a gaze with Cecile for a moment, Descal spoke up, as if he had received a telepathic message. Cecile and I turned our heads toward Descal simultaneously.
"Is there anything you can't eat? I'll let them know in advance."
"I can eat most things."
"That’s a relief. Then, let us get up..."
"Ah! Wait a moment. Before that, I have one favor to ask. Is that alright?"
Just as Descal was about to stand up, Aisilia stopped him with an urgent voice. As we looked at her with questioning gazes, Aisilia lightly snapped her fingers.
Then, amazingly, a book popped out of thin air. It seemed she had used spatial magic.
Aisilia then handed me the book, which looked somewhat familiar, and asked me in a slightly excited voice.
"Could you give me an autograph before we eat?"
"I don't mind the autograph, but this is..."
"It’s Volume 5 of the Xenon Biography, which contains Sacran's End. Since I’m currently in Helium, it’s a book I always carry with me."
Come to think of it, Gartz had also pulled Volume 5 out of thin air using spatial magic. And he had gotten an autograph from me afterward.
I looked at Aisilia, whose red eyes were sparkling with anticipation, and gave a small chuckle as I took out the magic pen I always carried. Then, I signed the first page of the book with 'Isaac' written in Hangul.
"There you go."
"Thank you so much. Did you give Cecile an autograph as well?"
"No. Noona didn't really say anything..."
I stole a glance at Cecile and cautiously offered.
"Should I give you one too, Noona?"
"No. It’s fine. I’m going to get a confirmation stamp anyway, so why would I need an autograph?"
"... ..."
As expected, I could never surpass her when it came to lewd jokes. While I gave a bitter smile, Aisilia hugged the book to her chest and spoke happily.
"Then am I the first to get a handwritten autograph? I’m so happy."
"Ah. Actually, Sir Gartz got one first."
"Pardon?"
When I confessed the truth, Aisilia’s eyes widened in surprise. Not only her, but Descal and Cecile also showed similar reactions.
As I wore a puzzled expression, Cecile quickly asked in a slightly flustered voice.
"Sir Balak got one first? When?"
"Well... I signed it for him when I first came to Helium. Before we went to your villa."
"Is that so... and he didn't even report it..."
"Hmm..."
Cecile muttered ominously, and Descal stroked his chin, appearing deep in thought. I felt a bit uneasy, wondering if I shouldn't have said anything.
But before long, Cecile gave a bright smile and spoke as if she didn't mind.
"There shouldn't be any problems for now. Let's just go eat."
"...Alright."
"Oh, right. And you don't need to force yourself to eat too much, because we’re having dessert later tonight. Got it?"
"Dessert? What dessert?"
While I was wondering, Aisilia seemed to realize something and let out an 'Ah' of exclamation. Descal was feigning ignorance while scratching his cheek.
Just as I was becoming even more curious about their reactions, Aisilia curled the corners of her mouth into a deep smile and spoke cryptically.
"It’s a dessert I specially made. It’s the only dessert of its kind in Helium."
"There’s such a thing?"
"Yes."
Nodding, Aisilia left me with some meaningful words.
"It will be very delicious."
"...?"
*
The true meaning of those words only became clear that night, after dinner.
"My mom said it before dinner, right? That it’s the only dessert of its kind in Helium."
"...Yeah."
Inside the bedroom, where only a sliver of moonlight entered. Having washed up neatly and waiting for my first night with Cecile, I couldn't help but be dumbfounded.
As if the divine power I received from Mora was useless, my heart was currently pounding like crazy, and I felt like I might be swept away by desire at any moment. Because...
Rustle—
"How is it? The dessert my mom personally prepared."
Black lingerie and a garter belt. Those two things alone were enough of an explanation.
The black lingerie couldn't quite cover all of Cecile’s voluptuous breasts, causing her flesh to spill out, and the garter belt below stimulated a man’s primal desires.
Furthermore, since she had been covered by a robe until then, she was currently standing sexily, as if she were about to take the robe off, showing it to me. Thanks to that, not only her breasts but also her wide hips, which were no less impressive than Arwen’s, were emphasized.
Was Cecile truly the incarnation of a Succubus? I swallowed hard and spoke quietly.
"...It looks delicious."
"Doesn't it?"
Saying that, she slowly approached me as I sat on the bed. Cecile’s figure, which even the darkness couldn't fully hide, came clearly into my view.
Soon, having approached me closely, she began to climb onto my lap. My heart began to race madly, and my gaze repeatedly moved up and down.
"Isaac."
"...Yes, Noona."
"Don't you have anything you want to say to me?"
What more words were needed? Looking into her red eyes, which were already glistening with desire, I gave her a gentle smile.
"I love you, Noona."
"Hehe~ Anything else?"
This sly Succubus. I looked at the sulking Cecile and said the words she wanted to hear.
"Bon appétit."
"Yes. Then... Mmph!"
Cecile couldn't finish her sentence. Because I had blocked it with my mouth.
Slurp— Chu!
Starting with a sweet deep kiss, the real night began.
