Chapter 23: Aran City II (part 2)

“Hehehehe, a small but clearly wicked evil existed in that child’s heart. I wove a beautiful dream based on that.

But that child… I cared about something I shouldn’t have cared about, and so, my dream was ruined.”

“… Leira.”

“Yes, Leira—you and my daughter. She prioritized her child over her love for her husband, her life. That’s why I woke up again. But rest assured, the child didn’t truly die again. In the first place, we are now one being.”

The devil suddenly vanished from her place, and in a blink she reached Julius’ side. Leaning close, she whispered softly into Julius’ ear—a devil with a captivating voice that tickled the heart, calmly calling Leira her daughter.  

After a brief glance at the devil’s lips, Julius turned his head and let out a deep sigh.  

“Then, what should I do to bring Cecil back?”  

“I am still your wife, Cecil Lionelta. It’s just that the way I speak and act has changed a little.”

“…”  

Feeling the anger radiating from her husband’s silent glare, the devil covered her mouth and laughed softly.  

“I know what I want. My joy lies in granting your wish. Because I am your wife.”  

“Stop dancing around the question and speak clearly. What should I do to bring Cecil back again?”  

“There’s no need for anything extraordinary. All you have to do is whisper love to me as you did before. That’s all.”  

The devil, moving around Julius with a graceful step as if dancing, spun and fell into his arms.  

“The devil speaks only the truth. I’m not an evil witch who destroys families and keeps mothers from their children. What happened was beyond control—Cecil Lionelta’s dream is still incomplete.”  

Even as she said this, the devil’s gentle smile reflected her enjoyment of the situation.  

“I’m just sorry that my strength is weak, my love.”

Julius stared, unable to decide what to do. 

The devil continued, her voice smooth.  

“It seems you don’t even want to see me. Well, so be it. Leira will come to us before winter ends. By then, we must perfect our dream.”

“…”

“Don’t think of it as a burden. Think of it as a victory. Yes! A wager, even—prove your true love will overcome a devil. Doesn’t that make it feel more achievable?”  

The devil’s eyes sparkled innocently, like a child pleading for a game. 

Julius’ eyes glowed faintly blue as he muttered one word.  

“… Victory.”  

“Exactly. So, don’t sulk. That sad expression doesn’t suit you.”  

The devil, her gaze slightly bitter, clapped her hands as though to lighten the mood. The ground turned black, swallowing the trees rooted within it.  

Crack!  

Sounds of breaking echoed as shadows swelled, exploding with a peculiar pop.  

“Let’s rest here tonight, just the two of us.”  

A wooden hut, identical to the one Cecil once built in the flower garden, appeared as if it had always been there.  

Julius muttered, “Victory,” under his breath, his voice low.  

Moonlight and starlight gently illuminated the devil and the priest. Nearby, an aura writhed like a snake with its mouth wide open. 

After some deliberation, Julius stepped forward.  

“Alright. Victory, then. It’s been a while since I’ve wanted something this much.”  

“Hehehehe, yes, that’s the spirit. Let’s fall into the abyss together, in my embrace.”  

Julius grabbed the devil’s hand as she tenderly caressed his cheek, her smile alluring.  

“… This isn’t betrayal. It’s a devil-sacrifice ritual to bring back my wife.”  

“W-What?”  

Julius held the devil’s delicate waist firmly. His long blonde hair, tied neatly, swayed as their lips met in a passionate kiss—a kiss reminiscent of the young man who once succumbed to Cecil’s temptation.  

Elsewhere, Priestess Emily, barely managing to rise from her bed, froze in shock. 

The divine beast, chewing a carrot nearby, stopped mid-bite, and even the high-ranking devil, “Turbid Desire,” observing from the sky, was rendered motionless by their intensity.  

“Hmmm, with this, recreating that dream seems surprisingly simple,” the devil murmured.  

Julius ended the kiss, snorting as he looked down at the devil. Her face flushed. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. Trembling, she hurried into the cabin.  

Click!

The familiar sound of a lock echoed. 

Julius turned the doorknob, but the door refused to budge.  

“The game isn’t over. I’ll sleep beside you as you wish, so open the door.”  

“W-We’re done for tonight. The rest can wait until tomorrow!” the devil stammered from inside the hut.  

Amused, Julius shook his head, sitting back by the bonfire.  

“… Julius, you’ve grown into quite the romantic,” the priestess muttered.  

“… I was only following God’s will.”  

“No, that’s definitely blasphemy,” she thought, her mind blank at this side of the man she had raised.  

The priestess and the divine beast exchanged knowing looks, while Julius, now smiling faintly, laughed softly.  

The journey to Aran continued—so did the bonfire melodies, devilish whispers, and flickering flames blending into the night.  

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Check out my other projects: Rehabilitating the Villainess, Pushover Extra Trains the Villainesses, I Picked Up an Amnesiac Witch, Transmigrated as the Butler of a Defeated Heroine, My Summons Are Special