Chapter 500: The Arrival of Modeus and the Ruin of a Date
For Modeus, the world was a source of endless fascination. Though a succubus by nature, she possessed the heart of a pure maiden, one who would blush furiously at the slightest hint of romance in the novels she devoured.
After stepping through the portal, Modeus found herself in a small, quiet alley in the human world. She had used the same pretext as Pandemonica to gain leave: a work report.
She emerged onto a bustling street, her eyes widening at the scene. The sky above was a brilliant, endless blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds—a stark, stunning contrast to the perpetual twilight of Hell. She stretched languidly, her graceful figure drawing more than a few appreciative glances. By virtue of her demonic lineage, Modeus radiated a natural, potent allure, a charm amplified by her cute face, crisp professional suit, and a figure that was nothing short of stunning.
She was, in every sense of the word, an eye-catcher. In her hand, she clutched her most treasured possession: a well-worn book titled 'Spider Season'.
Before venturing out, she had discreetly observed the people around her, noting the distinct lack of tails. With a quiet, internal command, she retracted her own. Gazing at the completely unfamiliar city, Modeus's eyes sparkled with unbridled curiosity.
Still, she knew she couldn't simply wander aimlessly. Recalling the location Pandemonica had given her, she began to walk, her head swiveling left and right, taking in every new sight and sound as she made her way toward the shop.
Back at the restaurant, Nakiri Mana and the others had woken up and were making their way downstairs for breakfast. They had all come to accept Nami's sudden presence as a matter of course, though their curiosity remained.
As everyone settled in to eat, Lanterby finally voiced the question on their minds. "So... Nami," she began, her tone gentle, "what exactly happened to you? Why are you so injured?"
Nami froze, a piece of toast halfway to her mouth. How was she supposed to explain this? 'I was blown across the sea by a giant paw?'Or maybe,'I'm a pirate, and I got into a fight with the Marines?' Both of those would cause an unbelievable amount of trouble.
Ren spoke up, his voice calm and even. "Nami fell."
"Mm... she fell..." Kasugano Sora murmured, sensing there was more to the story but choosing not to press the issue.
Nakiri Mana, however, let out an exasperated sigh. "Honestly, you have to be more careful. Fortunately, they all seem to be superficial wounds, but how did you manage to fall so badly?"
Nami's mind raced for a plausible excuse. "I... I slipped while I was climbing a mountain," she stammered out.
"If you're going to climb a mountain by yourself, you really must be cautious," Decora said with a helpless smile. "It's a good thing there aren't any particularly steep peaks nearby, or it could have been far more dangerous."
Nakiri Mana nodded in firm agreement. "She's right, Nami. Make sure you take a good, hot bath later and reapply the medicine. I checked for any debris in the wounds and didn't see any sand or dirt, but you still need to be careful about infection."
Nami remained silent, but a gentle warmth spread through her chest. This was a different kind of concern than the rough-and-tumble camaraderie of her crewmates. This felt like the genuine, fussing care of an older sister.
Lucifer, watching the exchange with an amused smile, chimed in. "You all think Nami is too delicate. This girl's dream is a very grand one."
"Eh? What dream?" came a chorus of seven curious voices.
"To travel the world!"
A bright smile bloomed on Nakiri Mana's face. "That's a wonderful dream for a girl your age. Truly amazing. Hmm? I seem to recall Akemi's parents went off to travel the world, didn't they?"
Ren gave a slight nod.
Nami's eyes lit up with a competitive fire. "Eh? That's wonderful, but I can do it, too!"
"Before you can do that," Courage interjected with a weary sigh, "you need to finish your meal and let your injuries heal."
Nami looked around the table at the lively, noisy, yet deeply caring atmosphere. It felt, strangely, like coming home. A fleeting thought crossed her mind: if she stayed here too long, would she eventually lose her will to set sail again?
Just as Cerberus was wolfing down her food with gusto, she suddenly went rigid. Her twin ears twitched twice, her chewing halting mid-motion. This behavior usually meant one of two things: either she was incredibly happy, or she had encountered something that gave her pause.
It was clearly the latter.
Pandemonica pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, her gaze fixed on the triple demon. "Cerberus," she said softly, "you felt it too?"
Cerberus nodded repeatedly, her eyes wide.
The others exchanged puzzled glances. "What are you two talking about?" Lucifer asked, a frown creasing her brow. "Felt what? Why didn't I feel anything?"
Pandemonica let out a quiet sigh. As expected, she thought, the boss is completely unreliable.
Meanwhile, at the street corner where the shop was located, Modeus tilted her head. "Hm? This is Pandemonica's restaurant? It doesn't look like a place anyone would come to eat..."
Despite her skepticism, she clutched her book and walked toward the entrance. Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she froze, swallowing hard.
'Could it be... Pandemonica came here to meet a man, found she couldn't handle him herself, and called me over for backup?'Her eyes widened as the pieces clicked together in her mind.'So this isn't a restaurant... it's a love ho... Hotel?!'
Modeus felt a jolt of certainty. She had read about places like this in her novels—they were never out in the open! The thought sent a crimson flush creeping up her neck and across her cheeks. Yet, despite her fluster, she continued forward, her curiosity about the entire affair now burning intensely.
More, she had never been in love herself. She was incredibly intrigued by the man who could make even the formidable Pandemonica call for reinforcements. She was certain she could learn some very interesting things from this encounter.
Back inside the shop, all eyes were on the frozen forms of Cerberus and Pandemonica.
"Why am I the only one who can't feel it?" Lucifer repeated, utterly bewildered.
The others all nodded, just as confused. Lanterby was about to speak when a new sound cut through the air—the distinct click-clack of approaching footsteps. From the sharp, rhythmic sound, it was a woman wearing high heels.
Lucifer went still.
The footsteps grew louder, finally stopping right at their doorway. Lucifer swallowed, her gaze darting toward Pandemonica in a silent, desperate plea. Pandemonica, in response, simply closed her eyes, pointedly refusing to acknowledge her queen's panic.
"Wh-why did the atmosphere suddenly get so tense?!" Kasugano Sora whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
Nakiri Mana and the others could only nod in nervous agreement.
Outside, Modeus stared at the 'Closed'sign hanging on the door.'No signboard...'she mused.'Could it be because inside they're currently... Hee hee...'
A mischievous giggle escaped her lips. She gently pulled on the door, finding it unlocked. The tension inside the restaurant ratcheted up to an unbearable level. Finding nothing amiss, Modeus nodded to herself, pulled the door open just a crack, and poked her small head through the opening to peer around.
The instant Lucifer saw that heart-shaped pupil and familiar white hair, her entire world crumbled. Her date was ruined!
Modeus's gaze swept across the room, taking in the bizarre scene. There was Lucifer, standing stiff as a board. Pandemonica, with her eyes squeezed shut. Cerberus, still chewing on a mouthful of food. And at the table, a collection of stunningly beautiful girls surrounding a single, helplessly seated man.
The silence stretched for a long, heavy moment.
Finally, Cerberus was the first to react. After a heroic swallow, she pointed a fork and shouted, "It's Modeus!!!!"
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