The silk bed sheets under their body all wrinkled and damp with sweat and satisfaction.
Lilith lay sprawled on her back, hair splayed like pink waves around her, a flushed smile lingering on her lips. Beside her, Tyrus of the Flame lay motionless—arms stretched, chest heaving, eyes half-lidded as if questioning reality itself.
Neither spoke for a while. Their bodies hummed from exertion, and the silence was one of mutual understanding: they had survived a war.
Finally, with a breathless chuckle, Tyrus broke the silence.
"I must admit… I've faced plenty of battlefields, been stranded in elemental storms, and once survived six days without water in the Scarlet Wastes," he panted, "But I've never been this exhausted and satisfied at the same time."
Lilith turned her head slightly, giving him a lazy, amused glance.
"Oh? Is that a compliment?"
He exhaled, smiling faintly. "You're… something else. I'm starting to think you're one of those succubi from ancient legends."
Lilith raised a brow, smirking. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
He laughed weakly, still catching his breath.
Then, she rolled onto her side and propped her head up with one hand, her voice sweet and dangerous.
"It's already past noon, you know. If you stay for lunch... we can go for another round after."
Tyrus sat up instantly, nearly stumbling. "I'd rather not die from nutrition deficiency, thank you very much."
Lilith giggled. "Coward."
They lay there for a while longer, basking in the afterglow. Eventually, Tyrus managed to gather his strength and slid out of bed, dressing himself with a touch more haste than grace. Lilith also rose, stretching languidly before slipping into something proper. Their eyes met one final time.
"I mean this sincerely," Tyrus said, standing by the door, "Thank you for today. You've… exceeded every expectation. I'll definitely return."
Lilith gave a playful curtsy. "I'll be waiting."
Captain Moreau and Sir Kael stood near the entrance, while Saria lounged on the porch steps, twirling a dagger idly. Brell was busy checking supplies when the door opened.
Tyrus emerged, robes slightly disheveled, complexion pale but glowing with... spiritual damage.
Sir Kael raised a brow. "You sure took your time."
Saria smirked. "You look like you aged five years."
Tyrus gave a hollow chuckle. "Everything went... too well."
Moreau simply nodded. "We'll mark the report as complete."
With that, Tyrus gave a polite nod and left, walking away like a man who had narrowly survived a natural disaster.
Lilith stood beneath the warm spray of her enchanted shower, letting the steam cleanse her skin and soothe her sore muscles. She watched the water trickle down, feeling a sense of pride.
[Stat Drain Complete]
[Speed +4] → [Speed: 34]
[Stamina +4] → [Stamina: 58]
[Strength +4] → [Strength: 35]
[Mana +15] → [Mana: 95]
Her magic reserves were now strong enough to truly depend on spellwork in battle. No more being a one-shot glass cannon.
"This alone was worth the effort," she mused, toweling herself dry.
Downstairs – Chamber Entrance
Lilith descended, freshly dressed and glowing. The Iron Vow knights were gathered around, chatting idly. They straightened when they saw her.
Captain Moreau gave a nod. "Lady Lilith. Everything went smoothly?"
Lilith gave a sly grin. "Smooth is one way to put it."
Brell, still red from their last private chat, avoided eye contact. Saria raised a curious brow. "So? How was your first tribute session?"
Lilith leaned against the railing, one hand on her hip.
"Let's just say... it was a memorable exchange of energy."
Saria whistled. Kael coughed into his fist, pretending not to hear. Brell looked like he might combust.
Lilith giggled. "Relax, gentlemen. I'm not going to write a report on it... unless it's a royal decree."
She joined them for a short chat, her mood light, her steps relaxed. The chamber was quiet again—for now.
But it wouldn't be long before chaos returned.
After finishing her chat with the Iron Vows and ensuring the chamber was secure, Lilith stepped outside, the midday sun washing over her like a reset button. She took a deep breath, tied her hair into a loose ponytail, and began her walk home.
Her pace was slow but satisfied.
Elric Estate – Dining Hall, Early Afternoon
The long wooden table was already set when Lilith arrived, and the delicious aroma of roasted meat, herbs, and soft bread filled the air.
Everyone was present.
Gareth was ladling stew into bowls. Thorne was pouring drinks. Ren leaned back with his usual cool smugness. Luca sat upright, eyes wide, clearly waiting to bombard her with questions. Julian looked up from his seat and smiled as she entered.
"Welcome back, sis," he greeted. "You look… glowing."
"I feel glowing," Lilith said with a chuckle, sliding into her seat.
The family didn't wait long.
"So…" Gareth said, his brow raised. "How did it go? Your first tribute session, I mean."
Luca nearly bounced in his seat. "Was he nice? Was he nervous? Did he give you a gift?"
Thorne smirked, "More importantly… was he worth the trouble?"
Lilith sipped her drink slowly, letting the suspense build. Then she smiled. "He brought flowers, perfume, and nearly passed out twice. So yeah—worth every narr."
Laughter erupted around the table.
Ren clapped the table. "Somehow I feel bad for the guy."
Gareth looked mildly horrified but proud. "I'm glad the client was respectable."
"Honestly, he was kind," Lilith said with a soft smile. "A little surprised I pushed for three rounds, though."
Julian choked on his drink. "Three?!"
Thorne whistled. "You trying to break the poor guy on the first day?"
"Just using my blessings efficiently," Lilith said with mock innocence.
They all shared a hearty laugh, the awkwardness melting under familiarity and fondness.
As the table quieted and they leaned back in their seats, full and content, Thorne wiped his mouth and leaned forward conspiratorially.
"Well, I've got a little suggestion," he began. "Since we're all in good spirits and Lilith's first major job went well…"
"There's the Sunpetal Bloom Festival starting tomorrow in Velderain—a nice town to the southeast. It's a three-day thing. Food stalls, dance parades, even sky lanterns at night."
Luca gasped. "Yes! I read about that! They have those giant floating lily pads on the river and—Oh! Oh! There's a love fortune booth where you draw your romantic fate!"
Lilith's inner thoughts:
What do they mean by romantic fate? It's not like men and women can make a couple. There are nowhere enough women for that. Could it be it's a Yaoi type romance?
Ren raised a brow. "I assume you're going for the snacks."
"I'm going for everything," Luca declared proudly.
Lilith smiled, leaning back in her chair. "Sounds tempting."
Thorne looked at her. "What do you say? We can rent a carriage. Take it easy. Enjoy a couple days before your next tribute."
Lilith considered. "Hmm… I could use a break."
Then she glanced at the window.
"I'll need to check with the Iron Vows. Might be smart to take them along, just in case."
"Bodyguards for a festival trip?" Ren asked.
"Well, they don't really have anything to do." she said, stretching her arms. "Wouldn't hurt to tag them along."
----------_----------
The sun was warm and gentle as the Elric family's carriage rumbled along the cobbled path. Just beyond the hills, the vibrant town of Velderain came into view—its rooftops dotted with flags, lanterns, and flower garlands. From a distance, the whole town looked like it had been dipped in gold and pink, the festival spirit already in full swing.
Lilith sat by the window in a light travel cloak, her cheeks resting in her palm, watching the view pass by. Beside her sat Luca, too energetic to stay still. Across from them were Thorne and Gareth, deep in a quiet conversation, and behind them followed another carriage—the one carrying the Iron Vow knights.
She had invited all four of them—Moreau, Kael, Saria, and Brell—under the justification of "security detail," but secretly, Lilith was growing oddly fond of the awkward little team. Especially Brell. He had stammered the entire morning while helping load their luggage.
"Look!" Luca leaned forward, pointing. "You can see the river! They weren't kidding about the lily pads—those are huge!"
Sure enough, the silver-blue river Velden ran along the eastern side of the town, and dozens of floating lily platforms—decorated with petals, torches, and soft cushions—bobbed peacefully. Musicians played harps and flutes on some of them, while others hosted couples or performers in painted masks.
"It's beautiful," Lilith murmured.
"We're lucky," Thorne added. "This festival only happens once a year, when the sunpetals bloom. And Velderain isn't too crowded yet."
As they crossed the wooden bridge into town, they were greeted by lively townsfolk wearing colorful shawls and garlands. The scent of sweet spices and grilled skewers wafted through the air, blending with the soft strumming of lutes and the distant laughter of children chasing fluttering paper birds.
The carriages slowed.
The Iron Vow knights rode up alongside the main carriage, Captain Moreau nodding through the open window. "We've arranged lodging near the riverside garden district. Close to the festivities, but with enough privacy for your safety."
"Excellent work, Captain," Lilith said with a smile. "I expect nothing less."
They pulled into a cozy inn called "The Whispering Lantern." Its wooden facade was decorated with silk streamers, and lanterns hung from every eave. A kind-eyed innkeeper greeted them with a bow, already briefed by the Iron Vows.
Luggage was quickly carried in, and everyone was shown to their rooms.
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Non-canon filler: The previous owner of the body has now become a yokai and came to haunt me and she has something to say to you all.
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