Afterward, Shane and Chafne stood in the same place, chatting intermittently as they passed the time on their own.
Although most of the time it was Shane asking questions and Chafne continuously answering, the atmosphere between them was not bad at all, quite the opposite—it was rather pleasant.
It was uncertain whether it was due to the development over this period that Shane and Chafne's relationship had completely changed, or if nobody had ever engaged in such casual and peaceful small talk with Chafne before. Shane, aside, Chafne seemed to be in very high spirits, apparently enjoying the conversation with Shane.
If anyone else saw this scene, they would surely be quite surprised, wouldn't they?
That Enchanting Demon who showed little interest in almost everyone in this world was actually chatting so enthusiastically with a male human, a very rare sight indeed.
No, it would not be surprising if it were said no one had ever seen such a thing.
It was certain that Chafne had only ever interacted in such an informal way with Shane, an individual of the opposite sex; other men need not even contemplate it.
Shane, however, didn't notice this point and spent the whole time asking questions that interested him, letting Chafne, a Demon Clan leader who had lived for tens of thousands of years, answer them for him.
His knowledge of the world was all too lacking, after all.
So, whenever someone suitable was around to answer his various questions, Shane would usually take the opportunity to ask without ceasing.
This also proved that Shane no longer wanted to turn a blind eye to some mysteries but instead wanted to seriously unravel them.
For this reason, Shane wanted to understand this world, to understand the history that led to its creation.
Chafne seemed to have noticed this, hence answering very patiently.
Of course, Chafne was not someone who knew everything and talked about everything.
Some questions were deliberately avoided by Chafne.
For instance, when Shane asked her what kind of person the Demon King truly was, Chafne fell silent for a long time.
"She is a very pitiful person, because no one has ever truly understood her," Chafne gave such a response.
Under these circumstances, it wouldn't be appropriate for Shane to continue questioning.
Although he was curious why Demon King Cladis would be an enemy of the Supreme God and why she would initiate a war between the God and Demon Clans, it seemed quite clear from Chafne's demeanor that she did not want to discuss this matter.
Left with no choice, Shane had to change the subject and inquire about other matters.
Chafne was , sometimes answering straightforwardly, sometimes evading, and sometimes even playfully teasing, to the point where Shane couldn't help but raise his hand, intending to smack her behind, and she would just jump away with a laugh, teasing Shane and looking thoroughly delighted by it.
That behavior, rather than that of an Enchanting Demon, was more like a playful older sister.
Yet, through this, Shane gradually began to understand Chafne.
This Witch, with a deadly charm that drove all men and even women around the world crazy, was actually someone with many faces.
She had a playful side, prone to doing unimaginable things on a sudden whim, as when Shane first arrived at Enchanting Demon City, and she confidently appeared right at the front gate, causing a huge commotion while remaining indifferent.
She had a cold side, too, feeling that even sparing another glance at someone who couldn't catch her interest was a waste of time.
Yet while she was cold to others, she wasn't pretentious enough to use others' affections towards her as bargaining chips; she would maintain a firm distance and would not use someone for some purpose by intentionally ignoring this distance to get close to them.
Parren had once said that Chafne acted indifferent to everyone to not be affected by the side effects of the "Ripple Heart Demon," but under such circumstances, she would unwaveringly approach those she was interested in, without any reservation.
This was a complete contradiction.
Shane had also asked about this.
Chafne, undisturbed, had said this:
"If I truly became heartless and indifferent to everyone because of the 'Ripple Heart Demon's ability, then that would be falling victim to its largest side effect."
In other words, Chafne herself did not want to become someone without heart or sentiment, to become cold and indifferent towards everyone to prevent the "Ripple Heart Demon's" side effect.
If she actually did that, then she would indeed suffer from the "Ripple Heart Demon's" greatest side effect.
She had a heart; she had feelings.
If she became a heartless Demon completely, that would be the greatest sacrifice for her.
Bearing this in mind, Chafne had established such a personality, being indifferent to most people who didn't interest her, not even sparing them an extra glance. But towards those who did catch her interest, she would not hesitate to reach out to them, to draw closer, and even to toy with them.
This was how she genuinely wanted to be.
Her inner ranking was not just to assign a sequence or importance to others. It was also to remind herself that only those who made it onto the list deserved to be remembered by her, to be openly approached.
In conclusion, this Enchanting Demon was a person with very strict principles, very decisive about her own attitudes towards life, and with her own persistence, her own goals, and rules.
Because of the excessively powerful "Ripple Heart Demon" ability, Chafne, while using it, was also very careful about controlling its extent.
"Those who tamper with others' hearts will ultimately tarnish their own," Chafne had once said to Shane.
Hence, there was a ruler in Chafne's heart, a clear guide on what should and should not be done, which she must adhere to more strictly than anyone else.
Otherwise, with one careless move, she would inevitably become a slave to the "Ripple Heart Demon," a genuine Enchanting Demon who toyed with others' hearts and sold her own.
After learning all this, Shane had newfound respect for Chafne for quite some time.
He knew that this woman, who seemed to collect all the world's adoration with her coquettish demeanor in front of people, was in reality constantly struggling with herself and with the "Ripple Heart Demon."
"You've also had it tough."
Shane mused over this for a long while.
"How come? Are you planning to truly capitulate this time?"
Chafne covered her mouth with a giggle, causing Shane to roll his eyes.
Of course, perhaps even Shane himself hadn't noticed, but he no longer regarded Chafne like a fearsome tiger from whom he must flee at all costs.
Was it because he had consumed this Enchanting Demon and thus felt a great deal more at ease inside, or was it the brief moment of surrender in the cave or simply after this conversation? It was unknown.
What was certain was that both Shane and Chafne had made quite an impression on each other, and this impression was growing ever deeper.
Evidence of this was that the level of Connection with the Ripple Heart Demon had deepened significantly since before.
At this rate, Chafne could probably use Shane's abilities through the Ripple Heart Demon, right?
Even though she definitely couldn't use his Unique Skills, Special Skills, or the power of the Holy Sword, she might be able to obtain Shane's six Heavenly Destiny Skills and two Magic Skills.
When Shane could be summoned in the form of a phantom to fight for Chafne by the Ripple Heart Demon, that would be the moment of Shane's true capitulation.
At that time, what kind of profound impression would Shane leave in Chafne's heart?
This, still, was unknown. Thɪs chapter is updated by NoveI~Fire.net
And so, an hour rushed by.
At a certain moment, the harmonious and somewhat intimate atmosphere between Shane and Chafne was finally broken.
"Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!"
Along with the sound of rushing wind, three figures swept in like a whirlwind and landed in front of Shane and Chafne.
Under a cry that sounded almost tearful with joy, Liel finally appeared, looking at an unharmed Chafne with a face full of intense relief.
Hart could not hide his huge sigh of relief, and Gray, too, became somewhat discomposed, his eyes filled with subtle excitement as he looked at Chafne.
Chafne turned her gaze to the three newcomers, and for some reason, her tone not only lacked any happiness but also contained a thread of annoyance, as if being disturbed.
Shane looked up at the sky, speechless.
Had these people not noticed that he was also here?
A person as significant as himself is present, yet completely ignored?
A bunch of fair-weather friends!
While both Shane and Chafne were somewhat annoyed, the three top-tier Legendary beings all knelt on one knee.
"You've been startled, Lady Chafne," Liel said with a face full of shame.
"It's our failure to protect that led to Your Highness being isolated by those damned petty villains," Hart also deeply lowered his head as if regretting his own helplessness.
"Never expected to be outplayed by those of the Old Demon Clan of the Primordial Demons," even Gray's voice carried a hint of killing intent.
Clearly, all three were remorseful and angry for not being able to assist Chafne and allowing her to face danger alone.
"Rise," Chafne seemed quite indifferent as she said, "Those people came prepared. Even I fell for their trick. What could you have done even if you were there?"
Chafne's words caused all three to change their expressions.
"Fell for their trick?"
Hart couldn't help but straighten up.
"Lady Chafne, you..."
Liel was even more anxious.
"It's okay, I'm fine. Don't make a fuss," Chafne waved her hand to interrupt her two subordinates' panic and glanced at Shane beside her, who looked resigned, before barely suppressing a laugh and saying, "With the Hero by my side, what could possibly happen to me?"
Her words seemed to make the three people present finally take notice of Shane's existence and look his way.
"Right, you're here too."
Liel murmured under her breath.
"Almost forgot about you."
Hart bluntly blurted out what he was thinking.
"No wonder you didn't come out with us."
Gray had an a-ha moment, as if it had never crossed his mind why Shane hadn't come out with them earlier.
Shane looked up at the sky.
He really felt like slaughtering these guys...