"It's done, my Lady." The woman knelt down before her master, her demonic wings folding back. Her revealing attire, covering only her chest and lower body, left little to the imagination, leaving a tantalizing display of her toned body and captivating presence. Her eyes burned red as she met her master's gaze, awaiting the next command.
"Are you sure nobody saw you?"
"Yes, Lady Nirvana, I made sure of that. I checked the entire region, there were no espionage spells active there."
"You did well, Arya." The demoness leaned back on a tree and crossed her arms. "And you should call me Sarah Viserya now, I need to be cautious in this new world, it's risky to reveal my real name."
"Alright, Lady Sarah, I'll let the others know."
Sarah nods while straightening herself up. "I need to go back now, be sure to lie low."
"Already?" The tall demonic woman pouts. "I wanted to spend more time with my Lady…"
Sarah chuckles while leaving.
***
Sarah walks back through the forest to the place where the girl she just saved is waiting for her.
'Was it a good idea to summon Arya? Like… isn't she perhaps a little unstable? I mean, she's the Evil Lady of Lust… one of the seven Evil Ladies…'
The demoness contemplates as she crosses a fallen tree.
'Perhaps it would have been better if I hadn't… Ah, whatever, it's good to have someone to talk to freely. And she won't do anything I don't order her to… she's loyal… I believe.'
As she navigates her thoughts, Sarah doesn't realize she has already arrived and is suddenly brought back to reality by Gillen.
"So, you're the one that saved the Princess?"
"Yes, it was me." Sarah looks at the knight in front of her. "May I ask who you are?"
"I'm the knight in charge of her protection." Gillen looks down a little ashamed as he continues. "I am grateful for what you did. You saved the Princess of Grand Valka."
"So, she's a Princess, huh? Well, I only helped a person in need, it really wasn't a big thing."
"It surely was, my Lady. The Kingdom of Grand Valka is forever grateful for you." The knight bowed his head slightly. "May I ask who exactly you are?"
"I'm a magic caster…" Sarah stops shortly to wonder before continuing. "I have been secluded studying magic for these past years, so I don't know much about the state of the world right now. It would be of great help if you two could tell me about it."
The 16-year-old girl stands up from the log she was sitting at and extends her hand to Sarah.
"I thank you, Miss, you saved my life." As they both shake hands, the princess smiles. "May I ask your name?"
"It's Sarah. Sarah Viserya."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Helen Igsem." The princess once again smiles. "We most definitely will help you, Miss Sarah. It would be extremely uncordial not to aid the savior of a princess." The girl chuckles.
Sarah forced a fake smile in return. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Helen," She replied, her voice filled with warmth. "And I must say, the honor is mine to have saved the life of royalty."
As the conversation continued for a while, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a gentle twilight over the forest clearing. The sounds of crickets chirping filled the air, and a cool breeze rustled through the trees, making the leaves dance. Sarah glanced around, taking in the serene yet unfamiliar surroundings.
"It's getting late," she said, her eyes shifting back to Princess Helen. "We should rest here for the night. Traveling in the dark may be unwise, especially after what happened."
Helen nodded, her face softening as she looked around. "I agree, Miss Sarah. We've been through quite an ordeal, and it would be best to gather our strength. There's a small stream nearby; I can fetch water while you prepare a fire."
Sarah hesitated, not entirely comfortable letting the girl venture off alone, even if it was only a short distance. But she quickly assessed that Helen, despite her regal demeanor, seemed capable and unafraid. "Alright," Sarah said. "But don't wander too far, and call if you need anything."
"Of course," Helen replied with a reassuring smile before heading towards the sound of flowing water, a small jug in hand.
Sarah turned her attention to gathering wood for the fire, her mind momentarily drifting to her situation. She was still adjusting to being in this strange world as her game character. Yet, saving the princess, which was something that should feel natural, didn't bring her any satisfaction or sense of right. Maybe that was just how things were supposed to be here, she thought, as she arranged the wood and sparked a small flame.
A few minutes later, Helen returned, carrying the jug filled with water. "I've got the water. It's nice and cool," she said, settling down beside the growing fire. "I must admit, I'm not used to roughing it like this, but there's something… calming about it."
Sarah smiled, this time more genuine than before. "It has its charms," she said, stirring the fire. "Besides, it's only for one night. Tomorrow, we'll make our way to the capital, and you'll be back to your comforts soon enough."
Helen's expression brightened. "Yes, and you'll be coming with me, won't you? I'll make sure you're rewarded for your bravery." She looked at Sarah with sincere gratitude. "My family will be eager to meet the person who saved me."
Sarah's eyes flickered, a mix of emotions passing through them. "I appreciate the offer, Princess Helen. But I'm not sure what lies ahead for me in your capital. My circumstances are... complicated."
"Complicated or not," Helen said firmly, "you're my guest, and I won't hear of you going your own way. Besides, you might find the answers you're looking for there." She smiled again, though there was a subtle sharpness to it, a hint of a cunning that reminded Sarah this girl was not just any ordinary teenager—she was a princess. "Who knows, perhaps our meeting was fate."
Sarah nodded, not entirely convinced but not willing to argue. "We'll see what tomorrow brings, then."
Gillen had already gone to sleep, but the two continued to talk for a while, sharing stories by the warmth of the fire. Helen spoke of her life in the palace, her siblings, and the duties she had been learning. Sarah listened quietly, only offering small pieces of her own invented story, careful not to reveal too much. Eventually, fatigue began to settle over them, of course, Sarah was faking it, and they decided it was time to rest.
As Helen curled up beside the fire, she looked over at Sarah. "Thank you again, Miss Sarah. For everything."
"Get some rest, Princess," Sarah replied, her voice soft. "We have a long journey ahead of us."
The princess nodded and closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep. Sarah stayed awake a little longer, staring into the crackling flames, lost in her thoughts. She wondered what kind of world she had been thrown into, and what awaited her in the capital.
After Helen had drifted off to sleep, Sarah quietly stood up, careful not to wake her. The night was calm, and the gentle sounds of the forest surrounded her as she slipped away from the campsite. She had noticed the faint steam rising from a small clearing nearby earlier and decided to check it out. As she approached, the air grew warmer, and she soon found herself by a serene pool of thermal water, nestled in a natural rock basin, with steam curling up into the night sky.
Sarah let out a sigh of relief. It had been days since she'd last had a proper bath, and the idea of soaking in the warm water was too tempting to pass up. She carefully stripped off her clothes, dipping her toes into the water before fully sinking into the steaming pool. A contented sigh escaped her lips as the warmth enveloped her, soothing her muscles and washing away the tension.
As she relaxed, her mind wandered, but she quickly caught herself and closed her eyes, focusing on the feeling of the water. After a few moments, she decided to do something.
"Arya," she whispered, her voice echoing softly in the stillness. "Come forth."
The water rippled, and the air around her seemed to shimmer. From the misty steam, a figure began to materialize, stepping gracefully into the pool. Arya, the demon known as the Evil Lady of Lust, emerged with a sly, playful smile on her lips. Her dark, flowing hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her eyes glinted mischievously as she looked at Sarah.
"My, my, calling me out at such an hour… and in such a delicious setting," Arya purred, her voice low and sultry. "Could it be that you missed me, dear Sarah?"
Sarah blushed faintly, quickly averting her gaze. "I didn't call you for… that," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I just… needed to talk."
Arya's smile widened, and she waded closer, the water rippling around her. "Oh, but of course," she said, her tone teasing. "Talk, bathe, share some... intimate company." She reached out, brushing a strand of Sarah's hair behind her ear, her fingers lingering a little too long. "You're so tense, darling. Why don't you let me help you relax?"
Sarah's cheeks flushed a light pink, but she gently pushed Arya's hand away. "I'm serious, Arya," she said, though there was a slight tremor in her voice. "I'm trying to make sense of everything. Being here… in this world, as me but also not really me. I… don't know what I'm supposed to do."
Arya's expression softened, though her playful demeanor never completely faded. She moved closer, until she was almost beside Sarah, the water swirling between them. "You've always been so cute when you're flustered," she murmured, leaning in slightly. "But I understand. This world, this form… it's all new, isn't it? Overwhelming, even. You're trying to be strong, but you're also still figuring it out."
Sarah's blush deepened, and she turned her head, trying to hide it. "It's not just that. I feel… out of place. Like I'm wearing a mask. And then there's Helen, and the capital, and… I'm not sure where I'm going."
Arya's eyes glowed softly, her voice low and gentle. "You're exactly where you need to be, Sarah. And whatever happens, I'm here. After all, you summoned me, didn't you? Whether you need a confidante, a guide… or something more." Her lips curled into a teasing smile as she leaned in closer, her breath warm against Sarah's ear. "Anything you desire, darling."
Sarah's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly turned her head, bumping her forehead against Arya's to push her back slightly. "I… I don't need that right now!" she stammered, her blush now fully visible. "Just… stay here and talk to me. Please."
Arya laughed softly, a melodic sound that seemed to echo around them. "As you wish, my dear Sarah." She shifted back, lounging in the water with a relaxed, elegant grace. "We can talk if that's what you want."
Sarah let out a small sigh, relieved but still a bit flustered. "Thanks. I just… need someone to listen."
"I'm all ears," Arya said, her voice warm and playful. "And if you change your mind about… other things, well, I'm not going anywhere."
Sarah couldn't help but smile, even as she rolled her eyes. "I'll keep that in mind," she said, her tone lighter than before. As they continued to talk, the night seemed to grow a bit warmer, and for a moment, Sarah felt less alone, even in this strange new world.
"Arya," she began softly, her voice echoing slightly in the still night air, "how are your sisters? Gluttony, Wrath, Pride, Sloth, Envy, and Greed. I haven't seen them since… well, since I ended up here."
Arya's lips curled into a knowing smile, a glimmer of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Ah, my dear sisters," she said, her tone dripping with mock affection. "They're as lively as ever, each in their own charming way." She playfully twirled a strand of Sarah's hair around her finger. "And yes, they are quite envious that I'm the only one you've called so far. Especially Envy, of course—she's practically fuming." Arya let out a soft, melodious laugh.
Sarah chuckled at the thought, picturing Envy pouting in a corner somewhere. "I can imagine. I'm sure Pride isn't too happy about it either," she added, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, you have no idea," Arya said, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Pride was absolutely livid when she heard I was the first one you summoned. 'How dare she go first,' she said. 'I am the embodiment of perfection, I should have been the first to grace her with my presence.'" Arya mimicked Pride's haughty voice, causing Sarah to laugh.
"That sounds like her," Sarah said, shaking her head. "And the others? What about Gluttony and Sloth?"
"Gluttony is… well, Gluttony. She's probably gorging herself on something even as we speak," Arya said with a smirk. "As for Sloth, she's hardly moved from her bed. I don't think she even noticed I was summoned. It's not like she'd be in a rush to get here anyway." Arya's tone was light, but there was a hint of fondness in her voice as she spoke of her sisters.
Sarah smiled, feeling a bit nostalgic. Even though they were demons, each of Arya's sisters had their own quirks and personalities, and she had grown somewhat attached to them. "I'm sure Wrath and Greed must be itching to be called, though," she said. "Wrath is probably just waiting for an excuse to fight something, and Greed… well, she's always looking for more, isn't she?"
"Absolutely," Arya said, her eyes gleaming. "Wrath was practically begging me to drag her along when I was summoned. She's been dying for some action, and Greed… oh, she's already scheming about how she can get her hands on whatever treasures you might come across in this world. They all want a piece of you, darling." Arya's smile turned into a playful grin. "But it seems you're content with just me for now."
Sarah blushed lightly, looking away as she tried to hide her smile. "It's not like that," she muttered. "I just… I thought you might be the best one to help me figure things out."
Arya's expression softened, and she reached out, gently cupping Sarah's chin to turn her face back towards her. "And I'm honored you chose me," she said, her voice low and sincere. "But don't think for a moment that the others won't be called eventually. They're waiting, and they'll come running the moment you beckon them."
Sarah met Arya's gaze, feeling a mix of warmth and nervousness under the demon's intense stare. "Maybe… but for now, I'm glad it's just us."
Arya's lips curled into a soft, almost affectionate smile. "As am I, my dear Sarah," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Then, her smile turned wicked again. "But I can't wait to see the look on Pride's face when you finally summon her. She'll make such a scene."
Sarah laughed, shaking her head. "I bet she will. I'll have to brace myself for that."
"Indeed," Arya said, leaning back into the water with a satisfied sigh. "But until then, you have my undivided attention, my dear. So, shall we continue to enjoy this bath… or is there anything else you'd like to talk about?" She flashed Sarah a playful grin, her eyes glinting with mischief.
Sarah's cheeks warmed, but she managed to keep her composure. "Just… stay with me for a bit longer, Arya," she said softly. "I think that's all I need right now."
Arya's smile softened again, and she moved closer, leaning into Sarah. "As you wish, darling," she whispered. "I'm not going anywhere."
And so they remained, soaking in the warm water, surrounded by the gentle steam and the quiet of the night, their conversation drifting into a comfortable silence.