Mr. Kote's firm refusal made the Steven siblings feel quite awkward. They both knew that Mr. Kote's words were reasonable, but humans and non-humans were naturally antagonistic, especially for them, the demon hunters.
"If it's possible, I would like to apologize to Elizabeth in person." Hill Steven, who had been silent, stepped forward and said to Mr. Kote, "It was my mistake that caused Elizabeth to be hurt."
"You're absolutely right!" Mr. Kote still held up his gun, watching the siblings warily. "If you're here just to say that, then... you can leave now, get out of my house, immediately..." His voice turned stern towards the end.
"Alright, alright, calm down!" Hill Steven raised his hands towards Mr. Kote, slowly backed off, and then turned around, ready to leave with Lily Steven.
He had apologized, but Mr. Kote didn't accept it. It was that simple.
"Dad -- I want to hear him apologize to me."
Just as Hill Steven was about to leave, a weak voice came from the staircase. Although faint, it was clear enough for everyone to hear.
All eyes turned to the staircase where a girl in a pristine, long dress stood stubbornly, her hand still on the banister. Her gaze was somewhat angry as she looked at Hill Steven, who had just turned around, as though he was the only person in the world.
Hill Steven felt awkward under Elizabeth's steady gaze and his face turned unnatural. He coughed a couple of times then stepped towards Elizabeth. However, Elizabeth remained still, her eyes locked on him as if waiting for him to say something.
"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. It was my mistake," Hill Steven coughed twice to cover his unease. "I shouldn't have treated you that way, and I shouldn't have used you. It was my fault."
"I know, it was your fault!" Elizabeth's face slowly calmed down. "You came all this way just to say that? Without any explanation?"
"Yes, I used you. I just wanted to kill that damned Lamia. You know... its existence is a great danger, a threat to everyone in this world..." Although the reason was far-fetched, Hill Steven stuttered, trying to persuade Elizabeth.
The anger in Elizabeth's eyes disappeared, replaced with cold indifference.
"The truth is, I recognized you as a non-human and used you to lure out Lamia. And indeed, it did come out," Hill Steven spread his hands out. "You shouldn't have been sacrificed. Now, I understand that. You were a victim of my plan."
"So, you must have killed Lamia!" Elizabeth scoffed at Hill Steven, "With all your efforts, you must have succeeded, right?"
The sarcasm was intense. Hill Steven's face twisted into a grimace, he glanced at his sister, Lily Steven, but found she was not looking at him. Her face was turned away as if she was admiring the scenery.
"Alright, I admit... Lamia was more formidable than I imagined!" Hill Steven helplessly spread his hands. "Mr. Jason only managed to wound it. I think... the only person who can kill it is Mr. Jason."
"Where is it now? I mean, Lamia!" Elizabeth asked emotionlessly.
"I don't know... it's injured and may be healing, but... if there are other non-humans in this city, it might be lured out," Hill Steven said, glancing at Elizabeth.
"Don't even think about using my daughter, damn it, you all deserve to go to hell, you damned demon hunters!" Mr. Kote was not as calm, he glared at Hill Steven holding his shotgun pointed at the siblings, not letting down his guard for a second.
"I swear I don't mean that..." Hill Steven raised his hands and shook his head. "Even for Mr. Jason, finding a Lamia that is good at hiding is a very difficult task. But now is a good opportunity. Lamia is injured, if there's a bait, I think... we can find it--" As he said this, he slowly backed away and apologized to Elizabeth again, then turned around to leave.
"Get out of here, damn it!" Mr. Kote couldn't help but get angry again when he heard him. He raised his shotgun and aimed at the Steven siblings. He was furious that Hill was still trying to manipulate his daughter.
"Wait--" Elizabeth suddenly stopped him.
Hill Steven turned around reluctantly, facing Elizabeth again. To be honest, he didn't feel much guilt. In the hearts of demon hunters, everything that could be used to fight non-humans was fair game. Hunting demons was their priority.
"I can help you lure out that monster--"
Elizabeth stared at Hill Steven, each word clear and distinct.
"As long as you seize the opportunity and kill that beast. I'm willing to be the bait." Hill Steven was rooted to the spot. He had only made an offhand comment, not actually expecting anything to come of it. Yet, Elizabeth's words had stunned him. He turned around and gave Elizabeth a painstakingly thorough look, trying to discern whether she was joking or being serious.
"I am serious. But you better inform Mr. Jason, because you... you won't be able to catch it, even if I lure it out..." Elizabeth continued, speaking as if she knew exactly what he was thinking, her tone laced with sarcasm. "But — it's not because of you, it's because of our own family, and because of Mr. Jason, a man deserving of respect." With that, she turned away, not sparing Hill Steven another glance.
Hill Steven was still taken aback. Although he could detect the sarcasm in Elizabeth's words, he didn't care. What he cared about was her unwavering determination.
The Steven siblings drove away.
Mr. Kote looked at his daughter in a state of surprise, not knowing what to say. Elizabeth, standing for so long, was tired. She took a seat on the living room couch, her gaze distant and lost in thought.
If Elizabeth was to be bait for the Steven siblings, Mr. Kote could not shake off his worries, and would never agree. But if Jason was involved, he would have to reconsider whether it was a decision worth making.
Elizabeth was steadfast in her decision.
Mr. Kote thought for a while and decided to call Jason. Only if Jason gave an affirmative response would he feel reassured to let Elizabeth act as the bait. Of course... there was also the possibility of him acting as the bait himself.
The Steven siblings didn't head for the town streets, but instead went to Jason's house. Just like before, they didn't get permission to enter the house. They stood in the yard, Jason sat on the balcony, and they maintained a conversation across a distance of about ten meters.
"Elizabeth agreed on her own, she wants to be the bait!" Hill Steven yelled to Jason. "This is a golden opportunity. Lamia is injured and can only replenish its lost power by devouring other species. Elizabeth is the best bait. Lamia is greedy, and even knowing the risks, it would undoubtedly be unable to resist the temptation."
"So... has she forgiven you?" Jason asked in a nonchalant manner, glancing at Hill Steven and Lily Steven standing beside him. She stood there with one hand on her hip, the other hanging casually by her side.
She was a woman who knew how to flaunt her impressive figure, a seductive temptress. She wore tight-fitting tank top that accentuated her chest, paired with jeans, and her hair was styled in a ponytail. This combination exuded an aura of sensuality, wildness, and innocence.
Jason admired such women who knew how to display themselves. He took a longer look, and cracked a small smile.
"Yes, she did forgive me. I wouldn't have believed it if she hadn't said it herself," Hill Steven admitted. "I know it's unfair to her, but it's the only chance we have."