Amidst the sweet fragrance of the cake and the flickering candles on the bar, Homelander's eyes turned faintly red. Today was his birthday, a fact forgotten and uncelebrated by anyone until this moment. A chain of unfortunate events had preceded this day, but now, someone had remembered.
Even though their acquaintance had been marked by a near-fatal encounter, the gesture was enough to move Homelander. In that moment, he made the decision to follow the queen who identified herself as Morgana.
"Thank you... thank you, my queen," Homelander expressed with a choked voice.
"Eat, you're welcome," Morgana responded with a smile.
Witnessing this unusual scene, everyone couldn't help but feel a sense of shock. The confusion was palpable—how could the person who had nearly beaten Homelander to death now be celebrating his birthday?
"Boss, why do I feel that this woman is even more eccentric than this pervert?" Drago inquired in a low voice.
Ron shook his head and explained softly, "You don't know her. Although Morgana refers to herself as a devil and embraces the concept of decadence and freedom, she cares for her subordinates and values those comrades who wholeheartedly follow her. This cake is a small ritual for Morgana to welcome Homelander into the demon civilization."
Shendu, Rayleigh, and others nodded thoughtfully, gaining new insights into the eccentric woman who relentlessly searched for her younger brother.
"Lil' devil, you understand me well~" Morgana playfully brushed a strand of hair from her forehead and winked at Ron.
Simultaneously, it seemed that some sort of restriction on Morgana had been loosened.
Ron experienced a sudden blinding sensation as he glanced around. Perplexed, he wondered about the course of action.
His aged visage flushed abruptly, fixating straight ahead. Liangbing erupted in laughter, opting not to expose his folly.
At that moment, Tohru, engrossed in a task, blushed, realizing he had inadvertently covered the hem of his skirt.
"Might fresh milk replace this cream, Your Majesty?" mumbled Homelander mid-meal.
Before finishing, an unforeseen Devil's Claw hurled him away.
"Goodness, my lord, why have mercy on such a pervert?" exclaimed another, perturbed.
"My dear old lady was also mistaken," lamented a voice.
"Why employ such deviants as subordinates?" queried someone else.
While sending a telegram, Morgana brandished a steel whip and sauntered out deliberately. The tavern's door sealed shut.
Homelander's supplications for clemency and the constant crack of the steel whip echoed within.
Had Ron not sensed Homelander's weakening breath and intervened, the cloaked enforcers might have reached a dire conclusion.
As Homelander's wounds healed through Shendu's magical amulet, he hastily excused himself, declaring, "Boss, Your Majesty, I must take my leave early!"
Swiftly bidding farewell, he bolted from the tavern, leaving a chilling atmosphere in his wake. For a moment, Homelander feared an imminent explanation.
"By the way, Homelander hasn't settled the bill. As he's under your command, kindly settle it upon departure," Ron politely reminded.
"Ah, bother!"
"It's such a hassle..." After dispatching several telegrams, Liangbing suddenly smiled winsomely, proposing, "Why not let me cover the bill this time, and I'll pay double!"
Ron paused, reminiscing about the lingering memory of their last parting kiss.
"Ah, I see. This person intends to take advantage again!" Ron thought to himself, casting a wary glance at Rem, Ram, and whispering.
Meanwhile, Morgana wore a smile as she sipped her wine, plunging into contemplation.
Suddenly, a "crunch" reverberated as the tavern door swung open. Big Big Wolf dashed in cheerfully, exclaiming, "Boss, I've brought a soft-hearted spray this time! When someone uses it while acting pitiful, it makes everyone tender-hearted and unable to refuse their request!"
Handing Ron two bottles of spray containing a purple potion, Big Big Wolf elucidated its purpose. Ron promptly called out to the kitchen, instructing Rem and Tohru to roast five sheep for Big Wolf to take away.
From the bar, Rayleigh surprisingly remained silent this time, possibly due to the dwindling liquor.
Conversely, Shendu's eyes sparkled with sudden intrigue. Could this potion make his disobedient son comply?
As Ron was about to store the obedience potion into the system warehouse, Shendu interrupted, pleading, "Boss, could you sell this to me? I'll trade you a complete collection of witchcraft!"
Despite Drago's mockery, Shendu persisted, his gaze fixed on Ron with intense fervor.
"Certainly, no problem," Ron replied with a smile, offering a bottle of the Softening Spray. Without a word, Shendu promptly sprayed Drago's face with it, disregarding his son's ridicule.
As the mist settled on his face, Drago erupted in rage. "Old man, did I give you respect? Let's return to hell and settle this!"
However, Shendu didn't retaliate. Instead, he sorrowfully uttered, "Son, your father made mistakes. It's been tough for me all these years." Tears trickled down his crimson eyes.
Witnessing this, Drago was about to continue his tirade, but an unexpected surge of compassion washed over him.
In a sudden turn of events, he embraced Shendu for the first time, exclaiming, "Father! You've endured so much. It's been my fault these years. I'll heed your guidance from now on..."
Ecstatic at his son's change of heart, Shendu seized the moment. "How about letting me practice the trumpet?"
"I don't mind!" Drago responded, reveling in the newfound harmony.
For a moment, two colossal and fierce creatures embraced, shedding tears in the tavern. The sight was unexpectedly poignant.
Eagerly, Rayleigh inquired, "Do I stand a chance now?"
Ron declined firmly, stating, "You have no chance; I intend to use that bottle."
Upon hearing this, Rem, Ram, Tohru, and the others paused their tasks, fixing their gaze on Ron. Their curiosity piqued, wondering who the potion was intended for. Could it be the woman who leaps in through the window every night?
Ram, Rem, and Tohru exchanged knowing glances, silently concurring.
Suddenly, Morgana, who had been quietly drinking, tensed up, murmuring, "I think I smell that woman's scent!"
As her voice trailed off, the tavern doorbell chimed.
The gentle sound echoed through the tavern, signaling an unexpected visitor.