While there were plenty of things to do, Lenora plopped her bottom on the bed, and thought some things over.
Her memory was slightly fuzzy and she couldn't remember the full extent of how things played out in the future, but she had a general idea of what was going to happen.
In a few days, the Zabruza kingdom, always thought to be allies of Droban (where the demonlord's domain was), would change sides and invade Droban. This would eventually lead to a continent-wide war, and the demonlord would be forced to take part. After a few crude years of relentless fighting, the war would come to an end.
An end, no one wanted. No one desired. The end of the world.
To prevent that, Lenora first had to do something about the incoming invasion from the north.
However, after what she heard from Alberto, it was evident the invasion would take place tonight, slightly earlier than she anticipated.
Droban, the kingdom of demihumans occupied the south western parts of the kingdom. The country shared its borders with Zabruza in the north, and the Human republic of Alaison in the East. This particular country welcomed people of all races, and thus made enemies across the world. Elves in particular were not happy about mix breeding and letting their pure race be corrupted with lesser blood. This was why elves were forbidden to leave their country. However, in a few days, they would strike a deal with Zabruza and use a linear path to cross into Zabruza and then attack Droban, something they hadn't done yet. Despite how they waged wars with other races, they never directly left their own borders, precisely why wars never escalated. However, this time it was different and this was also a reason why the world crumbled.
But while Lenora knew what was going to happen, she didn't have the means to stop any of that, at least not as she was. She knew a lot, she was aware of a lot, and she could manipulate a lot of things. But in the most generous of senses, she was still just a human with vast mana reserves in her current form. Without training, she was like a Honda Civic with a jet engine strapped under the hood.
This was why she needed the sacred treasures. But even with such treasures, what was she going to do? Fly to the enemy nation and claim they were about to betray this one and usher the world into a state of chaos?
Who would believe her?
Why would they believe her?
Besides, the demon lord probably couldn't help her either. He was powerful. But he wasn't invincible. She knew that all too well.
"Argh…" she fell on her back, groaned a couple of times, rolled around and just sighed. After a few minutes, she picked herself back up and tapped on the wall a couple of times. The darkness parted, revealing a black tiled bathroom with white basins. She slid into the large bathtub and water started pouring. Lukewarm water. It almost tickled her, but the warmth dulled some of the fatigue and momentarily robbed her of her worries.
Let's worry about tomorrow when tomorrow gets here. For now, she was going to rest, enjoy her new life, and fantasize about how she was going to make him fall for her all over again.
But what am I going to do about her?
The last time, that woman died in war. But if the said war didn't even start… wouldn't she-
Argh… Sufficed to say, the worries were making a triumphant return.
***
The pleasant sound of the shower eased her mind. The slow drip, the warmth, the worries melted away. How long had it been since he last had a proper bath? During the later stages of her last life, she hardly had any time for self-care. She used to worry about hygiene at every possible opportunity and yet… yet she couldn't even wipe her body, let alone shower or heavens forbid, bathe.
New worries popped up, sure. But she ignored them. Right now, a new world awaited. And she'd see him again. The last time, she'd shut herself up for days and in the meanwhile war erupted. She wasn't going to let it happen this time.
Just as she got out of the shower though, her eyes nearly popped out.
A shiver ran down her spine, heart fluttering, breathless. Oh no…
There was a man inside the room. No, a demon. He'd been waiting, seated on the bed. And while she would have loved meeting him under any other circumstances, right now she was wearing nada.
"Ahh…" Lenora let out a half-assed shriek. She always prized herself for keeping her calm every day. Today wasn't one of those days.
Frantically she ran back into the bathroom, nearly crashing into the wall on her way. Once inside, she wrapped two towels over her body screaming to herself, why didn't I just use a towel.
Why didn't I just use a towel?
Why didn't I just use a fucking towel?
Lenora had a habit. Some may say a bad habit. A habit of always washing her clothes, even if she only wore them once. She expected the maid to bring a change of clothes, but the timing wasn't right.
She hardly ever wore a towel afterwards before drying herself first. She was not expecting anyone. Even if someone did come, she couldn't care less. It wasn't like she was a child.
Yet. Yet her heart raced and her brain made up ludicrous scenarios. What was he going to think! No… it's all over, oh no!
After about five minutes of intense overthinking and shame, she somehow made it out covered in towels and sat down.
The demon lord observed and attempted to say something but when Lenora forced herself to sit beside him, he didn't say it. Instead, there was silence.
Silence that became more and more awkward by the minute.
Do I stink?
I don't stink, right?
RIGHT!?
"Can I help you?" She managed, eventually.
The demon lord leaned closer and while Lenora stared confusedly, she understood what was going on.
He's going to kiss me!
Shame slowly faded, replaced by a bubbling feeling of sorts. And one that of anticipation.
Thump!
Thump!
Was this happening? Was this really, really happening? She asked him just for the sake of asking. After all, Xanard was shy and… and-
She gulped, perked up her lips, closing her eyes.
His soft chapped lips, his warmth- his scent- it all loomed over her. Hmm… but why hasn't he-
She opened her eyes and found the man just over her; he smooched her on the forehead and moved back. Flawless. "There," he said. "Now be sure to work hard… my pet."
And then he was gone.
Huh? The shame, the fluttering feeling shaped into boiling rage.
Sure, she asked for a kiss on the forehead. Sure, she didn't expect him to read her mind.
Sure~!
But…
"COWARD!"
Her face burned and her chest pounded. Groaning to herself, she tried calming down.
It was not working, no.
[A/N]
Thank you for picking up Sum Pet.
This particular novel will be a blend of romance and high fantasy. I plan on updating daily and you might even get weekly bonus chapters if I don't burn out XD.
I used to write a lot of erotic fiction so you can expect some explicit content in this one, albeit not of the same intensity of- let's say- a hardcore erotica like 'Invisible Pleasures: My Invisible Yandere Lover Won't Let Me Go' [available on Smashwords and definitely not a shameless plug].
I write fast and edit everything myself, so typos may poke its ugly head every now and then. If you should point them out, I'll try my best to make this novel better.
This novel will take part in Webnovel's Cupid Quill contest. I would really appreciate it if you could vote with Powerstones, Golden Tickets, and help me win.
Thank you, and have a nice day.