Ch.165Helium’s Night (2)

Following Isillia, I met Deskall Draught Isillia Vin, the king of Helium and Cecilly’s father. He was staying in a private room for receiving guests rather than the audience chamber.

As the king of demons, it was only natural that he exuded charisma, but he was a handsome man with clean-cut features and a build similar to mine. At first glance, he looked young like Gartz Balack, but in reality, he was over 300 years old.

Since Cecilly resembled Isillia so closely, it was really difficult to find any similarities with Deskall, but I could see that the shape of the horns between father and daughter was identical. Isillia’s horns extended straight backward like goat horns.

Anyway, while waiting for dinner to be prepared, I began to exchange various conversations with Cecilly’s parents.

Since this was essentially a meeting with the parents, I was a bit nervous, but fortunately, Deskall made me feel comfortable, which helped me relax a little.

“First, I want to express my infinite gratitude for saving our demon race. I feel like I should hand over the throne to you.”

“That’s too much… Honestly, I didn’t expect the perception of demons to change.”

“Whether you expected it or not, it doesn’t change the fact that our kind began to see the light thanks to the Biography of Xenon. Even if someone saves you by chance in a life-threatening situation, you still owe them gratitude.”

It felt strange to hear Deskall say exactly what I had heard from Luminus and Mora. I think I can now humbly accept that I am the savior of the demon race.

Until now, I had been avoiding it because it was a bit burdensome and I’m not the type to brag, but from now on, it would be better to acknowledge it clearly.

“But Your Majesty.”

“Ah. In private, you can speak comfortably. I feel awkward receiving honorifics from a benefactor.”

“Then… Mr. Deskall?”

“If possible, I’d prefer you call me father-in-law.”

Another thing I learned was that Deskall had a somewhat smooth personality. I thought that Cecilly’s personality might have been inherited from Deskall.

Anyway, since I felt awkward at the moment, I decided to call him Mr. Deskall. He said I could call him Deskall if that was more comfortable for me.

“So what did you want to ask?”

“The Queen’s…”

“Please call me mother-in-law.”

As soon as I mentioned the word “queen,” Isillia smiled and corrected me.

“…Isillia’s…”

“Mother-in-law.”

“…Mother-in-law.”

“Hehe.”

Could it be that Cecilly inherited the playfulness from both her father and mother? Otherwise, the occasional appearance of the little devil Cecilly couldn’t be explained.

Cecilly seemed pleased when I referred to Isillia as “mother-in-law” and gently grabbed my hand under the table. She was sitting on my right side, naturally touching my right hand.

And if she were just holding my hand, it wouldn’t matter, but she was focusing on the callus on my middle finger. It felt strange to have someone else touch my rough callus.

“…I was curious about why mother-in-law’s name is also in the middle name. Is this a tradition unique to Helium?”

“That’s right. In Helium, there’s a tradition where the king and his children include the name of the queen or consort in their middle name. If you and Cecilly have a child named, um… do you have any names in mind?”

“…No, I don’t.”

I was surprised by the sudden question but answered calmly.

“That’s a shame. Let’s say the name is Jin, then it would be Jin Draught Issac Vin. By the way, Draught and Vin are surnames that only the royal family can use.”

“I see. Do Draught and Vin have any meaning?”

“Draught is the name of the founding king, and Vin means ‘king’.”

I learned many facts in various ways. As a side note, let’s skip over the fact that Deskall used “Jin” as an example name.

“How do you find our Helium? I heard from Lord Gartz that he likes it because it feels like a place where people live.”

“That’s exactly right. Helium is a place where people live, nothing more, nothing less.”

“Yes, you’re right. Since its founding, Helium has never not smelled of people. Even if the world says it’s a place where demons live, or that once you enter, you can never leave. We are people.”

As if he had been keeping it in his heart, Deskall’s eyes looking at me were incredibly warm. Though they were red like blood, his eyes filled with infinite gratitude made me slightly embarrassed.

Even during this, Cecilly was busy touching my hand under the table. When I glanced at her, she was smiling brightly.

Is this moment happiness? I silently held her hand. Cecilly’s face turned slightly red.

“I’m glad to see you have affection for our daughter. When I heard from her, I thought it would be fine since you’re a benefactor to the demon race, but I wasn’t completely without worry.”

It seems our affectionate behavior under the table was discovered. Surprised, I looked at Deskall and saw him smiling contentedly.

Isillia sitting next to him was the same. She spoke with her distinctively mature voice, as if relieved.

“Actually, I felt the same. When I heard that Cecilly had found Xenon and even became his lover, I was so surprised. Especially since Issac already has a fiancée named Marie?”

“Ah… Yes, that’s right.”

“My husband and I respect our daughter’s choice. It might be a short moment for our demon race, but beautiful memories are better than painful regrets. There was something similar in the Biography of Xenon, wasn’t there?”

“Merry said she wouldn’t regret it, but would live a life of longing.”

Cecilly answered for me. Then she slowly pulled up our tightly clasped hands from under the table to show the two people in front of us.

I was startled at first, but feeling there was no need to hide it, I went along with what she wanted. Soon, our affectionately joined hands were placed on the table, and Cecilly’s parents turned their gaze toward them.

“Mom. Dad. I will never regret it. No matter how many women are by Issac’s side, I will love him. Even when Issac eventually leaves for Lady Mora’s embrace, I will live longing for him.”

“Noona. I don’t plan to add any more women after you.”

Although Adelia is a bit of an issue, I currently have almost no intention of adding more women after Cecilly. I also doubt Marie would readily agree.

But Deskall’s thoughts seemed a bit different. As soon as he heard my words, he refuted with a firm voice.

“Well, that might be difficult in reality.”

“What? What do you mean?”

“Consider your value once more. Until now, it might have been immeasurable, but after the contamination of the World Tree’s roots and the signs of demon summoning, even national leaders can’t treat you carelessly. Sabre has even dispatched a cardinal to honor you as a saint. The moment someone touches you, not only our Helium but also Sabre might join forces to thoroughly destroy that country. So rather than touching you, they would choose to appease you. And that appeasement is…”

“Strategic marriage, right?”

Isillia calmly continued after Deskall. Deskall nodded and explained the situations that could arise.

“There’s nothing more beautiful than a marriage formed out of love. But marriage can also be a relationship bound by a kind of contract. I heard from Cecilly that you have a deep interest in history?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Then you understand well how strategic marriages can serve as a ‘shield.’ You said you’re engaged to a duchess from the Empire of Minerva? Then the moment you reveal your identity, the Kingdom of Teres might try to check you. In severe cases, they might even attempt assassination. For your own sake, you should consider strategic marriages.”

“Hmm…”

I couldn’t help but deepen my contemplation at these words that cut to the bone. I thought strategic marriages were stories of other countries, but hearing it directly made it feel completely different.

As Deskall said, since I’m planning to marry Marie, I’m essentially affiliated with the Empire of Minerva. So from the perspective of their rival, the Kingdom of Teres, they can’t help but be wary.

The Empire of Minerva, as well as Helium and Sabre, would protect me, but human affairs are unpredictable. Of course, if the Kingdom of Teres really makes a move, they should be prepared to face collective retaliation.

‘This isn’t an issue that can be easily considered.’

The power of strategic marriages between countries, not within one’s own country, is very strong. The moment a leader invades a country where their own child lives, their reputation would rapidly decline, and the trust of other countries would plummet.

You might have heard the news that a princess from the Kingdom of Teres was transferring to Halo Academy. This is because the Kingdom of Teres felt a sense of crisis after I previously mentioned the Mayshall territory as my birthplace.

“Especially in your case, having accomplished feats that even nations can’t handle, such aspects would be more prominent. Isn’t it better to have more allies than enemies?”

“So… for my safety, I should engage in strategic marriages?”

“If you prioritize your well-being. We will protect you, but there are clear limitations.”

“It’s complicated.”

“That’s politics for you. Well, there’s no need to think about it too much right now. I’m just informing you of a highly possible situation.”

Deskall treated me as if I shouldn’t worry, but it wasn’t like that for me at all. Perhaps, as Deskall said, for the sake of my safety and those around me, I would inevitably have to engage in strategic marriages.

But the problem is the target of the strategic marriage. What if another country, or even the Empire of Minerva, sends Rina as a strategic marriage candidate to firmly establish their position? Marie’s position would become very ambiguous.

You can’t have a princess as a concubine, can you? Marie, who is well-versed in politics, might think it’s inevitable, but she would still feel disappointed.

Therefore, if I accept strategic marriages, I would need to coordinate well to maintain a smooth family life. It’s a choice that brings a great sense of responsibility in many ways.

“Well, it’s better to stop here with the annoying political talk. Let’s move on to another topic. Feel free to talk about whatever you’re comfortable with.”

“Ah, I have something I’d like to ask. Mr. Issac?”

“Yes? Oh, yes, please go ahead.”

“What do you like about our daughter? Since you have affection for her, you must have accepted our daughter’s choice, so as a mother-in-law, I’m curious.”

“Umm…”

After hearing Isillia’s question, I turned to Cecilly. Cecilly was also looking at me with her characteristic mischievous smile, as if saying, “Go ahead and tell them.”

Meanwhile, I slowly examined Cecilly’s appearance. Red eyes that shine seductively, along with mature beauty. If I lower my gaze just slightly, her large breasts, which form deep valleys, boast an overwhelming presence.

This alone is more than enough reason to feel affection for Cecilly. When Cecilly just gives me an eye smile, my heart races, so no further explanation is needed.

What man wouldn’t fall for Cecilly? Moreover, when Cecilly is the one showing affection first, it would be stranger not to like her.

To this, I smiled shyly as if embarrassed and then quietly answered.

“…It’s hard to pinpoint. She’s a woman without any shortcomings. Her face and… well, yes.”

“Hoho. I like your honesty.”

“Cecilly is indeed a child without any deficiencies.”

Isillia laughed elegantly, covering her mouth with her hand, and Deskall wore an expression that seemed somewhat proud. Fortunately, they seemed to take it well, probably because they had a favorable impression of me from the beginning.

While I was inwardly relieved as warmth rose from the front, Cecilly squeezed my hand as if to say, “Look at me.” I shifted my gaze toward Cecilly.

She was looking at me with eyes full of warmth and affection, resting her chin on one hand. I was slightly entranced by her pose, which was like a painting.

If Marie energizes me with her characteristic vivaciousness, Cecilly draws me in with this enchanting atmosphere.

“Hmm. It seems the meal is ready now.”

While I was gazing at Cecilly for a while, Deskall spoke as if he had received telepathy. Cecilly and I turned our heads toward Deskall simultaneously.

“Is there anything you can’t eat? I’ll let them know in advance.”

“I can eat most things.”

“That’s good. Then let’s get up from our seats…”

“Ah! Wait a moment. I have one request, if that’s okay?”

Just as Deskall was about to stand up, Isillia stopped him with an urgent voice. As I looked at her with a questioning gaze, Isillia snapped her fingers with a “snap!”

Surprisingly, a book suddenly appeared in the air with a “pop-“. It seems she used magic related to spatial movement.

Then Isillia handed me a book that looked somewhat familiar and asked me with a slightly excited voice.

“Could you sign this before we eat?”

“I don’t mind signing, but this is…”

“It’s the Biography of Xenon Volume 5, which contains Sacran’s end. I always carry it with me since I’m in Helium now.”

Come to think of it, Gartz also took out Volume 5 from thin air using spatial movement magic. And then he got my signature.

I looked at Isillia, who was looking at me with sparkling red eyes in anticipation, and then smiled and took out the magic pen I always carried. Then I signed the first page of the book with “Issac” in Korean.

“It’s done.”

“Thank you so much. Did you also sign one for Cecilly?”

“No. Noona didn’t say anything…”

I cautiously suggested to Cecilly, looking slightly sheepish.

“Should I sign one for you too, Noona?”

“No, it’s fine. I’m going to get a confirmation stamp anyway, so why would I need a signature?”

“…”

As expected, I can’t surpass her when it comes to sexual jokes. While I was laughing wryly, Isillia hugged the book to her chest and said happily.

“Then am I the first to get your handwritten signature? I’m so pleased.”

“Ah, actually, Mr. Gartz received it first.”

“What?”

When I revealed the truth, Isillia opened her eyes wide in surprise. Not just her, but Deskall and Cecilly also showed similar reactions.

Looking puzzled, Cecilly quickly asked with a slightly flustered voice.

“Lord Balack got it first? When?”

“Well… I signed it when I first came to Helium. Before going to your villa, Noona.”

“Is that so… And he didn’t report it…”

“Hmm…”

Cecilly muttered ominously, and Deskall stroked his chin, appearing to be deep in thought. I felt a bit uneasy, wondering if I shouldn’t have mentioned it.

But not long after, Cecilly smiled brightly and spoke as if it didn’t matter.

“It shouldn’t be a problem right now. Let’s go eat first.”

“…Alright.”

“Oh, and there will be dessert tonight, so you don’t need to force yourself to eat too much. Understood?”

“Dessert? What dessert?”

While I was curious, Isillia in front seemed to have realized something and exclaimed, “Ah!” Deskall was scratching his cheek and pretending not to know.

With such reactions, I became even more curious, and then Isillia raised the corners of her mouth deeply and made a puzzling statement.

“It’s a special dessert I made. It’s the only one of its kind in Helium.”

“There’s such a thing?”

“Yes.”

Nodding, Isillia left a meaningful remark.

“It will be really delicious.”

“…?”

*****

I could only understand the true meaning of those words after dinner, when night fell.

“Before dinner, my mom said it, right? That it’s the only dessert of its kind in Helium.”

“…Yes.”

In the bedroom with only a bit of moonlight coming in. Having washed up neatly and waiting for my first night with Cecilly, I couldn’t help but be dumbfounded.

Despite the holy power I received from Mora, my heart was racing madly, and I felt like I might be overwhelmed by desire at any moment. Because…

*Rustle*

“How is it? The dessert my mom personally prepared.”

Black lingerie and garter belt. These two items alone should explain everything.

The black lingerie couldn’t fully cover Cecilly’s voluptuous breasts, causing flesh to spill out, and the garter belt below stimulated a man’s primal desires.

Moreover, since she had been covering herself with a robe until now, she was currently standing sexily in a pose as if she was about to take off the robe, as if to say, “Look at this.” Thanks to this, her breasts and her wide hips, no less impressive than Arwen’s, were accentuated.

Is Cecilly truly the incarnation of a succubus? I swallowed hard and quietly opened my mouth.

“…It looks very delicious.”

“Doesn’t it?”

Saying that, she slowly approached me sitting on the bed. Cecilly’s figure, which even darkness couldn’t fully conceal, came clearly into my view.

Eventually, she approached me closely and began to straddle my thighs. My heart started beating wildly, and my gaze went up and down repeatedly.

“Issac.”

“…Yes, Noona.”

“Don’t you have something you want to say to me?”

What more words are needed? I smiled gently at her red eyes, which were glistening with desire.

“I love you, Noona.”

“Hmm~ Besides that?”

This tempting succubus. I looked at the pouting Cecilly and said what she wanted to hear.

“I’ll enjoy my meal.”

“Yes, that’s… mmph!”

Cecilly’s words were cut off. Because I blocked them with my mouth.

*Smooch* *Smooch*

Starting with a sweet deep kiss, the real night began.