Chapter 61: Return (5)

“I’m actually a demon.”

How many things had happened before I could say this. We were now gathered in the drawing-room, dressed immaculately. Isabel was once again dressed in the neat and elegant attire befitting a lady of the Flancia family, and I was wearing a newly tailored outfit from one of Carlson’s clothes.

Alice looked satisfied with her warm shower in the bathtub, and Sophia was sticking close to my side like a pet dog. Alice stared intently at me before frowning. She didn’t like ruining the mood.

“What are you talking about?”

Elena was also shaking her head and smiling. Isabel held my hand tightly, and Sophia tilted her head, looking at me. I remained silent. It was because I needed to choose my words carefully to convey the story properly.

Before the impact of my blunt statement could even fade, Alice, unable to stand the subtle atmosphere, pressed me.

“What do you mean? Why are you suddenly talking about demons?”

“It means exactly what it sounds like. I couldn’t tell you before we went to the academy because I was afraid you’d report me, but now we’re all one family, right? I feel like I can open up now, so I’m telling you. I am actually a demon. You know, the kind of demon that priests and mercenaries absolutely hate.”

Alice didn’t believe my words right away. She looked at Isabel and Elena. Elena was smiling, and Isabel was nodding. Sophia stroked my thigh and said.

“And I’m a demon too.”

“Is this some kind of joke?”

Alice refused to believe our story. I thought the timing was good, but it seemed she found it hard to accept that the stepfather she’d known normally was actually a demon. Alice pointed at my clothes and said.

“Just because you tailored his clothes doesn’t mean you’re suddenly imitating him, right? I don’t really like that kind of prank.”

I dropped the smile and shook my head firmly. Sophia rose from my side and blinked. Seeing black wings sprout from Sophia’s back, Alice took a step back in surprise.

“Wh-what is that?”

Sophia said.

“I told you, I’m a demon?”

I scattered a bit of demonic energy over Sophia’s head, my eyes gleaming. As she took in the shimmering demonic energy, Alice finally seemed to sense the power within me.

“Sophia and I are demons… specifically, an Incubus and a Succubus who wield powers related to lust.”

“….Wait a minute, my head is spinning. Give me a second.”

Alice said, sinking back down. After staring at the floor for a moment, lost in thought, she suddenly lifted her head and said.

“Then, just for a second. Was that person so evil because…?”

“Alice. He was trash to begin with.”

“……Right. I forgot.”

Alice lowered her head again. I had never influenced Carlson in any way. Carlson had been a piece of shit even before I arrived, and even before I realized my demonic powers, he acted like a fucking animal.

Isabel said, rubbing my hand.

“Alice. Evan is a demon, but he’s been through hardships with us. He saved Elena and me from that wicked man, and he showed me the joys of being a woman. Alice. I know you’re confused and struggling right now, but I want you to truly accept Evan as part of our family.”

Alice looked at Isabel with a complicated expression. I said.

“I never brainwashed these two or used any power on them. Besides, I only recently awakened my demonic powers; when I was first sold to Carlson, I was just a powerless slave.”

“Alice. Evan is a really good person.”

Elena added. Alice stared intently at me again. She pouted and scratched her head.

“I finally escaped that disgusting human, and now it’s a demon?”

Sophia nudged me. I put my hand on her shoulder to make her sit properly. Isabel and Elena exchanged glances, shaking their heads or squeezing their eyes shut.

We waited for quite a while. The fate of this family would change depending on Alice’s choice. Alice closed her eyes and pondered for a long time. Like criminals awaiting a judge’s verdict, we waited for Alice’s words.

“…..Do whatever you want.”

Isabel blinked. Sophia looked at me, and Elena wore a subtle expression. Alice, her face flushed, looked at me again.

“Well, Mom approves… What can I do? It’s true you saved Mom and Sis… I’ve already decided to call you Dad. It’s a bit surprising, but… um… Anyway, as long as you don’t do anything too evil. Please take care of us from now on. Dad.”

I nodded with a smile. Alice was very clever and sharp, whoever she took after.

“Yes, my daughter.”

Sophia calmly sat beside me again and retracted her wings.

“You want to move?”

Isabel’s eyes widened as she questioned Alice’s proposal. She looked at Elena as if she had never considered moving. Elena also looked at Alice with surprise. Alice faltered under their gazes but didn’t back down from her opinion.

“Yes, moving. I saw earlier. The people in this neighborhood seem to have poor character. We don’t know when some accident might happen. Let’s move to a proper city. Now that I’ve got a decent job at a company. I should be able to afford a small house in a bustling area.”

“But, Alice. As you know, Evan is a demon. Moving to a busy area increases the risk of him being discovered.”

Isabel said, looking at me. I shook my head and said.

“Even if we have to risk that, I think we need to move. Because Lumia has limitations defending this place when I’m not here.”

“Master. I’m here now too? I’m an elite succubus who graduated from the magic department. I can beat up these weaklings around here with my bare hands.”

Sophia stood up and swung her fist through the air. Come to think of it, if Sophia stayed home permanently, there would be no problem. In this town, the only human who could beat Sophia was Lumia.

“Ah, right. Since Sophia will be living with us at home now. We can just have Sophia guard the place. She’s a real elite succubus. Good at chopping wood and digging holes.”

“…..I do that stuff too?”

If Isabel and Elena’s safety was guaranteed, there was no reason to move. This area was the optimal fortress for us. There were no other demons around, and the high priest in charge of this area was on my side. What better place could a wicked demon find to plan for the future?

Alice, annoyed by my sudden change of opinion, sat back down.

“No, Dad. Are you going to live here forever? The fences are so old, only weeds grow, the doors creak with rust, and the village elders are all drunks and trash with no future? I don’t want to leave Mom in such a shabby place. Looking at this place reminds me of him, and it just annoys me.”

In the end, it was filial piety. Alice wanted to move because she wanted Isabel to live a better house and be pampered. I understood her feelings, but I felt sorry for the current situation where circumstances didn’t allow it. For me, stabilizing the power I had built up was the priority. If we moved to another region, I couldn’t take Lumia with me, the risk of me being discovered was high, and there was no guarantee that other regions would be safer than this one.

“For me, this place is exactly where the future lies. It’s secluded, and the strongest priest in this area is on my side.”

“No, that’s true, but…”

Alice seemed to agree with my point, scratching her head and trailing off. However, she just didn’t have a rebuttal right now; she hadn’t given up on her desire to move. Isabel and Elena, unsure whose side to take, avoided eye contact, clearing their throats or sipping tea.

“Um…”

And then, Sophia raised her hand. She looked back and forth between us, trying to find the right moment to speak. I nodded, giving her permission to speak, and Sophia cautiously asked Alice.

“I have a way to make this place incredibly safe. What do you think?”

At Sophia’s words, Alice paused her tea and tilted her head. I, in turn, looked at Sophia.

“What do you mean? Safe?”

“Yes. Plus, it’s a win-win method that can even develop the region.”

Sophia said with a confident expression.