Against the Gods

14. Everyone Loves Strawberry Cake

^^ Eve

"Eve, I am glad you have returned," says the Duke, with almost no warmth in his eyes, "You are just in time for my announcement that your debut into society has been moved up. It will occur in six months, so that we can begin looking for marriage candidates."

The hall erupts in chatter among the nobles. Even though I'm eight, it is not uncommon in this society for nobles to get engaged, although often the engagements are often broken off as the children grow up and find other candidates. The Callistos have a lot of power, almost enough to rival the imperial family, so an opportunity to engage their child to the Callisto princess must be what's exciting the nobles right now.

"Thank you father," I reply. If I make a scene now, I can't guarantee how he'll treat Finn and Nyx. He must have planned to announce this in front of everyone so I can't reject it.

"And Eve, who are these children you have returned with during your travels?" questions my father.

Murmurs ripple throughout the crowd.

My travels? I look into my father's eyes, and I can see he doesn't want me to be truthful about what really happened in front of the whole court.

"While traveling, I came across these talented children. Although they are poor, they have exceptional abilities," I say.

"Still, you are getting engaged soon. You can't be in the company of strange boys," he responds.

"It's not like that your excellency!" declares Nyx, my father looks almost surprised Nyx spoke. Oh god, he's going to get himself killed! Let me do the talking! He continues, "We are simply humble disciples of our Master, the glorious Princess of Darkness! I am a demon that has formed a contract with her!"

Disciples? It's not like I have anything to teach them, but I guess that's a good excuse. 

"A DEMON!?!?!" my father shouts, jumping up from his throne. The crowd erupts in conversation.

"My god! A real demon!" someone exclaims.

"Is it really true?" another courtier asks.

"A contract with a demon? If that's really true, her highness is even more extraordinary!!!" a noble declares.

"That can't be true! There hasn't been a demon in the mortal world for centuries!" cries out my mother.

"If you'd like proof then I will show you," retorts Nyx. Black bat-like wings sprout from his back, and two flames burst from his hands. His red eyes almost look as though they are glowing as they reflect the light of the fire.

The whole room seems to rise in temperature as heat radiates from him. Some courtiers faint, and the others at least crumple to the ground. Finn and my father seem to be the only ones unaffected. 

A red splotch appears on the ground. I touch my nose. It's bleeding. 

The temperature rises again, and it feels like a suffocating pressure is placed on the room. I try to gasp for air, but I end up coughing up blood. More courtiers are passing out, and I think the only reason I'm not is because of my healing factor. Even my father buckles, making him kneel in front of Nyx.

This must be pure mana flowing out of him! The sheer power of the mana leaking out of him is enough to subdue the entire court.

I collapse on the ground. Finn rushes over to me, who still seems unaffected. Must be nice to be a male lead.

"Nyx stop it! You're hurting Eve!" he shouts. Nyx looks at me, and seems to snap out of whatever state he was in. His flames and wings go away, as well as the mana flowing out of him.