Chapter 251 I'm shaking it off with Tenebrous Slade?
Naked Diplomacy Arc I
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(POV: Lumiere)
As I gazed at them, a perplexed look crossed my face.
"So let me get this straight," I said firmly, my eyes narrowing. "You came all the way here just to see a Curse King?"
I know they're "extinct" and all, but still.
Dendrossa nodded in response.
"Yes, but it's not as simple as it sounds," she replied.
"Go on," I requested.
She paused, deep in thought, and then rubbed her chin contemplatively, her eyes gazing upwards at the twinkling night sky.
Suddenly, she submerged herself back into the soothing hot springs water, releasing a heavy sigh that caused bubbles to dance to the surface.
With a burst of laughter, she admitted, "Humu, I apologize, I seem to have forgotten what I wanted to say."
My left eye twitched in annoyance. "Typical," I muttered under my breath.
Interrupting the silent tension, Abaddon spoke.
"We want to form a pact with you. With our alliance, we can ensure that our best interests are protected. Should you ever require our assistance, we'll be there for you."
I raised an eyebrow, contemplating their proposal.
"A pact, you say?" I questioned, curiosity piqued. "What would this alliance entail, exactly? And why would you go out of your way to help me? I'm aware of my status as a Curse King, but I just don't really know your motivations."
Abaddon leaned towards me.
"Curse Kings like yourself are important. By forming this pact, you not only gain powerful allies, but also vital connections to the realm of demons. Tenebrous Slade and the Demon King herself, Dendrossa," she gestured towards Dendrossa.
I pondered their offer, weighing the potential benefits against the concerns plaguing my mind.
"While it does sound enticing," I finally responded, "I still have a lot of unanswered questions... Why are Curse Kings so important? What's so important that you'd go this far for a diplomatic approach? I need more than just vague reassurances."
A deep sigh escaped Senesica. Her meow carried a hint of sadness as she spoke up. "It's Iike you my beloved doesn't trust us."
Damn right I don't.
"Humu, that hurts," Dendrossa plainly said. "Demon Kings aren't as cruel as you guys make us out to be yunno."
"Eh, but Glacius, Malphas and Vyn—"
"I don't even wanna hear those bastards' names," Dendrossa cut Senesica short.
Senesica shrugged. "Just saying, meow."
Soon, Abaddon?s body emerged from the hotsprings in a beguiling display. Her luminous pussy pulsated energetically, casting an alluring glow upon her glistening, exposed breasts.
She had an attractive body.
Maybe because she was an older woman? Likely.
"If that doesn't sit well with you, perhaps we can establish an alliance, bound by mutual trust and cooperation, no?"
Dendrossa rose gracefully, stretching her lithe form elegantly.
"That seems acceptable," she stated.
"I'll act as the mediator between Lord Silva and King Dendrossa, that way, I'll be the conduit that passes information back and forth so you both can easily keep in touch."
"Nice suggestion, Abaddon," said Dendrossa.
"Oh, and beloved?" Senesica called out to me.
I raised an eyebrow, "Yeah?"
"Should you require anything, simply ask," a meow followed after.
"Until you can finally learn to trust us," Dendrossa murmured, a slight frown creasing her graceful features.
Feeling a surge of guilt and uncertainty, I scratched my head sheepishly.
"My apologies," I told them.
I get it, one of the requirements for the Naked Diplomacy enactment was to create a sense of trust.
But it didn't say to perfect this sense. Just to create and build.
And the sex did build some familiarity and threw all shame and awkwardness out the window.
It helped a lot.
"It's fine," said Abaddon. "A leader should make choices beneficial to them and their subordinates."
Finally, I stood up, my cock swaying gently back and forth.
Dendrossa extended her hand, her regal composure radiating from every pore.
I clasped her hand.
It was in that moment, our hands entwined.
This was the first marking of our alliance.
"Perhaps, someday, you could grace Tenebrous Slade with your presence," Dendrossa suggested.
An invitation to a demonic realm wasn't my taste.
The last time I went to Hell, it was to meet with Vyndariel.
However, I only met one of his generals— kicked his ass too.
"Perhaps," I replied.
Then, Dendrossa moved to hug my right arm, her nipples pressing slightly against my arm.
Honestly, I don't understand this woman.
"Also, maybe you could come see my fiancée too! He's the sweetest."
"Oh yeah, you said you have one."
"He's name's Malta!"
"Oh Souka, good for him then, hah~" I forced a smile.
Anyone who was married to her was trying their best.
I couldn't imagine being engaged to someone with a laugh that noisy.
Then again, Eris? was just as terrible.
...
Emerging from the Silva Onsen, the warm embrace of the onsen's healing waters still lingered on our skin as we stepped into the cool night air.
The sliding wooden door closed behind us with a soft thud.
Clad in our elegant yukatas, mine adorned with black fabric embellished with intricate gold trimmings, and theirs featuring a mesmerizing pattern of black and red, we all exhaled steamy breaths.
Senesica stretched her arms luxuriously, a contented smile gracing her lips.
"That was a great soak," she exclaimed.
"Oh yeah, Senesica?" I called her.
She smiled at me. "Yes, my beloved?"
"Eh, never mind..."
I wanted to ask her how she knew so much about Japan.
Dendrossa interjected with eagerness.
"Let's go eat already, we're heading out tomorrow!"
Just then, Skarz appeared, with Tapas trailing behind him, delivering the news that dinner was already prepared.
A gleam of delight lit up Dendrossa's eyes as she exclaimed, "Tasty!"
Abaddon sighed softly and playfully admonished her, "You haven't even tasted what we'll eat."
Undeterred, Dendrossa shrugged.
"Anything would be better than the garbage I have to endure in Tenebrous Slade," she replied.
Senesica, taking offense at Dendrossa's remark, pouted and retorted, "But that 'garbage' is my cooking!"
A sheepish expression crossed Dendrossa's face as she scratched her cheek, averting her gaze. "I suppose we should make our way to the dining area then," she suggested, attempting to change the subject.
Refusing to let it go, Senesica's anger flared.
"Don't just casually change the subject," she scolded.
Abaddon, unbothered by the brewing tension, shrugged nonchalantly and couldn't help but add, "Well, your cooking really is terrible."
With that she started walking forward.
Watching them head off to dine, Senesica then said, "I'll make my beloved taste my food and you'll see... It isn't garbage!"
A raised eyebrow was my quick response.
Wasn't I her beloved? Meaning she'd make me eat it.
So, if it's actually garbage... I'd be the one...
Immediately, I tied my flowing hair up into a neat bun, the strands of obsidian cascading elegantly down my back. "As tempting as that offer sounds, Senesica... I actually have to go join Stellaria in bed. Perhaps another time?"
Since they were leaving tomorrow, it was perfect!
Senesica nodded understandingly.
"Of course, another time then," she agreed.
"Skarz will make sure you all rest comfortably," I said, smiling gently.
Senesica returned my smile with an easy confidence. "Naturally," she quipped, her voice oozing with self-assuredness.
With a graceful bow, she bid me farewell and took her leave.
I sprouted my black bat-like wings, their sleek membrane glistening in the moonlight. With a powerful surge of energy, I launched myself into the skies above the Silva Citadel, my elegant yukata billowing behind me like a tempestuous storm. The wind whistled through my wings as I blitzed through the night sky, a streak of darkness cutting through the ocean of stars.
After a thrilling flight, I finally arrived at the City Hall.
With a silent stride, I made my way towards my personal quarters.
My hands, gently holding both ends of a towel hung over my neck, provided a familiar comfort.
When I finally reached my room, I was greeted by the sight of Stellaria, her black hair spread like a delicate halo across the sheets.
She was peacefully asleep.
With a soft chuckle, I said, "She must've gotten tired of waiting."
Stepping forward with utmost care, I approached the bed.
I tenderly tucked the corner of a soft, quilted blanket over Stellaria, ensuring she remained cocooned in warm comfort.
Lowering myself to my knees, I planted a gentle kiss on her forehead, my lips lingering before I rose to my feet.
"Goodnight."
I made my way out of the room, turning off the lights as I did.
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