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59.37% The story of the daughter of the demon queen / Chapter 38: Thirty-seven

章 38: Thirty-seven

Alice's mother, however, had other plans. "No, you will listen to me, young lady, and follow me," she said firmly, leading Maria into the house.

Maria's protests fell on deaf ears as she found herself being swept into Alice's home. The house itself was a grand castle, standing tall and imposing. Maria couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and apprehension as she crossed the threshold, unsure of what awaited her inside.

Alice's mother took Maria by the hand and led her deeper into the castle, guiding her towards the kitchen with the bags in her arms. The castle's interior was just as impressive as its exterior, with elegant tapestries adorning the walls and polished marble floors underfoot. Maria couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as she ventured further into the heart of the castle, feeling like an intruder in this grandeur.

Maria hesitated, feeling uncertain about intruding on their family's space. She mustered up the courage to voice her concerns. "But I don't want to disturb you, and where am I going to sleep?" Maria asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Alice's mother reassured her, "Don't worry, tonight you will sleep with Alice." Her tone left no room for argument.

Alice interjected, attempting to protest, "But mother..."

Alice's mother interrupted firmly, "No, now take her to your room so she can use the bathroom in your room, and then we'll have our dinner together."

Alice reluctantly obeyed her mother's instructions. She turned to Maria and gestured for her to follow. "Come on, let me show you where the bathroom is."

As Alice led Maria through the castle's winding corridors to her room, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. This unexpected turn of events had brought a new person into her life, and she wanted to make Maria feel comfortable and welcomed into her space.

Once inside the room, Alice spoke gently, "Well, take your shower, and I'll wait for you. Then we can go eat."

Maria expressed her gratitude, apologizing for the inconvenience. Alice waved off her concerns, assuring her that it was not a problem.

While Maria took her shower, Alice patiently waited, her mind racing with thoughts of their growing connection. She wondered about the girl who had stumbled into her life and the possibilities that lay ahead.

Alice's mother knocked on the door before entering. "I can come in, Alice?"

Alice confirmed, "Yes, mom."

Alice's mother brought a bundle of clothes with her. "This girl is not the one you told me about, and you said you were in love."

Alice's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Yes, mom, but she told me that she wants to be just friends with me."

Alice's mother smiled knowingly. "Well, I came to drop off some clothes. It's your father's shirt. I think it will fit her great. I'll leave you with your 'friend'." She made air quotes with her fingers and chuckled.

A few minutes later, Maria emerged from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her waist. Alice observed her carefully, taking in her presence.

"Here, my mother brought me some clothes for you," Alice said, handing Maria the clothes. Maria accepted them gratefully, turning around to put on the shirt. It was then that Alice noticed a scar on Maria's back, prompting her curiosity.

"Maria, how did you get that scar?" Alice asked, gently touching the mark.

Maria paused, her expression pained. She sat down, gathering her thoughts before she began to share her story.

"Actually, it happened when I was a little girl. I was four years old, and everything was normal. I was playing with my father and mother, and then suddenly, there was an explosion that destroyed the houses around us. My father carried me to safety and asked me to stay hidden. He went out to fight the dragon that caused the explosion. My mother joined him, and they fought alongside the villagers." Maria's voice trembled with emotion.

Alice embraced Maria, offering her support and comfort. Tears streamed down Maria's face as she continued her narrative.

"The dragon attacked my mother, and I couldn't bear to see her hurt. I came out of hiding to go to her, but the dragon turned its attention towards me. My father sacrificed himself to protect me, but the dragon still managed to harm my back. I lost consciousness, and when I woke up, the villagers were taking care of me. That's all I remember," Maria concluded, her voice filled with sorrow.

Alice held Maria tightly, sharing in her pain and offering solace. After a moment, Maria composed herself and mentioned the need to finish getting dressed.

"Don't worry about all this. I still need to get dressed," Maria said, attempting to change the topic.

Alice noticed the prolonged embrace and blushed, realizing they had held each other for a longer time than expected.

"Yes, let's get ready. We still have dinner," Alice replied, trying to hide her embarrassment.

After Maria finished dressing, they made their way downstairs to join Alice's family for dinner. The dining area was adorned with a long, elegant table and an array of delicious dishes. Alice's family warmly welcomed Maria, making her feel like a part of their family.

Alice's mother couldn't resist a playful remark as they entered the dining area. "You took your time; are you sure you were just having a shower?" Alice's mother teased, giving them a mischievous look.

Alice blushed furiously and covered her face with her hands. Alice's father, on the other hand, found the situation amusing and joined in the laughter.

"Let them be young. They need to enjoy themselves," he chuckled.

Alice tried to divert the attention, urging them to start dinner, and the evening continued with joy and lightheartedness. The delicious food, the laughter, and the warmth of Alice's family created a sense of belonging for Maria, who hadn't experienced such familial love in a long time.

As the night grew late, Alice declared it was time to sleep, asking Maria if she was coming. Maria agreed, a genuine smile gracing her face. Together, they made their way to Alice's room.

Once inside, Alice couldn't help but notice the happiness radiating from Maria.

"You look really happy. I'd love to know why," Alice commented, her voice filled with curiosity.

Maria's smile widened. "It's been a long time since I had dinner with a family. You're really lucky."

Alice playfully threw a pillow at Maria, sparking a friendly pillow fight between the two. Laughter filled the room as they playfully battled, neither emerging as the victor. In that moment, any worries or uncertainties melted away, replaced by a sense of companionship and joy.

After the exhilarating pillow fight, Maria suggested it was time to sleep, mentioning that she would take the sofa. Alice protested, refusing to let Maria sleep on the uncomfortable furniture.

"No, you won't sleep on the sofa, Maria. You will sleep on the bed with me," Alice declared, determined to ensure her friend's comfort.

They debated for a moment until Maria relented, agreeing to share the bed. Alice blushed, realizing the implication of their sleeping arrangements. The thought of having Maria by her side throughout the night brought both excitement and nervousness.

"Usually, I always sleep alone, and I've always dreamt of sleeping with someone. Your presence makes me really happy," Alice confessed, her voice filled with vulnerability.

Maria smiled warmly. "Well, let's sleep then. Good night, Alice."

"Good night, Maria," Alice whispered back, their voices filled with a newfound closeness and understanding.


章 39: Thirty-eight

The next morning, Maria awoke before Alice, her eyes immediately drawn to the Sleeping Beauty beside her. Gently, she ran her fingers through Alice's tousled hair, marveling at its softness. The morning light streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on Alice's face as she stirred from her slumber.

Startled by Maria's touch, Alice's eyes fluttered open, her gaze meeting Maria's. There was a mixture of surprise and curiosity in her expression as she took in Maria's admiring look.

"So you think I'm beautiful like that," Alice mused, her voice filled with a touch of teasing playfulness.

Maria blushed, a rosy hue spreading across her cheeks. She couldn't help but feel a rush of affection for Alice. "Yes," Maria admitted shyly, her voice barely above a whisper, "but you are beautiful even when you wake up."

A grateful smile graced Alice's lips, her cheeks mirroring Maria's blush. "Thank you," she said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.

Maria decided to give Alice some space and offered, "Well, I'm going to go downstairs and let you have your shower. See you for breakfast."

Alice nodded, her smile lingering. "Yes, see you later."

As Maria descended the stairs, her footsteps echoed through the house. However, as she approached a closed room, her curiosity piqued when she heard muffled voices emanating from within. Intrigued, she tiptoed closer, straining to catch the conversation.

Inside the room, Alice's father engaged in a serious discussion with a subordinate. Their hushed tones indicated a weighty matter at hand.

"We have to find an efficient way to eliminate the demon queen and, at the same time, the entire royal family," Alice's father declared, his voice laced with determination.

The subordinate nodded in agreement, adding, "We have to get them all together and strike them down simultaneously."

Alice's father sighed, the weight of the task evident in his voice. "Yes, but it would be a complicated endeavor."

Unable to resist her curiosity, Maria quietly pushed open the door and slipped into the room, their conversation interrupted by her sudden entrance.

"What are you doing here, Maria? This is not the place to have breakfast," Alice's father questioned, surprise etched across his face.

Unfazed by his response, Maria revealed a steely determination in her eyes. "You want to eliminate the demon queen and her family? Well, I didn't expect that, but I can surely be useful to you."

Alice's father studied Maria intently, curiosity mingled with suspicion. "Tell me, Maria, what would you gain by doing this?"

With a flicker of something sinister in her gaze, Maria, in a voice that hinted at hidden motives, replied, "I have my reasons, but I would also like to see Eloise gone."

Alice's father leaned back, contemplating her proposition. "How are we going to do that, then?"

A sly smile played at the corners of Maria's lips. "Don't worry, I will take care of everything. But let's have breakfast first."

In the dining room, the table was set, and Maria took her place at the head, her demeanor calm and composed. She addressed the gathered company with a friendly tone, "Enjoy your breakfast, everyone."

Alice, appreciative of Maria's presence, replied, "Thank you."

The meal passed, conversations flowing naturally among the group. Maria, however, knew her time was limited. With a final farewell, she stood up, ready to depart.

"Well, I have to go now. See you next time," Maria announced, her voice tinged with a hint of regret.

Alice's expression turned slightly crestfallen. "But you can stay a little longer, and today there are no classes. Please stay."

Maria shook her head apologetically. "I can't stay, Alice. I have a meeting with the board today, and I must attend. But I will see you in class."

Alice's disappointment was evident, her gaze downcast. "Well, see you tomorrow, Maria," she murmured softly.

Maria, unable to resist the forlorn look on Alice's face, leaned in and placed a tender kiss on her cheek, an intimate gesture of reassurance. With a whispered promise, she departed, leaving Alice behind.

A bittersweet feeling settled within Alice. "I would like every day to be like last night and this morning. Finally, I find someone to stay with me. Usually, Mum and Dad are too busy, and I often stay alone in my room." though Alice.

Eloise, feeling a sense of ennui that had plagued her for weeks, decided it was time to venture outside and escape the confines of her home. Descending the staircase, she spotted her mother preparing to leave for the shops and seized the opportunity to intercept her.

"Mum, wait, please," Eloise called out, her voice filled with longing.

Lucy turned towards her daughter, a curious expression on her face. "Yes, what is it, Eloise?"

An eagerness lit up Eloise's eyes as she made her request. "Can I come shopping with you? I'm bored staying home."

Lucy smiled, acknowledging her daughter's desire for a change of scenery. "Yes, of course. I don't see any problem with that."

Eloise accompanied her mother on the shopping trip, the two sharing moments of conversation and laughter as they navigated the bustling streets. On the way back home, Lucy decided to make a detour, stopping by an orphanage.

Eloise's curiosity was piqued as she observed their arrival at the unfamiliar place. "What are we doing here, Mum?" she inquired.

Lucy cast a warm smile at her daughter. "Just follow me, and you'll see."

Inside the orphanage, a woman greeted them. "Hello, Lucy. It's been a long time since we last saw you."

Lucy returned the greeting, her tone warm and nostalgic. "Yes, it's true. I don't have much time, but how are the children doing?"

The woman's face brightened. "They're doing very well, and they're playing outside."

Eloise's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Mum, can I go and see them?"

Lucy nodded indulgently. "Yes, of course."

As Eloise ventured outside, her gaze fell upon a group of children engaged in spirited play. Among them, she noticed a little girl who stood apart from the others, her tear-stained face and disheveled appearance evoking empathy within Eloise.

Curiosity and concern mingled in Eloise's voice as she approached the distressed girl. "What's the matter, little girl?"

The little girl, her eyes swollen with tears, looked up at Eloise with a mix of fear and suspicion. Her voice quivered as she whispered, her vulnerability apparent, "You came to make fun of me too."

Eloise was taken aback by the accusation, her brows furrowing with genuine surprise. She hurried to dispel the misunderstanding, her voice gentle yet determined. "No, wait, little girl. I'm not here to make fun of you."

But the little girl's mistrust remained evident, ingrained by past experiences that had left scars on her fragile heart. Fueled by fear, she started to run away, her tiny feet carrying her swiftly. Eloise, fueled by compassion and an unyielding desire to connect, chased after her. Their footsteps echoed through the empty streets as Eloise pursued the elusive figure.

After a lengthy pursuit, Eloise finally caught up to the exhausted girl, their gasping breaths mingling in the air. Beads of perspiration adorned their foreheads as they stood face to face, a fleeting moment of respite in their shared journey.

"You run pretty fast, little girl," Eloise remarked, her voice laced with admiration, attempting to break the ice that had formed around the girl's fragile heart.

The little girl regarded Eloise warily, her eyes still clouded with uncertainty. "Why are you chasing me like that? Tell me, what are you going to do to me? Are you going to kill me?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear.

Eloise's eyes widened in shock and disbelief, her heart sinking at the gravity of the girl's words. "No! Why are you saying that? I saw you crying, and I was just wondering how a cute little girl like you could be so sad."

But the little girl's mistrust persisted, her voice quivering with vulnerability. "Tell me, are you a pedophile?"

Eloise recoiled at the accusation, her heart breaking at the thought of such a dark perception tarnishing her intentions. "No! Stop it! I'm not a pedophile," she asserted, her voice filled with genuine distress.

The little girl's voice remained filled with fear and vulnerability. "Yes, you are, because no one goes after little girls like you just did."

Eloise let out a sigh, feeling a mix of empathy and frustration intertwining within her. She realized that this encounter was not only about gaining the trust of a wounded child but also challenging the deeply ingrained prejudices that had plagued the little girl's perception of the world. "You're always like this, little girl," Eloise murmured softly, her words carrying a hint of both understanding and resolve.

In that moment, Mia, no longer a nameless entity, revealed her identity. "I have a name. My name is Mia," she whispered, her voice laced with both longing and reluctance. Eloise's expression softened, and she extended a comforting gesture, her hands forming a bridge of understanding between them. "Nice to meet you, Mia. I'm Eloise. But you didn't tell me why you were crying."

Mia's voice trembled with vulnerability as she began to share her experience, her words carried on the wings of a shared trust that was slowly blossoming. "Actually, the other kids pushed me into the mud and then made fun of me. They like to make fun of me just because of my red eyes. They say I am a monster and that I don't belong here."

Overwhelmed by a surge of sympathy, Eloise tenderly took Mia into her arms, embracing her in a comforting embrace. In that moment, a deep connection was forged, unburdened by prejudice or suspicion. Eloise made a firm decision within her heart, silently vowing to protect and nurture this wounded soul.

"Mum, can we keep her, please? She is adorable," Eloise implored, her eyes turning to her mother, seeking support and understanding.


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