CHAPTER 164: THE REUNION! 2

Lirien’s words hung in the air like a blade that refused to fall. Elyria sat still for several seconds, her trembling fingers clutching the edge of her robe.

"He... met my father? And also Asmodeus? How the hell did that happen?" she repeated, her voice weak.

Lirien nodded slowly. "The ring around his finger confirmed it. Rin indeed saw your father and as for Asmodeus... It’s also true."

Elyria’s lips parted in disbelief.

"That’s... impossible. Asmodeus was sealed in the abyss long before Rin was born."

Lirien leaned back on the couch, pipe forgotten beside her.

"You think anything’s impossible for someone like Asmodeus? The bastard’s always been obsessed with power... and with you. You should’ve known he wouldn’t stay buried forever."

Elyria swallowed hard. "I thought I sealed him well enough..." Her eyes clouded with memory. "He wasn’t always like that, Lirien. When I first met him, he was charming, graceful... beautiful, even. But underneath, he was pure madness."

Lirien’s tone softened slightly.

"Tell me what happened. You refused to tell me because you think knowing will implicate me,"

Elyria hesitated, then exhaled.

"You know... Asmodeus appeared more than two hundred years ago. It was like he came from the sky because no one knew who he was. But thanks to his strength and power, he became a demon noble from the Third Circle. I met him after the war between the Abyssal clans. He saved me once during a battle... and after that, he wouldn’t leave me alone. He followed me everywhere... through kingdoms, through wars. He said I was destined to be his and he would become the demon king only if I became his. His words sounded flattering at first, but I soon realised he wasn’t asking. He was deciding."

Lirien listened silently, her eyes sharp but calm.

Elyria continued, her voice trembling slightly. "When I refused him, he killed an entire village just to make me understand what ’refusal’ meant. I tried to stop him, begged him to leave the humans alone... but he just smiled and told me he’d keep killing until I accepted him. He was also the reason for the purge."

Her hands tightened. "I couldn’t let that continue. So, I sealed him beneath the black tower in the Southern Abyss. It cost me most of my energy... but it was worth it."

Lirien exhaled, rubbing her temple. "And now, after all that, he’s back. That bastard doesn’t die, apparently."

Elyria’s gaze darkened. "If he’s using Rin to break his seal, then everything makes sense. He always wanted an heir. Someone born from my blood would be the perfect vessel for him to create what he wants,"

Lirien nodded. "That’s what I thought too. But Rin’s too strong for him to control. That boy’s energy doesn’t bend easily."

Elyria looked up, hope flickering faintly.

"He’s resisting him?"

"Yes," Lirien replied. "He’s aware of Asmodeus’s presence but hasn’t fallen for his whispers. He’s still grounded. You should’ve seen him yesterday after the unfortunate night. The boy was calmer than half the generals I’ve met."

Elyria smiled softly, a hint of pride in her expression. "That’s my son then."

Lirien smirked. "He’s definitely your son. Stubborn, clever, and too nosy for his own good."

For a moment, both women shared a small laugh... quiet but genuine. The tension in the room eased a little.

Then Elyria asked, "You mentioned someone he loves. Who is it?"

Lirien’s smirk grew.

"Ah. The Vortellion heir."

Elyria blinked. "Lucien Vortellion?"

"The one and only," Lirien said. "It’s... complicated. Rin met him at the academy where he was a staff member. I’m sure he refused him several times, claiming he wasn’t interested in men, but trust me, the boy’s neck turns red every time Lucien looks at him. It’s ridiculous."

Elyria covered her mouth, laughing softly. "Oh dear. I was hoping he’d be like me, not falling easily for anyone."

"Ha," Lirien chuckled. "He’s handsome, polite, and sharp-tongued. Men practically throw themselves at him every week. Half the brothel has a crush on him. I swear, he walks around like the female lead of a romance play."

Elyria laughed harder, tears forming at the corners of her eyes. "You’re not serious."

"I am," Lirien said, rolling her eyes. "But honestly, it’s a good thing he loves someone. It keeps him grounded. And if that someone is the Vortellion heir, at least the boy has taste."

Elyria smiled warmly.

"Then I approve. As long as Lucien makes him happy, I don’t mind them being together."

Lirien gave her a sideways glance. "That’s surprisingly open-minded of you."

Elyria smirked. "You expected me to disapprove?"

"I expected a lecture," Lirien said simply. "The Elyria’s lecture,"

Elyria chuckled. "I’ve seen enough in my life to know love is rare. If he found it, then he deserves it."

Lirien nodded slowly, her expression softening. "We’ll talk about that again after the war. Assuming we all survive it."

Elyria’s smile faded. "Yes... after the war."

She fell quiet for a moment, lost in thought. Then she straightened and said,

"I’ll need to start regaining my strength immediately. I can’t be of help in this state."

Lirien tapped her pipe against the table, thinking. "Actually, I might have an idea. Well... it was Rin’s idea, but he quit, so maybe you can take over."

Elyria arched a brow. "What idea?"

Lirien grinned. "The Golden Goose Game."

Elyria blinked, confused. "What?"

"The Golden Goose Game," Lirien repeated, leaning forward. "It’s something Rin came up with when he got bored with just working around here. Once every two weeks, he’d let the nobles and wealthy merchants bid for a night... not for himself, of course, but for entertainment. The winner gets an exclusive performance, games, dances, you name it. But eventually, Rin got too powerful, too famous, and the men started fighting each other. So he stopped. Also, how do you think we managed to build this fortress? It’s thanks to their money,"

Elyria stared at her blankly. "You’re suggesting I replace my son in this... game?"

Lirien shrugged. "It’s the easiest way to gather energy and influence again. The men flock here like bees when the game starts. Five hundred, sometimes seven hundred nobles at once."

Elyria’s eyes widened. "Seven hundred?!"

Lirien smirked. "Your son’s face can cause a riot if he smiles for too long."

Elyria burst out laughing, holding her stomach. "I can’t believe this. Rin really is your student."

Lirien laughed too. "He learned from the best."

Their laughter echoed through the room, light and warm. It felt strange after such a heavy conversation, but they needed it.