CHAPTER 132: MAID

"We... really don’t need protection," Hades said, his eyes resting on the maid who stood there, waiting to leave with them.

Hades was expecting something like this considering his mother’s nature...but that doesn’t mean he actually needed someone on his guard.

It would only make things awkward and difficult for them.

The pink-haired girl gave a sheepish smile. "Young Master, Lady Supreme asked me to accompany you if you were going out."

Peri let out a sigh. "First that shadow-girl and now her too?"

The blond elf just couldn’t get used to the fact that someone was always following Hades. And now, another addition when they were just going out to have some fun.

Luna curved her lips into a wry smile. "A protective mother."

Hades ran his fingers through his hair. "I promise Mother wouldn’t scold you. So please, don’t worry about us."

But the girl lowered her gaze, her shoulders sinking.

That simple sight was enough to make the three of them hesitate. It wasn’t fear in her face, nor anxiety about failing her duty—rather, a quiet sadness.

Her droopy eyes only made it worse. Sadness softened them further, making her look like a little child who had just been unfairly scolded.

"...this is the first serious task the Lady ever gave me," she whispered.

Luna blinked in surprise. "Are you new here?"

The girl’s expression brightened instantly. "Yes! My mum served the Lady for twenty years, and then I took over. This is only my third month in the castle!" Her chest puffed with pride as she said it, her words carrying both nervousness and joy.

Luna exhaled softly, her gaze drifting to Hades. Her look said it all: It’s your decision now.

Hades turned toward Peri, who spoke in a serious tone. "I want to pet that adorable creature."

Hades chuckled, the weight of choice slipping from him. "Alright. You can come with us... but not in your maid uniform." His voice carried warmth as he added, "We’ll be walking through the market. If you wear that, everyone will be staring."

She gave a crisp salute, her pink hair swaying, before hurrying back into the castle.

Hades shook his head, a helpless smile tugging at his lips. "What’s her name, Maylie?"

The shadow at his feet stirred, rippling like dark water. A voice answered, soft yet clear, "Ava. She is a beastkin... and a strong one at that."

Hades blinked, taken aback. "She’s a beastkin?"

"You’ll see for yourself, my lord." She didn’t offer further explanation and turned silent.

Hades tilted his head slightly, arms folding across his chest as if trying to piece together an image of the girl he had just seen.

Luna’s voice cut through his thoughts. "So... when are we going hunting? I’ve learned a few new techniques, and I want you to see them."

When he was away, they were training and somehow, the air of this realm quite suited her.

She was following the training guidance her grandma used to provide and also adding a few extra measures to ensure her growth doesn’t stop..

Hades glanced her way, his smile returning. "Once we finish shopping, we’ll head straight into the forest."

The mention of the forest brought with it an unspoken heaviness. They had been warned again and again—never approach the Death Well carelessly. The name itself carried a chill, like a whisper of graves long forgotten.

But Hades, having walked those woods in the not so distant past under his mother’s watchful eye, knew their boundaries. He knew how far they could push without crossing into true danger.

Before long, the maid returned, and in that instant they understood exactly what Maylie had meant.

From beneath her scarf peeked two soft, furred ears, twitching ever so slightly as though searching for sound. Behind her, a fluffy tail swayed from side to side, betraying the excitement she could barely contain as her bright eyes landed on Hades.

"I’m ready, Master!" she chirped.

Luna’s heart melted on the spot. "Awwww!" She rushed forward and, unable to hold back, wrapped her arms around the swaying tail. "You’re so adorable!" Her other hand rose to gently stroke the pink-haired girl’s head.

Ava let out a soft giggle, her cheeks glowing as she leaned into Luna’s gentle touch.

Hades shifted his gaze toward Peri. Though her arms were crossed and her face turned away, the faint twitch in her lips and the tightness in her posture betrayed her.

He could tell exactly how much she wanted to reach out and pet the girl herself.

"Hades!" Luna called out, drawing his attention to those starry eyes of his mate as he heard her saying, "Let’s adopt her."

Hades wryly smiled, "We should depart, Luna. It’s already quite late."

Luna pouted but then she didn’t insist for long and said, "Let me buy you clothes today. You will look very pretty in a floral dress."

Luna can already picture the girl wearing all kinds of adorable dresses and some accessories which would enhance her cuteness.

Somehow, the girl despite appearing to be the same age as her gave the impression of the little sister Luna always wanted.

Ava was overwhelmed by her kindness as she bowed and said, "Thank you, Lady Luna."

"Don’t be so formal with me. Just Luna is fine."

Ava smiled but then, she felt Hades’s shadow flickering.

Her body turned stiff as she said nervously, "Thank you for kindness but I am more comfortable calling you like this."

For a moment, Ava got too comfortable because of how kind and easy going Luna appeared. But then, she remembered her training and etiquette.

’Don’t get swayed, Eva...or you will end up becoming a nuisance. Mama will be sad.’

Luna didn’t force her and said, "Well, shall we go?"

"Yes, let’s go." Hades nodded and the group soon left the castle for their date.

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A/N:- Is the story good? What about the pacing? There aren’t many reviews so I am kind of...well, thanks for reading.