CHAPTER 41: GIVE ME SOME TIME

Dante’s gaze softened as he took in Dawnhaven’s charm, deciding to spare the village from destruction. They chose to stay here for a time before continuing their journey. As they strolled, he noted the lively shops, their faces tastefully decorated. Among them were humans who didn’t smell of death.

’’Bel, what are the southern humans like on Nemaroth?’’ he asked.

She glanced at him, a big smile on her face. ’’They’re better than the northerners, who are more savage; the other cities aren’t better. If I remember correctly, they practiced slavery and such disgusting things.’’

His eyes narrowed, but Sulla’s voice echoed in his mind. ’My lord. Our Zombie horde has destroyed Port Veil, and they’re converging on Duskgate. So relax, as the enemy’s attention will be drawn elsewhere.’

’Good thinking,’ he replied.

Following that, Mary grabbed his hand and pointed at a nearby shop. ’’Look, they have the famous Dawnfen noodles! We should try them, my lord!’’

’’Let’s go,’’ Dante said, and made his way toward the restaurant that he was surprised to see.

The structure stood as a proof to craftsmanship, its entirely wooden front was decorated with detailed carvings that danced across the surface, depicting swirling vines and delicate blossoms. As the trio stepped inside, a wave of savory aromas enveloped them, mingling with the faint scent of polished cedar.

An older human woman greeted them, her face lit with a warm, welcoming smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes. ’’Welcome to Dawn’s Noodles, my dears!’’ she said, her voice rich with kindness. ’’How can I assist you, young adventurers today?’’

’’Can we look at the menu, please?’’ Bella sweetly asked.

Dante watched the woman just as Mary pinched him, whispering. ’’Remember, they’re not all the same, my lord.’’

’’I know woman,’’ he replied.

When the waitress heard the Elf, she led them to a table in the back before handing them three menus. ’’Just pick out what you want and I’ll have the cook make it fresh,’’ she informed the trio.

’’Thank you,’’ Bella said, a warm smile on her face.

He turned his gaze to the menu and scanned it only to pick something near instant. ’’Can I have three bowls of the Spicy Southern Noodles, please?’’

The server nodded, scribbling his order, while the two young women at the table exchanged sly glances. Mary leaned in, playfully nudging his side with a teasing grin. ’’Someone’s starving, huh? Craving some real food?’’

’’Damn right, all I’ve been eating is survival rations and monster meats since arriving here,’’ he informed. ’’Smelling the noodles has made me hungry.’’

Bella giggled as she revealed. ’’Dawnhaven is known for its good food, I’m glad you didn’t destroy it despite there being humans here.’’

Dante waved her away. ’’I hate them, yes, but as you both have repeatedly said, they aren’t all the same,’’ he said.

Following that, they continued talking. The young woman told him all they knew about the Dark Wolf, and the thought of fighting such a creature was daunting to him, thanks to it being an S-ranked beast. He gulped, thanks to only being a D Rank himself; if he were Gold, he could’ve taken it, but no longer.

While he was lost in a daydream, Mary’s voice cut through, pulling him back to the moment. ’’My lord, I’ve crafted a new form I think you’ll love,’’ she said, grinning. ’’Bel and I discussed it, even she’s on board.’’

Dante’s brow arched, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ’’Oh? Let’s see it, then. It’s quiet enough, and no one’s watching.’’

A soft crimson glow enveloped Mary in an instant. Her dark hair shimmered and shifted, cascading into a striking white cascade. The young woman’s eyes flared brighter, like twin embers, and her figure transformed, curves turning seductive with a tiny waist, thick thighs that made his breath catch.

Moments later, the aura faded, and Mary stood transformed, her beauty both ethereal and commanding. She tilted her head, her glowing eyes locking onto his, awaiting his reaction with a confident, expectant smile. ’’Does this suit your tastes better?’’

His gaze lingered for far too long, pulling at him like a tide. The radiating affection and new look were as if she’d woven a spell, one he couldn’t resist. His black heart quickened, a magnetic draw urging him closer. Without a word, he leaned forward, his breath catching as he pressed his lips to her soft, rose-red ones.

The kiss was gentle yet electric, sending a shiver through the young woman’s body. She froze for a moment, then melted into the warmth of his touch, her eyes fluttering shut as a faint tremble betrayed her delight. She quickly reciprocated, her tongue slipping into his mouth.

Seconds later, they broke apart, and Dante noticed Mary was breathing heavily, her face awestruck. This made him smile before she asked. ’’Does that mean you want to be with me?’’

’’Give me some time,’’ he answered honestly. ’’I know you two won’t betray me like that bitch, but it’s getting used to having people around that care, even though I kidnapped Bel and turned you into an undead.’’

The two girls giggled as the blonde revealed. ’’I know our meeting was unconventional, but my life was boring. All I did was trade, trade, and guess what? Even more trade. Thanks to something my grandfather did decades ago, the High Elves shunned me, and when you ’kidnapped me’ it was like I was needed.’’

’’You are,’’ he revealed. ’’I’ve never been to Nemaroth, and the Death Goddess threw me out here without a map.’’

Following that, Bella’s face lit up as Mary reassured him. ’’I was abused, beaten, and lost my life, but thanks to you, I have a new body, a new life where I’m no longer powerless.’’

Mary rose from her seat, her movements deliberate. With a playful twirl, she showcased her figure, the devilish curves of her body highlighted by the tight dress that clung to her, straining slightly against her rounded hips. The sight stole Dante’s breath, a choked sound escaping him as his eyes widened.

The young woman’s lips curled into a mischievous giggle, her crimson eyes sparkling. ’’See?’’ she teased, her voice a sultry purr. ’’Now I’ve got a handsome, powerful man like you smitten with little ol’ me. What more could a girl possibly want?’’

’’Shut up, I’m not smitten with you, woman!’’ Dante snapped back, but the women noticed the red creeping up his neck.

Mary’s smile grew wider as she nodded while sitting down. ’’If you say so, my lord. I can wait now, I’m immortal.’’

’’Aren’t you a lucky young man?’’ the older woman’s voice sounded from behind him.

The trio glanced up as the server approached, her steps steady despite the weight of a large wooden tray balanced expertly in her hands. Five steaming bowls, brimming with delicious-smelling noodles and other sides, were arranged on the tray, their savory aroma filling the air, making his stomach growl.

With a warm smile, she carefully set the tray down on their table, setting the bowls with practice. Dante met her gaze and nodded, his voice warm but distracted, still lingering on Mary’s earlier display. ’’Yes, I am, but I’m starving. Thanks for the food,’’ he said, offering a polite grin as he reached for his bowl.

Mary and Bel exchanged a glance, their eyes locking in a silent understanding that carried a weight only they could know, a nod sealing their unspoken agreement. Meanwhile, Dante was too engrossed in his meal. His fingers used the chopsticks, memory from past lives as he savored the steaming noodles, the rich broth warming him from within.

As Dante slurped another mouthful of noodles, warmth spreading through him, Mary leaned closer, her white hair catching the soft light of the restaurant. Her voice dropped to a teasing whisper. ’’You’re awfully focused on that bowl, my lord. Don’t tell me it’s more captivating than me.’’

Bel stifled a chuckle, her eyes glinting with amusement as she sipped her own, watching the exchange. Dante paused mid-bite, a chopstick hovering near his lips. He shot Mary a playful smirk, wiping a stray drop of broth from his chin. ’’Hardly,’’ he quipped, his tone light but his gaze lingering on her, still captivated by her transformed allure. ’’But I’ve been eating like shit for over a month now, this is delicious compared to that.’’

The server, passing by with another tray, caught the tail end of their banter and smiled knowingly, her footsteps fading as she moved to another table. Mary’s lips curved into a satisfied grin, and she propped her chin on her hand, her crimson eyes gleaming with mischief.

’’Well, eat up then,’’ she said, her voice laced with challenge. ’’You’ll need your strength for what Bel and I have planned next.’’

’’There will be no plan, woman,’’ Dante said. ’’I told you to give me time, don’t push it, Mary.’’

The Death Wraith lowered her head as a bright smile stretched across her pretty face. Bella stifled another laugh before the trio continued eating.