Chapter 7: The Hero Who Fell In Love With The Demon King

“How long have I been here for, now? It’s only been a few days, right? It’s already cold from winter. It was so warm earlier, too.” A girl said, shivering.

“You’re new in town, then?” A man asked.

“Oh, yes. I’m Siren, it’s nice to meet you.” Siren said.

“Siren? That’s quite a beautiful name. I’m Area. You can just call me Ari, though.” Ari said.

“Sweet words. It’s nice to meet you, Ari.” Siren said teasingly.

“Sweet? That’s bitter compared to what I really want to say.” Ari chuckled.

“What would that be?” Siren asked, intrigued.

“It’s a bit cheesy, but I wanted to say ‘That’s a beautiful name. Not nearly as beautiful as you, though.’. It's cheesy, right? It sounds like a pick up line.” Ari said.

“Yeah, it really does! Well, if you’re asking me out like that, why don’t we go around town. You can show me all the cool secrets that are here.” Siren grinned.

Ari stared at her blankly for a second.

“Uh. I’ve… never had a pick up line that actually worked. I’m going to be honest, I have no idea what I’m supposed to do next.” Ari said, smiling like a fool.

Siren held in laughter.

“I guess it’s up to me, then. In exchange, you pay for everything, okay?” Siren asked, dragging him away.

“Are you sure you want to trust a random stranger, who you just met, to lead you around town? What if I was going to abduct you or something?” Ari asked, slightly worried for her.

“Don’t worry. I’m strong, I can handle myself! Look!” Siren said, holding up her arm.

“I don’t see anything.” Ari said, squinting his eyes mockingly.

She bopped him on the head.

“Ow! My bad. Oh! Hey, there’s a really good restaurant over here! I come here all the time to buy food and take it over there.” Ari said, gesturing to the forest and mountains.

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“To the forest? Why there?” Siren asked.

He thought for a moment.

Then he smiled. It was a wide smile.

“You asked me to show you the cool secrets around here, right? I’ll show you where I always go to relax, as long as you promise not to tell.” Ari said, a finger to his lips. He winked.

“Deal, but you’re paying.” Siren said.

“We already established that. But, in that case, I’ll order for you. You have to eat what I choose. Who knows, you might like it.” Ari said, grinning.

Siren debated the conditions for a moment.

“Sure, why not! You learn something new everyday, right?” Siren asked.

Ari looked at her, suspicious.

“That’s not a very common saying around here. Where exactly did you come from?” Ari asked.

“Hm? Oh! I didn’t tell you. I’m human. Sorry.” Siren said.

“No, not- That much was very obvious, Siren. I meant that particular phrase. I know of it because my mother used to repeat that all the time, but it isn’t used anywhere else that I know of... Except one.” Ari said.

“Well, the phrase had to come from somewhere, right? Your mother sounds like a very wise woman if she knew that.” Siren said.

“She was. She's the reason the demon kingdom flourished. A very wise woman indeed.” Ari said proudly.

He unconsciously put his hand on Sirens head, closing his arms around her.

He seemed to be lost in a trance, and stroked her hair lovingly.

“Ari? That’s a little straightforward.” Siren said, allowing it.

“Huh? AHHH! Sorry!!” Ari said, jumping back and straightening his clothes.

“It’s fine. You looked peaceful...You can keep doing it, if you want. It’s actually pretty comfy and warm in the cold of early winter.” Siren said, blowing on her hands to warm them up.

“You won’t have to worry about that when we get to the glade.” Ari said.

“?” Siren made a confused sound.

“Oh. Uh, you’ll understand in a second. It’s just through here.” Ari said, opening a large, fancy, metal gate.

They walked through the gate, into a large glade.

Siren blocked her eyes, momentarily blinded by a bright flash from the sun.

As she regained her vision, what she saw could only be described as a paradise.

The grass was lush and green as can be. The breeze gently blew it, making a beautiful rustling sound.

It was warm, and the sun shined in the sky above them, bringing with it a cozy feeling.

It had a clear blue lake, full of swimming fish and turtles. Lily pads floated on the surface, occasionally disturbed by the ripples of a passing fish.

Large bushes and flowers swayed in the wind, as though they were waving to her. The flora was beautiful, as was the fauna. There were rabbits galore around the glade.

A large white pagoda sat on an island in the center of the lake, comfortable seats all around it. A quaint bridge crossed the gap between the island and the shore.

There was a large hill near the corner, with a big tree casting shadows that seemed perfect to relax under, or have a picnic. The lush green grass was softer than even the finest carpet, nice to lay down on and watch the clouds go by.

It made Siren drowsy just walking inside.

It was beautiful.