Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

“Take a seat at the counter.” I told the three.

“Why are we in the kitchen?” Credo asked, curiously.

Taking Defiance off my back, I put it back through a portal and did the same with my armor. “Because I figured we can eat while we talk. I haven’t had a chance to eat for a bit, and I doubt you three would turn down a homecooked meal.” The three seemed surprised at that as I grabbed some things around the kitchen.

As I started cooking, Credo spoke again. “Not to dissuade you from cooking a hot meal, this seems rather different compared to how you greeted us.”

Putting some butter into a skillet, I spread it around as I replied. “There’s been a lot on my mind. Wasn’t expecting it to be you three. Thought maybe I was getting another visit from Thana.”

“Thana visited you?” Pestilence questioned.

“A lot happened in the east.” I told them. “I’ll leave it at that for now.” Grabbing a loaf of bread, I started to cut it into slices after I had the mix together. “I’m more curious about why you three are here. Something you need?”

I glanced over my shoulder at them as I cooked. “What happened to you recently?” The High Elf was the one who asked. “Specifically, the incident that occurred a little over a month ago.” At that moment, Camoa and a few of the succubae children walked in with Aydalia. “A Druid, Succubae, and an Elf.” Her cloaked gaze turned back to me. “Interesting company.”

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Pestilence seemed to agree. “Why are there parasites here?”

“Lucia asked me to spare them.” Was my instant response before I sighed and placed the wet bread on the heated metal. “What do you need, Aydalia?”

“Some of the children were scared. They heard you scream through the home.” The Elf answered.

I eyed the children for a moment. “I’m sure you can understand why some of them would be uneasy. The others went to Freya’s room.” Camoa told me.

One of the children looked at me shyly as he spoke out of fear. “Are you gonna turn into that monster again?”

All three Demons glanced at me, but I ignored them as I spoke to the children present. “No.” My attention was directed to the Demons for a brief moment before I turned back to the children once more. “I don’t think that will happen. Go back to sleep and be at ease that you’re safe here.” Looking at Camoa, I gave her a nod. “Return the children to Freya and inform her of what’s happening.”

Aydalia looked uneasy as they left. “Arthur-“

“It’s fine.”

“It’s fine that you’re welcoming Demons into-“

I cut her off. “Aydalia.” I said firmly. “It’s fine. Go back to Lucia’s room.”

“Monster?” Pestilence asked as Aydalia left.

“Lucia is here?” Credo inquired at the same time as the other horned demon.

Using a spatula, I flipped the food. “Before we get into all that, and I explain the last few months, I’d like to get a guarantee from you three.” Turning at them, they all just waited for me to continue. “In the coming months, if you feel my energy spike, I’d like your help.”

The woman tilted her head slightly. “Like it did recently?”

Grabbing a few slices, I pulled them off and onto a few plates. “Hopefully never to that extreme again, but yes. If it feels like I’m fighting, I could use your help.”

Pestilence spoke as I put some more bread down before moving through the kitchen. “You seem to handle yourself well enough. Didn’t you also say you weren’t any danger from our presence? I’m assuming that confidence came from somewhere.”

“That confidence is keeping myself alive. I doubt any of you three could kill me. Doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t be concerned for others that are present.” I told him. “There’s a fight coming, and I’m concerned.”

“Where?” Credo inquired.

“North.” I stated as I put some powdered sugar on the french-toast and placed three plates in front of the Demons with syrup at the ready. “I’ve reasons to believe Klasteris will be returning soon. The coming months if my suspicions are correct.” The cloaked High Elf stood at that, and I eyed her lazily. “If Thana moves to claim the city in the Floating Stone Forest, it will be put pressure on me here in Lestrania.”

“How can you be sure?” The woman demanded.

I gestured to the food as I grabbed them some refreshments. “I’ll tell you what’s transpired in the last few months while you eat, but can I count on you three for help?”

Sitting down, the woman hummed in thought before Credo answered. “If you believe Klasteris will be returning, it’s likely Thana will intervene. As per our agreement, we will do our best to aid you.”

Giving them a grateful nod, I spoke. “Appreciate it.” Moving back to the stove to work on the food, I continued. “Where should-“

Pestilence cut me off as he raised his voice. “This bread is amazing!” I turned to him and curled a brow at the reaction. “What the fuck is it?!”