After that, the group would focus on eating and recovering, Kazius especially needing a bit more rest before he could hope to walk around. The next day, they would leave the room to join Rowan, Eve and Azanor at breakfast.

It seemed Rowan’s place was fairly split between it’s business side and personal residence area. The building was large though with a good number of rooms. Then again, Rowan lived at least as long as Remus, maybe even Azanor. He likely had a lot of time to earn his wealth.

“Glad to see you’re alright.” Azanor told the group in relief, the Demon looking like he had seen better days. He seemed down, likely still thinking about the loss of his friend.

“Alice! Kazius! Damon! You’re okay!” Eve chirped giddily, running over to give them all hugs, clearly relieved that they were okay.

“We’re alright…Have you two been, okay?” Alice asked the giddy elf woman.

“Yeah, I’ve been practicing lots!” Eve admitted giddily.

“Practicing?” Kazius questioned in confusion.

“Yes, I want to hurt the mean man next time we see him.” Eve admitted, saying quite the words despite her innocent demeanor.

“I hope we get to.” Kazius admitted, sighing a bit, looking over at Alice to see how she was doing at the mention of Elande. As expected, she was making quite the dismayed face. The man had taken a lot from her, so she was likely the one taking things the hardest.

“Me too…”Alice would mutter, her violet eyes looking almost dull due to her saddened expression. Kazius couldn’t even begin to consider telling her the truth even though he had intended to…After all, if he did, it would imply Remus’ death took the place of hers. Someone was fated to die that day, her, but she was saved…Now Remus was gone. He adored her, he didn’t want that weight on her shoulders.

“This won’t do.” Rowan stated, currently in his male default form. “I understand how you feel, but I want you all eating and feeling better. No talking about enemies at the breakfast table, darling. Everyone here needs a good breakfast and just regain their energy.” He stated with his lips pursed in disapproval. It was clear he wanted the group feeling better emotionally as well as physically.

“Okay…” Eve stated with a sigh.

Everyone sitting down to eat. It was clear the group was in quite the sensitive emotional state at the moment. They needed to heal, in multiple ways. It was hard to focus on that rather than their enemy. Sure The Demon King was the ultimate goal… But they had enemies here now that already had done so much… While The Demon King had done nothing to them yet… Though if they couldn’t handle the Church, what hope did they have against the Demon King?

“Let’s talk about something else while we eat, okay? Blossom is quite the lovely place. Very beautiful, I think you should all get some fresh air and look at the Cherry Blossoms now that you have some energy. Clear your minds some. Oh! And do a little trip to the Palace. The Lady of Blossom should be thanked personally. She sent her on personal maid to come heal you, you know? She is a bit of a character, but she is a total darling at heart. She is Shio’s kid… I haven’t mentioned that.” Rowan stated contently, directing the last bit at Azanor, turning to look at him while doing do.

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“Shio’s?” Azanor questioned in shock, “That maniac had a child? With who? So he established this place?”

“Yes. She was quite the sweet woman, died in childbirth though. Sakura is well, she pretends to not be hot headed like him.” Rowan admitted with an amused giggle, “I love pressing her buttons.”

“You enjoy poking at people too much, Rowan…” Azanor sighed out with a shake of his head.

“And I do so with the best intentions.” Rowan would reply simply with a shrug.

“Shio?” Kazius decided to ask, wondering what the two were talking about.

“He is one of the other fools that got dragged into fighting Azanor’s asshole brother, sweetie. One of those… Oh what did they call us again, Azzy? Yes, traitor monsters or whatever. My beautiful self was one of them of course, Shio was another.” Rowan explained.

“A lot of monsters had nowhere to go after that, some followed Shio. He was an imposing one. I suppose it makes sense they would. He built quite the city, so I suppose they made a good decision. At lot of them are animal-based monsters… You know, Kitsune, Nekos, Catfolk, and such types. I tagged along. I don’t like being alone. I also was pretty close to Shio. He was phenomenal in bed.” Rowan stated bluntly, saying the last bit in a fake whisper of sorts even though everyone could hear it.

“I… I see…”, Kazius stated in a flustered manner, it would take some getting used to how Rowan talked about such things without restraint.

“Of course that was before he got married and all of that. I’m no homewrecker, you know? I don’t accept married clients. Not that Shio ever paid me.” Rowan stated with a wink.

“I’m sorry…About Ratier.” Alice admitted, looking a bit guilty about how ungrateful of am attitude Ratier had. It must seem like Ratier was awful to all his friends, something that was likely quite tough after idolizing such a person.

“You are not him, darling. Don’t be. Just from how you were around Kazius here and even Damon, I can tell you are a caring little sweetheart. I’ve heard a lot of good things from Azanor here. About all of you.” Rowan admitted with a teasing grin at the Demon.

“Shut it.” Azanor stated in embarrassment, clearly unhappy to be called out for cherishing the group.

“Which is why I will help you.” Rowan admitted, “I might not look like it… But I am quite adept at fighting. Of course, I am more of a lover than a fighter, but this kingdom you intend to build… Sounds quite interesting… Your enemies are the same as mine too. So I’m in.” Rowan admitted with a grin.

His words seemed to surprise even Azanor, clearly having not discussed this.

“Are you sure considering how that went last time?” Kazius questioned in shock, after all, it would be useful, but he did not want to take advantage of his kindness.

“Well you know, I’m the type that learns nothing… Besides… Eve has a point…I’ve lived too long without seeing all of those bastards suffer.” Rowan stated, his usually seductive and playful expression turning into a cold scowl. It was clear despite not showing it, Rowan’s death had been a sort of tipping point for the Shapeshifter.

“With that in mind, you would do well to become friends with Lady Sakura. You will need her… She also has some good people working under her that could help you improve…Approach her as an equal though. You’ll lose if you don’t. From what Azanor says, you already have a town under your name… Act accordingly.” Rowan stated with his hands on his face, resting his elbows on the table.

“You seem to understand how to talk to people very well.” Kazius admitted in awe. Indeed, if what he said was true, he was giving good advice.

“Of course it is, darling. People is what I do.” Rowan stated with a coy smirk, the pun very much intentional it seems.

“Alright… Thank you… After breakfast we should go see her then.” Kazius agreed.