Chapter 184

“Oh, that makes sense. But that is not okay,” said Dia. Their faces went pale. They were both disgusted by what Mina had done. Anyone else would’ve felt the same. “Please don’t look at it that way. I didn’t technically force any of them into it. They said they wanted to be with me forever, so I granted their wish. No harm has come to them. They’re much stronger than humans now, and they are free from the concerns of aging,” Mina protested. “So charming others into obeying isn’t compulsion to you? That’s rich.” “My charm is part of my appeal. Complain all you want, but I can’t help that. However, if I have offended you, then allow me to teach you about one of my abilities as an apology. I am able to eat living creatures and lay eggs. If I eat a person, I lay a snake person egg. Eating a dog gets me a snake dog, and eating a cat gets me a snake cat. They maintain their abilities and memories from their previous existences, and are reborn stronger than ever. It’s a magnificent power, isn’t it?” “It’s certainly a strong one.” It was repulsive, but I couldn’t deny it was tremendously formidable. Mina was rapidly bewitching humans and making them into her playthings. Once she grew bored of them, she’d consume her toys and add them to her army. Mina had previously claimed she wasn’t very strong for a demon, but having an army at her disposal would make her quite threatening. “Oh, please don’t give me that frightened look. You’re going to awaken a fury of passion within me… I could just eat you up right now,” Mina purred. She looked me up and down with her snake eyes, and Tarte and Dia stepped forward to protect me. “Please be at ease, adorable little lovers. I meant ‘eat’ in a sexual way.” “That hardly makes it better!” Tarte protested. “Lugh isn’t into old hags like you!” Dia spat. Mina’s face spasmed a little. Evidently, she didn’t enjoy being called elderly. “Anyway, let’s sit. That’s not what I came here to discuss. Am I correct in assuming you called us here to discuss a matter you can’t speak of anywhere else?” I said. “Yes. I am continually grateful for your sharp insight. I’ll treat you to some alcohol. Which one would you like?” “I’ll have the Kurtonyu red.” Kurtonyu red wine, called the crimson jewel, was very rare and among the finest alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, the special grapes used as an ingredient could no longer be harvested because the vineyard where they were grown was trampled by the orc demon’s forces during the attack on the academy, meaning the wine was out of production. I chose it because I liked it, but also because of the irony. “Oh goodness, that’s my favorite. Did you know that people with similar tastes are said to be sexually compatible?” “That’s news to me.” Mina poured a cup of bloodred wine for all of us. So far, she had shown no signs of hostility. I couldn’t let my guard down, though. One moment of carelessness could mean being devoured and turned into one of Mina’s snake people. I had prepared insurance, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t any danger. I would need to be careful as I talked to her.