Chapter 927 [Side Story] 10 [Family]
Newest Chapter for Highest Tier (July 2022) 𝐟r𝒆ℯ𝘄𝑒𝒃𝚗𝒐𝘃e𝗹.c𝘰𝐦
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Archdemon Empress Luna
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"I'm not doing these things because I have no choice as an Archdemon Familiar. I'm doing all of this for you. Out of affection. Remember that." Ravin's steady gaze softened as he looked deep into her eyes. Luna didn't dare look away. Not when he was being sincere. This fleeting moment would only happen once in a blue moon."Think of my service to you as gratitude, Amare. Upholding our soul binding contract had led me to meet my real mother. Because of you, I have separated the lies from the truth of my origin."
He didn't seem angry at her now for using him as a Familiar however she pleased and it made her feel a bit guilty.
Ravin closed his eyes, took a deep, pained breath and opened them again.
"Even if I wasn't able to fully win your heart because you had sent me to Hell, my loyalty belonged to you whether I am your Archdemon Familiar or not." He reached for her hand and caressed it tenderly."I didn't regret everything that happened. In my eyes, you are still my mate even if you already belonged to another man."
"Then, you can give all of your affection for my children and leave nothing for me and my husband." She urged.
"Yes. I promise to protect them." Ravin released her hand so he could drift his fingers through the strands of her hair. " I'm glad to be considered as part of your family."
Luna noticed that a thin red bangle had materialized on each of Celestria and Leonora's left hand while they slept peacefully on their cribs the instant Ravin uttered that promise.
Sloth suddenly cleared his throat which made her shift her attention towards him.
"I a-apologize t-that I h-hadn't prepared such t-touching w-words for Lune l-like my brother d-did." Sloth was flustered, blushing hard in chagrin. "Ipromisetostartathousandlovelettersaboutmyappreciationforyoutomorrow. We are family, right?"
Finding his words incomprehensible, Luna shook her head in confusion. "You don't have to."
"Oh, but, I will." Sloth promised as he wore a mischievous grin."I would disown you from our family if you stop me."
"Fine. Do what you want."
***
That was the end of the the three's recent conversation about Leonora and Celestria in the Nursery Room.
She was rather confused whether she should be irritated or apologetic by that discussion regarding Celestria since it had started stupid and ended up being wholesome.
Did those bastards think she had what it takes to act 'kind' instead of being 'kind' or were they just being extreme as usual?
Most of their words should fall unto deaf ears from how absurd they sounded.
Well, it wasn't like she was crazy enough to follow such a heartless advice. 𝘧𝗿ee𝚠𝙚𝙗𝑛o𝚟𝐞l.𝐜૦𝗺
Looking at Celestria and being reminded of what Luxen had done to her in Helll.. it didn't seem to hurt that much.
The child wasn't at fault.
It was her father's choice to shape shift into Apollyon and it was Lina's own error to believe it was her husband.
The best thing to do was take responsibility because that was what adults do.
As she looked at her twins, she suddenly had the urge to cuddle them in her arms.
But since they were sleeping, she realized it was best not to disturb them.
She couldn't stand seeing them cry their hearts out.
In fact, she never had affinity for children in general after living as a maiden for a long time.
Her utter dislike would probably remain for other women's children except for her own.
She adored her twins so much that she would die for them.
Was this true love or was this just what nature had referred to as the maternal instinct?
Luna didn't hire wet nurses and breastfed the the twins herself.
That was the least she could do when she was stripped off her other responsibilities except for taking care of the babes who had different time clocks than her.
It was her first shot at motherhood and she was already overwhelmed by her twins' dependence.
The babies usually wake up approximately around three hours to be fed, changed, and comforted.
Her husband's presence and emotional support would be very much appreciated in this hard time.
Apollyon need not share the burden because her Archdemon Familiars could do that for her.
The only thing he had to do for her was to remember who she was and if her husband could accomplish that feat, she would finally get her appetite back.
She rarely feel hungry due to stress and that was why she didn't drink any blood from her mate.
It was clear that Apollyon's inevitable condition had completely messed up her recent mood throughout the year.
She often feel gloomy and tired.
Her patience had worn thin, as well.
Luna lowered her head and sighed her exhaustion away.
Perhaps, she was asking for the moon and the stars.
Yet every time Leonora or Celestria bestow her a sweet smile, she felt bursts of strength in her system that could power her through centuries.
Luna walked towards a seating area and Sloth followed her there.
The wall tapestries and layers of curtains had fruity patterns of tangerines and grapes in them which made them look even more sophisticated.
They were surrounded by round tables and porcelain dolls seated on their little chairs, ready and waiting for future teatimes and role playing games under purple chandeliers.
Sloth initially wanted to summon spirits from the Seventh Circle and put them inside the dolls so that Celestria and Leonora could have some harmless demon servants to talk to and play with but Luna refused the crazy idea and threatened to make the Archdemon dance all day for a week by using his true name.
She was relieved that it was scary enough to make him give up that plan altogether.
"Where is Ravin?" Luna asked Sloth.
"Occupied with doing your sleeping husband's duties to this Kingdom."