Vivia yawned after enjoying a comfortable nap on the way to the Demon Realm. She craned her neck as they approached the Realm of Harmony's border it shared with the realm. The air grew spookier with an eerie energy that made her skin prickle. The realm held a reputation of being a notorious place filled with frightening and dark phenomena that was beyond a human's understanding.
Yet beneath her nervousness, anticipation bubbled in her chest upon charting into this unknown territory for the first time. The landscape was an unseen marvel for her as she awed at the never seen before flowers, plants and birds that greeted her sight.
Zerath noted Vivia's fascination rather than her shying away from it in fear, which garnered his interest.
"It doesn't seem like you fear demons even though today is the first time you met one. From what I know, humans recoil at our very presence."
"It's not just humans. We fear anything that we don't understand well enough. So we reject its existence, purely because of our half-understood realities. My master taught me to judge everybody in this nature equally. That's why I don't hate demons."
A flicker of surprise passed Zerath's features.
"Wise words."
She tilted her head. "I could say the same about you. You showed kindness to Princess Clairette and are risking crossing realms for her. I'd even say you're…too relaxed. Wouldn't breaking the law get you punished?
"I'm sure it won't come to that," he said with a cryptic smile.
"Even so."
"Long ago, I'd trained under a master too. She believed in unity between the realms. So I don't hate humans either."
"It means there are reasonable people on both sides," she released a sigh. "I wonder why we keep fighting then."
"It's part history, part politics, part nature."
"Too many parts."
"That's why the relationship is so complicated. But…" he glanced at her, "I heard that Princess Clairette was trying to bring humans and demons together. That's another reason I helped her."
"Really?" Vivia looked surprised. "Somehow, I didn't expect the royalty to advocate for peace."
Zerath parted and closed his lips thoughtfully.
"I've been wondering since before. You're in her body, but it doesn't seem like you have Princess Clairette's memories."
Vivia looked up at him and then looked sideways in deep contemplation.
"Wait, yes! I…don't have her memories."
He cocked his brow up. "I thought so. You weren't aware about the coachman or the lack of guards. I assumed you'd know something about the murder attempt through her memories. But you don't know about Princess Clairette's internal intentions either."
"I mean…" she pressed her temple. "It isn't like it's completely blank for me."
"But you don't have the complete memories."
"Yes. I faintly remember her family and some other people here and there. I also remember leaving the palace for the Realm of Harmony, but why did the Princess choose to come here is what I don't recall or any events of the carriage crash…"
"There are breaks in it," he concluded.
"Yes…"
Vivia felt tired. "It hurts if I try to remember."
"You shouldn't force yourself. Your body is injured enough and you need to be treated as soon as possible. Don't add mental strain to it."
Vivia couldn't believe that he defied every tale she had heard until now. Not only did she meet a demon for the first time but a kind demon at that. Her cheeks flushed by his warm concern. She hadn't completely dropped her guard yet, but she could sense his genuine care for her.
"You must be very popular in your realm right?"
"So-so, I think?" He hummed.
"Hah, don't lie! You cannot fool these eyes," she snorted. "You own a good breed of a stallion. It's actually one of the best with just one look at it, so it means that you at least belong to some wealthy, noble family. Then you've a beautiful face and you're…" she cleared her throat, "somewhat caring too."
"Only somewhat?" He squinted his eyes.
"Fine. You're indeed a kind and caring demon. I imagine plenty of women - or demonesses - must be eyeing you."
A sly smile reached up to Zerath's eyes. "Are you one of them?"
Vivia choked, throwing him a speechless stare. "How about showing some humility?"
"Demons tend to be assertive."
She let out a small cough and looked away.
"But I believe you must've had your fair share of suitors too when you were alive."
Vivia proudly flipped her back. "Naturally. My amazing dance skills has only made me more popular~"
He arched his brow. "You're a dancer?"
"The best dancer in the entire realm," she held no qualms in thoroughly showering praises for herself.
"I see. I'm quite fond of dancing too, thanks to the varied training I've received."
"Ah, a fellow dancer!" Vivia's joy touched the sky. "Male dancers are rare in my realm, so it's refreshing to meet one."
"Then it'll be an honor to…" his face inclined towards her in close proximity, "be your dance partner one day."
Vivia struggled to find her voice to respond amidst the crimson warmth that gushed on her cheeks all the way down to her neck.
I've heard stories in my realm of demons being excellent enchanters. B-But I won't fall weak!
"Will you be able to even match my pace?"
"I believe in my abilities," a mischievous smile curved his lips.
"Well, we'll see about that," she snorted and flipped her hair again.
As the stallion marched closer to the Demon Realm's entrance, Vivia's eyes caught a humongous mountain at the horizon shrouded with fog and clouds.
"What is that…?" She asked in a daze.
Zerath slowed down his stallion's pace and looked back. "Mount Lavos."
"Mount Lavos…I've heard many myths and stories of it back in Stras. It's a volcanic mountain, isn't it?"
"Yes. But it has been centuries since it last erupted. Why do you ask?"
Vivia was entranced by the powerful, majestic mountain. She felt as if a faint, distant force was drawing her toward it.
"I just feel a little strange…" she murmured.
Zerath looked back and stared at the mountain. "When I come to the Realm of Harmony, seeing Mount Lavos fills me with a strange emotion at times as well. It's a very mystical and magical existence."
As they neared the border, he saw the border soldiers of the Demon Realm patrolling the realm's entrance.
"We're here. Quick. Pretend to faint. It'll be easier."
"Okay!"
Vivia immediately slumped against his chest and closed her eyes. The thump of his heartbeats reached her ears, making her breathe restlessly.
"Be at ease. I'll handle it," Zerath said, sensing her discomfort.
Can I admit that your heartbeats are making me more anxious than the entry in your realm? Vivia's heart raced.
Zerath pulled the reins and the stallion came to a stop with a loud neigh.
The border soldiers were puzzled upon seeing a strange, fainted woman with him. Nevertheless, they immediately stood in attention and unanimously roared with respect.
"Varkos et Zerath!"
"Varkos et Zerath!"
Vivia - "..."
If only she wasn't bound by the need to act, she would have puked several liters of blood out of pure shock and disbelief. She was one of the few humans who understood the Demon Realm's language, Xul.
Varkos et Zerath meant 'Rise for the Crown Prince Zerath.'
Crown…Crown Prince!?