NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Withering (2/4)
"As I've told you, I've awakened to find myself possessing this body. And I'm not exactly sure about the reasons behind that. Some kind of divine interference or some other thing like that, probably. Not that I know who the God of this world is." I decided to just come off honestly if I want this relationship to be smooth, I've never been one to hide my true self for others, and I won't do so now, since I get the impression that I won't really be in danger from this.
Ligeia remained silent throughout my speech. It's been a while since we had reached the door of the dungeon, and we've been discussing the entrance. Of course, I was reading in case she decides to attack me again, but I decided to place the bet on the fact that she sees me in way too high of a regard subconsciously to ever try to do anything.
Talking to her, I was also observing this black-colored dungeon, since it was midnight it only made it look more sinister, almost to a comic effect for my modern sensibilities. It stood on this vast plain that was completely dried out of plant life and was apparently mine, and the ground was desert-like with gray tones. It was actually shaped like a castle, I assume that this part is for living while the "underground" is where dungeon activities happen.
"So you're saying, you're not the real Demon Lord?"
"... I'm not sure, at least I don't seem to possess his memories. Thinking about it however, why would I of all people be reincarnated Into this body? It doesn't really make sense if there was nothing In common with our destiny. All I can say now is, time will reveal everything."
"...R-right" She dejectedly replies, taking a step away from our previous closeness and opening the Castle's door.
The air felt damp and dusty around the floor, it felt like an abandoned haunted house, despite the opulent onyx decorations, random paintings of portraits and landscapes, and various other gilded stuff.
We walked towards the main room, kind of nervous at meeting Ligeia's mother, knowing our past and probable enthusiasm upon our encounter. I told Ligeia "I'll hide while you bring your mother here, let's make it a surprise"
"Okay" She replies shortly.
She went ahead, down the spiral staircase. By the way, I should add now that I was still unwashed and naked, as I stepped afoot, a clump of mud and worms would drop to the ground. I thought I should at least clean myself and cover my genitals before meeting with my subordinate. I looked around the room and saw a silk curtain hanging by a window, good enough, I thought. Ripping a piece to clean myself up and then some more to cover my groin, I went back to the closet. Waiting for them to come, it's been half an hour and they were yet to do so.
thinking about how to make my grand entrance to Ligeia's mothers life while experimenting with the magical power in my body. I realized that being in this dungeon made me much more in tune with my energy, and the motes of dust were abnormally and rapidly accumulating towards my body, they weren't staining it though, and were actually being absorbed by my skin pores.
The more that they got in, the more that I felt how my energy worked. And since I'm seeing how I could absorb them, why can't I do the opposite too? I tried projecting it towards my fingertips, to a great success. It was a dark fog
Five minutes passed, she came back with a woman that looked a lot like her daughter, even with the stylistic similarities in their outfit. Her eyes were of gray hue with white sclera though, a black key lock tattoo in the middle of her forehead, had a more voluptuous body with a less teenage-like appearance, and was overall much paler with unkempt hair.
"Why are you rushing me here?" She demanded with a scowl, "It better be important"
"Mother, can you please remain quiet and stand here? It won't be for long."
I watched their interaction in silence through the closet, curious about this enchanting subordinate of mine. Seemed like a perfect lust-ridden fantasy to be brought here with girls like this worshipping me.
I decided to stay in the closet instead of meeting with this enchanting witch, not like I had cold feet or anything, I just thought it would be funny to make it more troublesome for Ligeia as she stood there holding her mom's arm who wanted to go back after being taken here for no reason.
"Your Majesty, stop playing pranks and come out already!" She finally couldn't take it anymore and called out, to which her mother shot up with focus on hearing that word.
I opened the closet In a slow and dramatic fashion, taking a step with a grin as I stared into her eyes.
"Hi there" I simply said.
The expression this depressive looking woman made at that moment was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life.