Demon Lord: Erotic Adventure in Another World-Chapter 531: The Warmth of Home

The carriage rocked with a snap as it hit a rock, causing the three women gazing from each window to shake.

"It's such a long way..."

"Be quiet, Asmodea, we'll be home soon."

"..."

Alice tried to comfort her niece while Vinea remained quiet, ignoring both her sister and aunt. The girls were heading back after visiting the capital of Grigor.

The carriage rattled again. Dust kicked up around the wheels as they rolled down the uneven trail. Outside, pine trees blurred past, tall and silent, their trunks soaked in late autumn mist.

Alice adjusted the sword at her hip, glancing toward the nearest window. Her red eyes narrowed.

"We're close to the border," she said. "Half a day, maybe less."

Asmodea slumped in her seat, arms folded. "It feels longer."

"You've done nothing but stare outside for the last hour."

"I'm not staring! But thinking."

"About?"

"Darling of course?"

Vinea gave a faint sigh but didn't speak. Her long brown hair framed a sharp face, unreadable as always. But in reality, she was the same as her sister, thinking about Asmodeus and returning to his side.

"Though do you think father was right?" She asked.

"Hmm?"

"About Alan you mean?" Alice closed her eyes while tapping her cheek, trying to think about what King Avandar said during their meals. "That he's been strange, ignoring letters and... word, he's been see entering a woman's room in the evenings?"

"Well it doesn't make sense, we all know how much that fool adored his wife!"

Asmodea huffed, her cheeks swollen while slamming her head back, frustrated with the news about her uncle and the fact that nobody seemed to know the facts.

"I think we should ask darling for help."

"Asmodeus?" Alice shook her head with a smile. "You're right. He would probably love to help us."

"But if we tell him Alan might be compromised," Alice added, "he won't sit still. You know how he gets."

Vinea's gaze shifted, slow and unreadable. "He won't sit still because he cares."

Asmodea grinned faintly at that, biting the inside of her cheek to hide it.

The trees thinned outside the window, revealing a stretch of rolling hills and the distant shimmer of a watchtower. The northern border. Almost home.

"I missed him…" Asmodea whispered, half to herself.

Alice didn't answer right away.

Neither did Vinea.

Because in truth, they all did.

And deep down, none of them liked the feeling creeping in as they returned—not fear, not quite—but unease. As if the peace they left behind had shifted just slightly in their absence.

A breeze swept through the cracks in the carriage door, colder than before.

None of them spoke for a while after that.

***

Meanwhile, at the citadel, slowly taking the form of a wonderful city, small spires and houses with an eastern atmosphere reminded Asmodeus of his homeland.

A world he might never return to.

"Serena... do you think that Mephisto will return?"

Asmodeus never forgot the sealed box that vanished, and constantly worried. The only times he could relax were when he was with his wives… or holding one of his daughters.

Serena didn't answer immediately.

Instead, she watched below with a faint smile while rubbing her stomach.

Below, the streets bustled—traders shouting, children running past temple courtyards, the scent of roasted meat drifting from open food stalls.

She finally replied after climbing back onto his lap and nuzzling his cheek, "That thing wasn't just a god. It was a hunger that never ends. You cut it down... but you're right..."

Her gaze became dull, stroking her beloved man's cheek. "I don't think he's gone."

Asmodeus stared toward the far mountains. Snow hadn't fallen yet, but the clouds looked ready to burst. "Alan hasn't written properly since he left for Baltimore," he said. "He's not the type to hold back unless he's cornered."

Serena glanced at him. "Do you want to go south?"

He shook his head. "Not yet. But I want someone I trust watching the roads."

"I'll see it done."

Silence lingered between them, heavy but familiar.

Then Serena added, "If it comes back—Mephisto—I won't let you face it alone."

Asmodeus didn't answer.

Because he wouldn't let her join him. Not after she lost her powers; what would Serena do now, without her divinity? Mephisto could kill her and destroy her soul.

"I have asked Paul and Simon to visit, before heading south."

He believed that if anyone could get through to Alan or find out what happened, it would be those two. The men who helped Asmodeus survive when he first came to this world. Two men he saw as older brothers and family.

"Your Highness!"

A demon knight dressed in a maid outfit knelt on the ground before them, with a slightly excited voice.

"What is it Erma?" Serena asked.

"The mistresses are back from Grigor!"

'They're finally back?'

"How long till they arrive?"

"They are close to the gates, Your Highness."

Asmodeus hugged the waist of Serena tighter, before curling his lips into a smile. "Good, prepare a light meal for them and call for everyone to meet in two hours."

"Understood!"

The demon knights split into various groups after settling in the north. Some of them wanted to remain as warriors and part of the main army, while some wanted to serve Asmodeus directly, maybe trying to show their loyalty to him.

Serena leaned into his chest, her arms coiling around his shoulders as she whispered, "They'll be happy to see you."

He tilted his head, letting his lips brush against her neck. "I'll be happy to see them. Especially Asmodea—she's clingier than ever when she's gone too long."

"She's your biggest fan," Serena chuckled. "She even tried to write me a letter asking me to 'keep him warm at night' while she was gone."

"...She what?"

Serena only smiled. Then pulled away with a light kiss to his lips before standing. "I'll help the maids. You should get changed."

Asmodeus nodded, watching her leave with a steady, regal pace that still clung to her even now, less divine than before, but still graceful, still his.

He lingered a moment longer on the terrace. The city below looked fuller now. New rooftops rising. Gardens blooming. Life returning. His citadel had grown into a heart, beating steadily with each new soul that called it home.

The gates would open soon.

He could already hear the faint thrum of hooves approaching, the creak of carriages over stone.

Paul and Simon would be here within the week.

Alan remained a shadow, but that could wait just a little longer.

Today was for family.

For the ones who chose him.

He turned and walked inside.

The great hall waited, golden light spilling through stained glass, the scent of sweet bread already drifting in from the kitchens.

Soon, they'd be together again. His strange, chaotic, beautiful family.

And Asmodeus… was ready.

***

The doors opened with a dull echo.

Asmodeus stood at the end of the hall, watching the doors.

The demon knights bowed and stepped aside as the carriage party entered.

Alice walked first, armour polished, eyes sharp. Behind her came Vinea, quiet and poised, her red-toned skin wrapped in a deep green cloak. And then Asmodea, her long crimson hair bouncing as she all but ran ahead, cheeks puffed in frustration.

"Darling!" she shouted, arms wide.

He caught her before she crashed into his chest, spinning her once before setting her down with a smirk. "You're louder than I remember."

"You didn't miss me?!"

"I didn't say that."

She squeezed him harder.

Alice's pace was slower. When she reached him, she didn't say anything at first. She just leaned forward, letting their foreheads touch for a brief second before stepping back. That was enough.

Vinea remained a step behind. Her lips pressed together, unreadable as always.

"You look beautiful Vinea."

"Eh?"

Vinea's red cheeks became darker, and she stepped forward, hugging his chest while pouting. "Don't say such embarrassing things... everyone can hear them."

Yet her long tail betrayed her and slapped against the ground.

"We're back."

"I noticed." He touched her chin. "Didn't think you'd miss me so much."

She looked away, but her fingers curled into the front of his robe.

"I'll take that as a yes."

A soft laugh from Serena interrupted them. "Dinner's ready."

"It's a shame we cannot flirt for longer... Vinea."

"H...Hmph! Who wants to flirt... idiot."

Asmodeus enjoyed how different she acted when in public and private, so he teased her and slipped his hand lower, cupping her buttocks and guiding her into the dining room.

"Hah!?" With dark red cheeks, she could only clench her fists as he fondled her soft meat.

***

Dinner wasn't grand, but calm and filled with a great atmosphere...

Everyone came home, even Yuina and Yumiko arrived using the stabilised portal that linked the two kingdoms.

'This is it...'

Asmodeus thought to himself, this moment eating with everyone who helped him, loved him and supported him.

He didn't want this moment to end.