S-Class Dungeon’s Mistress - Chapter 194

Chapter 194

Soon, a grand light enveloped Adelaide and Caladium's bodies as a long portal transfer began. Caladium, who had been softly giggling with anticipation for their date, squeezed their intertwined hands the moment he recognized the destination through the multicolored light.

Flash! A pure white light filled his vision as the space changed. Fortunately, this time he landed without falling on his backside.

"Ta-da, what do you think?"

Adelaide stood before him with a bright smile. Standing against the backdrop of a crystal-adorned beautiful palace, holding a vibrant bouquet, she looked like a painting. However, Caladium remained silent, unable to respond.

His silver-gray eyes subtly trembled as he surveyed the surroundings.

Sunlight streaming through arch-shaped large windows, the ornate and elegant interior of the palace, the faint and pleasant flower fragrance wafting from somewhere... Although it had been over a hundred years since he'd been here, nothing seemed to have changed.

It wasn't so much familiar or nostalgic as it was bewildering. He had lived here for over a hundred years, so he should have felt welcome. Strangely, the scenery before his eyes felt entirely foreign.

'Was it always this spacious?'

Helhheim was undoubtedly beautiful enough to provoke spontaneous exclamations, yet it somehow looked melancholic. He could hardly believe he had spent such a long time here.

"Caladium. Do you remember what I promised?"

He turned his gaze back to Adelaide. After carefully placing the bouquet on the cabinet, she wore a distinctly satisfied smile. Her pink eyes were overflowing with happiness as she looked up at him. Just seeing her like this made his heart feel warm.

Through this, Caladium realized:

Helhheim was merely a place where he slept, not a home.

"After defeating Los Halde, I said I'd give you Helhheim, right?"

That Greenville was the only place where his heart could truly rest.

"Here, it's a gift. Take it."

Adelaide closed her eyes, smiling contentedly. Spontaneously, a pleasant smile also emerged on Caladium's lips.

"You want me to knock you unconscious?"

Helhheim's ownership would transfer through combat. In other words, for Caladium to obtain Helhheim, he would need to attack Adelaide and render her unconscious.

"Yeah, I'll try to keep my strength down. But don't hurt me too much!"

She advised, deeply furrowing her brow. She was willing to hand over Helhheim, but she didn't want to experience too much pain.

'How did she plan to wage war against Los Halde when she's this timid?' Caladium recalled her image of swinging a whip and shattering demon army heads, and couldn't help but chuckle. Then, in a soft voice, he approached her.

"Okay. I'll be as gentle as possible."

"Yes! Do it in one go!"

Adelaide declared solemnly, squeezing her eyes even tighter. Her trembling eyebrows indicated she was nervous. Her clenched fists looked as insignificant and cute as a child's.

Despite her pitiful appearance, Caladium approached without mercy, extending his hand.

Just as she was about to take a deep breath, she felt a soft warmth enveloping her body. She momentarily wondered if he would burn her, but it wasn't that hot.

Opening her eyes slightly, she saw Caladium hugging her with a playful smile.

"Adelaide, are you stupid? How could I attack you?"

He lightly pulled her nose.

"We're supposed to agree and then knock each other out. What's the problem?"

"Agree or not, I can't hit you."

He declared firmly that he absolutely would not.

"Then how will you transfer Helhheim?"

"No need to transfer."

Adelaide's eyes widened. She knew how much effort he had put into obtaining Helhheim, so why suddenly say it was unnecessary? Was he pretending to be concerned about her potentially weakening if she lost Helhheim? She looked at him suspiciously.

Caladium read her thoughts easily and responded.

"I'm not saying this to be considerate. I'm serious."

"Why the sudden change of heart?"

"Originally, there were exactly three reasons I wanted to reclaim Helhheim. To bring its treasure and pay off your debt, to become stronger to protect you, and to take revenge on Abaddon. But as you know, you're already wealthy, I'm strong enough without Helhheim, and I've already gotten my revenge on that bastard."

So now, it's truly unnecessary. He added with a relieved laugh.

"And Adelaide, no matter what anyone says, Helhheim chose you as its owner. You don't need to feel indebted to me."

"B-but still..."

She promised, and she hadn't prepared any other gift... Adelaide drooped her eyebrows dejectedly and muttered.

"If it bothers you so much, give me something else. Something I truly want."

"Okay! What do you want? Just say it!"

"What do you think?"

His clear, open eyes curved mischievously. Caladium leaned down and gently pressed his forehead against hers.

"Adelaide, you."

I want to have you, he whispered in a low voice.

To others, it might sound cheesy, but coming from Caladium, it somehow sounded captivating. A handsome guy can get away with anything.

'Come to think of it, I've never gone all the way with Caladium.'

Whatever she imagined made Adelaide's face instantly flush. Caladium, who watched her white skin gradually turn red, smiled satisfactorily and continued.

"More precisely, I want time alone with you."

"Huh?"

"Let's go on a date."

"...Huh?"

She responded, bewildered. Am I the only one thinking weird thoughts? Am I the only one with strange imagination? Adelaide bit her lip, convinced that Greenville's two perverts must have given her some strange potion.

"You were planning to return immediately after returning Helhheim, right? You weren't even thinking about a date until I mentioned it."

"...How did you know?"

"It's all over your face."

While she had accepted Lisianthus reading her mind, she never expected this fool to do the same.

'I'll have to work harder on controlling my expressions,' she firmly resolved. And Caladium just laughed, acknowledging that he would see right through her.

"Anyway, make time until tomorrow morning. I'll return you in time for your interview."

Adelaide hesitated briefly before nodding enthusiastically. She had no particular schedule, so spending time with him seemed fine. Deep down, she had been thinking since arriving at Helhheim that she might spend the night here.

"Alright, let's go have some real fun."

As soon as he finished speaking, Caladium transformed into a phoenix. Then he flew, carrying her on his back, leaving Helhheim and piercing through soft clouds.

The speed was so fast that Adelaide closed her eyes tightly, burying herself in his fluffy feathers. Still, she had gotten stronger, managing much better than her first time riding.

"We've arrived."

"Wow...!"

Upon opening her eyes, they were in the bustling center of an unnamed village. It didn't seem like a large town, but it immediately charmed her.

First catching her eye was the refreshing river cutting through the center. Colorful shops lined the riverbank, and a young musician played violin on a beautiful stone bridge. Gentle music mixed with lively voices, indicated a market was nearby.

"This is a place I often visited while living in Helhheim. It's relatively close and has a nice atmosphere."

Caladium, now back in demon form, naturally took her hand and explained.

"And didn't you say yesterday that you wanted to eat skewers from the market?"

Adelaide was impressed by his attentiveness and excitedly stepped towards the market.

What followed was truly a date-like experience.

Adelaide and Caladium wandered through the market, sharing skewer dishes and various snacks.

"Ah, open up. I'll feed you."

"Mm."

"Not your mouth, but mine. Nom."

They carefully examined randomly displayed accessories and clothes, finding and purchasing the most beautiful items.

"Adelaide, buy this for me."

"Use your own money!"

"But you're rich! Buy me just one!"

"...Right, I am rich! Okay, I, with my abundant money, will buy it for you!"

They playfully hung quirky accessories on each other.

"Caladium, here! A ribbon-decorated hat you like!"

"We agreed never to mention that again! Forget it, Adelaide! Forget!"

"Hahaha! How can I forget that!"

Chasing each other around, with Caladium threatening revenge, the day quickly passed. Suddenly, a massive rainstorm drenched the two demons.

Eventually, looking like drowned rats, they returned to Helhheim.

"That was fun, right?"

In Helhheim's luxurious bathroom, Adelaide, with her half-wet hair, looked up at Caladium. Her soaked clothes and excited, bright expression made her look no different from a mischievous child.

"Everyone probably thought we were crazy."

At this, Adelaide burst into laughter. Perhaps because their relationship was so friendship-like, she felt more childlike when with him.

Caladium chuckled along, gently toweling her wet hair. Despite his rough appearance, his touch was surprisingly soft.

"This won't do. Too much dust accumulated. I'll prepare your favorite bathtub. Go wash up."

I'll light the fireplace in the bedroom, he said, placing the towel in the cabinet and turning to leave.

"Caladium."

Suddenly, Adelaide grabbed his wrist. His sturdy body was effortlessly pulled back.

"Aren't you going to wash up?"

Looking down at her with eyes like a startled rabbit, he awkwardly cleared his throat.

"Oh, I was just going to use magic..."

"Why bother?"

Adelaide tilted her head with an innocent expression.

"We can wash together right now."

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