Adeline is the Celestial Realm student who sent to the Devildom. She's horrified and want to see her "friend" by chances.
Diavolo is amused, since the strongest Reaper agrees to became a student of RAD. He could tell the reaper and the new angel exchange student share a special bound with eachother.
Adeline gulps down her spit, try to tame her heart beats slow down. The weird cold crawl up her spine and she shivered.
Simeon and Luke, they've down to the Devildom before, and they assure Adeline that the Devildom isn't that creepy or that dangerous to angels.
"Besides, MC would be there! They're a wonderful human and I'm sure you'll be friends!"
Luke waves his hand in excitement. Simeon chuckles and nods to Adeline.
"Demons are trying to make the Devildom a better place for the three worlds. And I heard that there will have some new students from the different realms. It's a good way if the Celestial Realm could interact with other realms, don't you agree?"
The cerulean eyes looking at Adeline, the blue ones remind Adeline of a certain Reaper she met and tried to befriend in Human world.
Well, it's no harm, right?
When Adeline opens her eyes, there's a human stands in front of her.
A beefy man who has an auburn hair, goves Adeline a welcome smile.
"Welcome to the Devildom, I am Diavolo, the prince of the Devildom. You must be Adeline, if I don't mistake."
It's hard to believe that man is a demon, if you ask Adeline.
Sure, she knew the demons and the angels are not enemy anymore. But it still hard to change those stereotypes.
A polite smile shows up on her face, Adeline nods to the prince.
"It's...good to see you, Lord Diavolo."
The prince laughs and extends his arms.
"Well, it's good to see you two. I heard that there's your first time in Devildom? Then I do wish your exchange student life would be wonderful. If you need something or have some problems, you're welcome to tell me, Barbatos or Lucifer."
Adeline knew it's discourtesy for not really paying attention to Diavolo, when he's be friendly especially. But the way of his speech is too similar to a certain Reaper she knew.
So elegant, so formal and you can feel the warm underneath those words.
"Adeline?" Luke's calling pulls her back, Adeline looks up to Diavolo and glad to see the princne doesn't get upset. His honey color eyes still stares down at her with amusement.
"I am now interest in what in your mind, since you are not so focus on while you're standing in front of me."
"I am sorry, Lord Diavolo! It's just...what you were saying was similar to someone I knew. Amd that idea kind of... distracted me."
"Someone you knew? Uhm...and who might be that? What's the similar between us?"
Adeline blinks and opens her mouth, then she shifts her foot.
"He's a reaper, I met him in human world. And he always has his grace and proud. He's a reaper with a gentle heart, what you just said reminds me of him. I am truly sorry for not paying attention, Lord Diavolo."
Diavolo gives you a fully heart laugh.
"I am honoured to hear that! And I have an idea for who moght be. But it could discuss later, now let me welcome you again, the exchange student from the Celestial Realm."
Summary: Pumpkin get drunk when she's go out the girls' night. And she's bubbling something about her not-so-unrequited crush on the certain prosecutor.
Warnings: fluffy and slight angst, pumpkin being adorable and Barok just have a soft spot for her, Pumpkin has a nickname called "Ellie" since she's my OC. Soft dark Barok inplied ✨
It's your girl's night.
Usually, you would only drink soda water even though you're the only one adult compare to other three girls.
But not today.
Not after you saw a young maiden just lean herself against Sir Barok van Zieks and he didn't push her away.
You were just about asking him for lunch together, but you retreated after you saw that scene.
She's a beautiful one, stylish hair and smooth skin, her eyes are gorgeous and her voice could lure any man under her skirt.
She's a noble as well, one from the highest families. She's 24, an elegant youthful young lady with a warm smile and the matching family?
There's no way Barok wouldn't dislike her.
Some Ciders are what you need, you burped and shift your head to left side. Iris is sipping her orange juice and sneaking peeks on you.
"What?" You ask her.
"Ellie, you seems... bothered, what happened?" Iris points her finger against her forehead.
"Iris is right, you became strange after you came to the Old Bailey. Did something bad happened between you and Sir van Zieks?"
You twirl your glass, stare at the beautiful amber liquid with blank mind.
"No, I didn't. He didn't even have time for me." You laugh coldly and shake your head.
"What's that supposed to mean? That Reaper cheats on you?"
Gina asks with curious.
"Pff! No Gina, we were not like that. We still not and might never will be."
You can see the ears around your table are all perked up now.
"Then what's wrong? You have to explain it!" Gina crosses her arms.
" Fine, let me have some moments..." You take another sip from your fifth Cider.
"I saw him with a young noble maiden in his office, and she was lean on him. Just close, soooooo bloody close if you know what I mean."
The girls gasp to the new and you choke down the rest Cider.
"Yeah yeah, and I can't confront him is the reason I am upset about. I just walked away and left that Building. I can't rush to them and demand an explanation from him cause it's not my place. And I was too scared to see his reaction."
You shrug when Susato whispers your name.
"It's not entire his fault, if I am being honest. We've known each other for decade, I spent 7 years to love him and try to accept the face that he wouldn't forgive me." You grab the gray blue ribbon which tied on your right wrist.
"Now he tolerate me to stay and I still want it to be more. If there's someone to blame, it's me."
"But I can't stop it. He's just so pretty, his grace and his eyes. Naruhodo wouldn't like that but I love his aggressive humor sense, especially when the witness or the jurors are going wild."
You can see Susato nodding rapidly.
"And I knew most of the maidens simp for his leg slam, but I adore it when he flings the bottles. Just so casually and surveys his unpleasant perfectly without lose his elegance. I was sobbing internally every time when I saw he did that."
For some weird reason, Iris beams and you don't like the mischievous angle of it.
"Iris, what's on your mind?" You blurred out and she gives you a smirk while she shrugs off.
"Not really, but I wonder...why don't you just tell him yourself, Ellie?"
"Huh?"
"Herley told me that alcohol could help you gain confidence and bravery. Now you take the five shut down, so why don't you tell Mr.Reaper how you feel about him?"
"...If that's so simple." You sigh.
"I would help to find who the young lady is amd why Mr. Reaper let her be close to him. But you have to be honest with yourself and him. Do you think you can deal with that?"
You narrow your eyes and nodding slowly.
"Alright, Miss why-are-you-so-smart. It's a deal."
"Uhh, Miss Pumpkin. I think it's time for you to keep your promise." Susato pokes her finger on her cheek and looks slight awkward.
"Speak of the vampire." Gina said and you found yourself frozen on the spot when your brain hit the light.
"Ellie." You turn around and glue your sights on the floor. You don't want to face him so fast.
Iris you little cutie menace and I hate I love you.
The whole pubs are in silence now, everyone gawk up to him and hawk down on you.
They're judging you, Adeline.
They're thinking who you are and why Lord van Zieks would be here. They're wondering in what situation, the Sir van Zieks would cast the beautiful Lady Norton away and choose you as his fate.
A slight shoulder shaking, with a strong cologne invade and overwhelm your senses. You look up to drown into the beautiful ice blue.
"Ellie, can you hear me? Did you get overwhelmed again?"
Barok covers your ears with his hands, he gently massage the skin under yourears and you shut your eyes with a comfort sigh.
"Feels better now?"
You snap your eyes open and grin to him.
It's time to be a growth up woman, Adeline. Time to say goodbye to your crush and move—
"Why are you so perfect?" You heard yourself
Loud
And
Clear
Barok stops his movements and quirks his eyebrows. He looks confused and a bit shocked.
"It's no fair! How could this universe do this to me? Send me a handsome wonderful gentleman and I can't have him? God gifted me a man I madly fell in love with but he wouldn't see me more than a responsibility? Just what kind of Pandora's box he is?"
Your left hand circles his wrist and stroking the inner skin, this bold behave send shivers down his spine.
"Ellie." His deep voice is a warning, the girls are retreating slowly, other guests are no longer seen.
But you? The alcohol loose your mind and release your cautious.
"What? I say what I said! I've loved him since my 19 and now I just sit there with girls while he's taking another maiden home!"
"I didn't—"
Suddenly, you lean close to him, your right hand touches under your eyes.
"You have ice blue eyes, sir. The similar ones, they're beautiful like my crush's."
Barok sucks a sharp breath before he pats your shoulder.
"Alright, let me escort you to home. It's late, ma'am."
"How do you know where I live? You stalk me?"
"Ellie, you told me before."
"Oh really? I don't remember."
Barok help you to stand steadily, his right arm under your left bicep so that you could share the most of your weight on him.
The familiar cologne shows up again.
"Barok?" You ask.
"Yes?" He casts down the street and slowers his pace to match your wobble one.
"What are you doing here? Didn't you enjoy your night with the lady?"
Barok shakes his head and finally scoots you up in bridal style. His warmth chases the freeze away, you snuggle into his cape and embrace.
"You are the one I'd take home, Ellie. The only one of the world."
"Ugh huh, what about Iris? She's your niece and—"
"Stubborn kitten, I see."
Haven't any chance to ask, you two enter the carriage and he cages you in his arms.
"You-you really going to take me home?"
Lift up your head and turns it slowly to meet up his eyes, you forget how to breath when you notice how close you are.
"Since my feline friend insists that I brought some maidens to my mansion. I suppose the best way to improve it's a lie is taking my friend home and letting herself check it. Don't you think?"
His arms around your waist, this intimacy is rare between you and van Zieks. Your body feels numb, your brain is melting to a skull of puddle.
The only clear thought in your mind is—
"Hey Barok."
"Yes?"
"I miss you."
And that became your last memory before you are waken by the bad headache.
This writer is in period amd she's in feral mind state, no beta read so get the fuck off if you don't like this post.
Barok x short chubby reader cause I say so. She has a nickname called Pumpkin.
Platonic Herlock/Reader if you aware that part.
Today's another trial day, the councils are the Reaper of Bailey and the great attorney from East country.
But your body decides to stab your back today.
Curling up in your bed, you don't want to move, don't want to do anything. But you want to hear those familiar voices of your friends.
The waves of sting feeling inside your lower belly and back and everywhere just triggered your unreasonable angry.
Suddenly, you got a new plan.
"Hello, this is Herlock Sholmes." The man said while you can hear the sounds around him.
"Herlock, are you in the Bailey now?"
"You sounds like you're weak or something, Miss Pumpkin. Do you need some help? And yes, I am going to see Mr. Reaper and Mr.Naruhodo's trial today."
You bite down your lip and take a deep breath so that you wouldn't yell at Herlock.
"Wonderful. Can you remain this open so I can listen too? I can't go there but I still want to listen to it. Please Herlock, O the great detective!"
Herlock doesn't say anything, but you can imagine he's raising his eyebrows with a confused and amused face right now.
"As you wish, my lady, but can I get the reason for why you can't come along? And I don't see Heather either."
You clear your throat, "She's with me since I kind of in sick. My back and belly hurt and I am bleeding regularly."
"You what?!"
"Don't be an idiots Herlock, the regular bleeding within women!"
"Oh."
You roll your eyes and turn to the other side.
"Alright, wish you feel better soon, Miss Pumpkin."
"Thanks."
Hearing Barok's voice always brings you peace.
It doesn't matter it's his crashing glass sound, his insults to the jurors, witness or the defence lawyer. You don't mind those harsh words right now.
His deep, rich and smooth voice is what you need at this moment.
You craved for his comfort words.
You craved for his warm touch or even hugs.
Of course, you know this is all your mind and fragil state tricking you. But you don't want to be reasonable for now.
You are bleeding, what would hurt more about dreaming?
To Noruhodo Ryunosuke, it's not his first time to see Lord van Zieks be annoyed and impatience.
But it's his first time to see that prosecutor be that gloomy and aggressive.
So far, Lord van Zieks broke 7 glasses and 2 bottles of wine, and one leg slam in the first three hours.
His death glares are cold enough to freeze the witness and defendant on the spot. Even Asogi and the judge could feel his stormy mood.
"I see Miss Heather isn't come today, does she feel sick or something, Lord van Zieks?"
The prosecutor cross his arms, his eyes are closed. Then he open them with a neutral face.
"Pray forgiveness for the discourtesy of unfocused in this trial, my Lord. I do be bothered by the reason she can't be here. But the true reason got me so impatient with, is the nonsense of my learned friiend."
Everyone could see your unusual aggressive, Lord van Zieks. And how could this be my fault......
"Be careful, Naruhodo. The enemy is awake now, time to bring it to a new possibility and find the truth." Asogi peeks at his lawyer friend and warned him.
"Oh, ugh, right! Thanks, Asogi."
In the break of twenty minutes, Mr.Sholmes sneak into the lounge.
"It's a bad weather today, don't you think, Mr. Naruhodo?" The detective says and smokes his pipe.
"If you mean the prosecutor, then yes it's worse than usual." Naruhodo slumps and has cold sweats.
"Heather isn't here, could that means that Miss Pumpkin is kind of in trouble or something such?" Asogi puts his fingers under his jaws.
"She's uncomfortable today, feels sick. So I let her my ears." Mr.Sholmes snaps his finger and takes out his phone device.
"We're adjourned for twenty minutes now so you can say hi to the boys, Miss Pumpkin."
"...Hello?"
Naruhodo and Susato cheers in excitement.
"Miss Pumpkin! Are you alright? Mr.Sholmes said......"
"Yeah I heard him, just a normal problem, don't worry about it. And you're doing so well so far, guys."
"But Lord van Zieks is so scary today, he's even scarier to Naruhodo-sama! I thought we'll be hung up or something when this trial has its end."
"Don't - Don't say that, Susato-san!"
"He's in that bad mood? Why? The witnesses or the jurors step on the death line or something?"
"I think the answer is more simpler, Miss Pumpkin." Asogi shakes his head.
"He's in the bad mood cycle like a black cat he is? Is that what you're saying about?"
"True but no."
"You confuse me."
When the baliff announced they need to move, you called Naruhodo's name.
"Naruhodo, I think the cake is a lie, you need to review your judicial records."
"The cake? Oh ugh I will, thanks Miss Pumpkin."
"Mr. Disanst, you said that you were going to a bakery, can you tell us why you were going to there?"
"Oh uhm... You know, my wife has a sweet tooth and she craves the sweet when she's in mood or having a bad pain monthly. So I buy her cake when she doesn't feel good."
Some audience in aww and compliant him.
Yet, Naruhodo found that there's no cake on the table in the photo.
And there's a butter knife on the cabinet, with a cup of tea.
"But it's weird, there's no cake in the photo, a butter knife and a cup of tea with a strong drug in it are set behind the door, right on the cabinet. Can you tell me why and who put them there?"
"Who knows? Maybe my wife? And I didn't eat cake with my wife you see. I was in the living room."
Naruhodo slams the table.
"Objection! I am afraid the cake is a lie, Mr.Disanst."
"You didn't in the living room, you were in the bedroom. You drugged your wife to put her into sleep, and you took this chance to strangle Miss Cassandra to death before you stabbed the butter knife into her chest and left your unconscious wife with the body."
"You-You have no evidence! This are all your imagination! Why would I kill Cassandra?"
"It's the letter and the cake, Mr.Disanst. You cheated on your wife with Miss Cassandra. She baked the cake and you poured the drug in the tea. You two were planning to kill your wife, but you accidentally found her secret, her betrayal with a backup plan to blackmail you. So you killed her, set your own wife up, so you could keep playing the victim role."
The case is dismissed, and Lord van Zieks seems to lost in his thoughts.
After the trial, he rushes to a famous bakery nearby the Court.
Barok has two spirit animals, a black cat and a Doberman.
The doberman showed up after Klimt confessed his guilt and resigned the Chief Prosecutor, he got the acquittal but he still felt like he did the wrong thing.
Barok was lost, he knew his brother has the strong righteous heart and sometimes he could feel it became a bit dangerous. But he never thought that his brother would kill a man one day.
Klimt left the court and started to avoid Barok and his own wife. Barok didn't know what he should do, without his brother guide him, and he's not sure what the Prosecutor's meaning anymore.
Asogi said that Klimt needed some time alone, for Barok and his wife, for staying away the spotlight of the society, and for picking himself up again.
So he waits.
And there's the reason and the time the doberman showed up.
Barok is wandering in the garden of the Prosecutor's building. After the trial of Klimt, he could sense the different meanings of people's stares.
Fear, doubt, trepidation......
The Attorney General decided to give Barok one month vacation, and his duty is mainly working with Asogi and some requirements without meet the society.
Barok isn't pleased, but he knows it's the way the General to protect him and let him could be a prosecutor.
Just when he looks up to the gray gloomy sky, he senses there's someone approaching him.
"Miss Idler? What are you doing here?"
The young lady walked towards him timidly, she sat the furthest side from Barok of the same bench, her eyes are focusing on her hands.
"I, I just want to see you. I know it's must be a hard time for you. And I am worried...about you."
Barok pauses and his eyes now stares at her.
"Would you mind some company?" She asks cautiously, and then he sees it.
A fluffy orange kitten, hiding behind her, and looks at him with an adorable face.
It moght be her spirit animal.
"I would mind that, Miss Idler."
The orange cat sneaking walk to him, and its head snuggled his hands lovingly.
A faint hint of smile slipped out on his face.
He scratched where between the neck and behinf the ear of the cat, and it's purring LOUDLY.
"I can hear your purring, my feline friend. Allow me to enjoy this blessing moment and think it's for me."
Barok: So...do you remember why you got here? What were you doing?
young Adeline: I was wandering around in the Prosecutor's building. And I finally find the right way to your office, sir.
Young Barok: So you're not aware of anything suspicious?
Young Adeline: Nope. I just open your office door, and then I found I meet two of you. But no one is the Sir Barok of my timeline. *Peeking at two Barok*
Barok: Indeed, the 22 years old of me didn't show up, so he might in another trial as the prosecution.
Young Barok:... Miss Adeline?
Young Adeline: Yes, sir?
Young Barok: Since the six years older me can't be your companion, why not let me take his place? *beams*
Young Adeline:
Young Adeline: If my accompany could keep your smile, and I would love to do it, sir. I've never see your smile...anymore......
Barok: Time changes too many things, Elle.
Young Adeline: *Blushing HARD* I-I am sowwy...... *mimic sound*
Young Barok: *quirk eyebrows* You scare two ladies today, Lord Van Zieks.
Barok: I wouldn't scare them with any chance, they scared of me even I have done nothing.
Young Barok: Is that because you don't smile anymore? And what cause that happened?
Barok:......
Young Barok: Keeps in secret if you want, but if that's a bad thing, I might can avoid that of I knew it already.
Barok: ...Klint, don't let him did something stupid, it's for justice but it cause the pain too deep between two countries.
Young Barok: Klint would do something stupid? REALLY?
Young Adeline: Huh? Wait sir, isn't the pro—?
Barok: No, Elle. I knew what you want to say, but he's not, we found the truth after ten years.
Young Adeline: So who is him?
Barok:...... I can't tell you right now. But please keeps by his side, you're important to us and eventhough he didn't say it, he would show it in his own way.
Young Adeline: You mean my timeline's Lord Van Zieks?
Barok: ... It's not my place to tell you, but your presence healed the wounds.
Young Adeline: Lord Van Zieks... Thank you, your words really save me.
Young Barok: So I just need to wait until the right time? I wish I could be friend with Adeline in my timeline.
Adeline: ...Wait what? How-how cpuld this be possible?!! A time travel????
16 yr Barok Van Zieks: ...I couldn't believe it myself either. That's just too crazy!! Aren't you really some pranks that my brother wants you to join?
Adeline: ...I wish this is his prank if I could.
Young Barok: What's that supposed to mean?
Adeline: You'll realise that one day.
Young Barok: Future can't be spoiled, I see. But at least you can controduce yourself first, miss?
Adeline: Oh yeah, I nearly forgot that! *Clear her throat* I am Adeline, Adeline Idler, good to see you, Mr. Van Zieks.
Young Barok: Adeline Idler, you say? Huh, I knew that name. But it's...Miss Idler is only ten years old!!
Adeline: Well time changes now, Barok. *Shrug*
Young Barok: ...And you're not that shy anymore.
Adeline: Shyness still root in me, but I learnt to speak for myself since no one looks for me. Well specifically to say, I don't want to be a certain one's burden.
Barok: Did I just heard someone calling herself “a burden”......
Barok: AGAIN?
Adeline: Oh that's too bad, why would you have to bring this up?
Young Barok: How could this be my fault?!
Adeline: It's doesn't matter now, he's irritated and I have to calm him down......
Young Barok: Why not just say you won't minor yourself again.
Adeline: Cause it's always happen again! Listen, I can't control my low self-esteem brain and sometimes I just couldn't stop it. It's my way to protect myself, you know?
Young Barok: The shyness... they've turned to something worse, is it? I don't think that Idler would be this timid.
Adeline:......Wow, how helpful.
Barok: You don't realised what you just said, do you, young man?
Young Barok: Oh wait- Miss Idler, that's not what I mean to......
Adeline: It's...I understand you're not that kind of person, don't worry about it.
Young Barok: Good, but I must pray for your forgiveness for my discourtesy.
Adeline: You're not change at all, Barok. Always be so gentleman and chivalry. Of course I will forgive you, you're the most important person to me in this world. And I know you.
Barok: It's my honor to heard your compliant my young self. But I need more information about how did this happen?
Adeline: I don't know, he just show up from no where.
Young Barok: I was in Klint's office, but I met a noble girl who got lost in the Prosecutor's building.
Adeline:... A noble girl you say? It's not strange since that place is so huge like a labyrinth for a little girl.
Barok:......
Young Barok: Indeed, even I have to spare some time to familiar with the right way between my office, Klint's office, and the exits.
Adeline: And I am sure suffer from those corridors and those stairs until I could find your office in my 20. I've gotten lost in that building since my first time to explore it.
Adeline:...Wait——
Young Barok: Yes, Miss Idler?
Barok: You remember it eventually, glad to hear that.
Adeline: So it's... it's you!? The man who lead me to find my uncle... the one I can only remember his eyes.
Young Barok: His eyes?
Adeline: He has the most beautiful shade of gray blue in this world. I could see the gentleness and the fire of desires brighten his eyes.
Young Barok: He's your first love, sounds to me.
Adeline: I can't deny the truth but if he's you......
Young Barok: He's me!?
Adeline: Just a guess don't be panic it's might not be you——
Barok: It's me.
Young Barok: It feels weird and kind of... flattered, to know I am a young girl's first love.
Adeline: Trust me, you're the ladies' dreaming prince so I might be just one of the girl.
Young Barok: Really? Then I wonder...... Did I have one?
Adeline: *Snap her head to stare at Barok*
Barok: ...I have past love, yes, but I am focus on one now.
Adeline: You mean the lady who came to your office and smile sweet to you? What's her name again?
Barok: Elle——
Adeline: He's focus on his first love in university. You might meet her in 3 years or 5 at most.
Young Barok: But how do you know?
Adeline: She's a noble as well, Barok. Do you really think that wouldn't be a gossip?
Young Barok: Yes, you're right.
Adeline: Alright, I have to walk Heather, see ya gentlemen!
Young Barok: Did I just mess up something?
Barok: Why ask?
Young Barok: Your face, is terrible and awfully pale and gloomy.
Barok: ...She's a sensitive feline who always try to push me away if she finds clues to destroy her own confidence or “be not enough for me” feeling.
Young Barok: That's must be hard, for both of you.
Barok: It could be, but I've swear to fight for her even though I have to remind her at the cost of all my life. She's a precious one to me, I can't ask for more.
*Someone knock the door*
16 years old Adeline: Um...nice to see you, Lord Van Zieks...... Huh? *Froze in front of the door*
Barok has just finished filming a courtroom scene in the 19th century, and Adeline tells him that she is going to do a photoshoot with Susato today.
Adeline is not good at facing the camera and her expression is very stiff when she is photographed.
The photographer teaches her a trick to look natural, which is not to look at the camera.
With a hidden eye, Adeline saw Barok approaching from the entrance of the flower field and ran over to him with her hemline in hand.
Barok, who is 192cm tall, was even faster than she was, and in a few minutes, the distance between the two of them was rapidly shrinking.
The photographer took a picture of the two of them stopping in the middle of a field of flowers, directly from behind.
As they walked back to the set, hand in hand, Barok noticed the ribbon in Adeline's hair. Her hair, which had been re-longed, was in a simple ponytail and she was dressed in ancient Greek style!
The photographer said they were having a little technical difficulty and asked Barok if he could help make Adeline less nervous, otherwise she would look unnatural in the photo.
Barok's low voice echoed as he poked out his left foot and guided Adeline to place her right hand on his left thigh.
So Barok took a black cloak and put it on and sat in the carriage, holding Adeline's wrist.
"Nervous?" Adeline nodded.
"Just look at me."
Adeline's eyes met Barok's and she slowed her breathing, her shoulders slumping naturally, her grey-blue ribbon catching Barok's eye between her long black hair.
"You haven't told me yet," Barok's hand ran gently over the ribbon, the touch of the glove resting on Adeline's collarbone.
"Are you dressed as the Goddess of Spring?"
Adeline pulled out a smile and lowered her eyebrows. Barok frowned in confusion, he didn't like the idea that Adeline had in her head right now.
"I'm here with Susato, but I think there's a better choice for the Goddess of Spring. But no one seemed to want to come, so I was drawn."
Looking up into Barok's grey-blue eyes, Adeline's eyes rekindled, and her tone was one of delight and smugness.
"But if you were here, I think those women would envy me to death."
Adeline's body bent forward slightly because of this action, Barok's voice rang in her ears, "I'm a Reaper at most, not even close to the King of the Underworld."
"But that's okay, right? In mythology, Hades is also a, well, unfaithful kidnapper!" Adeline said to herself with a sense of concern.
"If I were Persephone, I'd leave that useless husband behind and run around with the Grim Reaper."
"Run around with the Grim Reaper?" Barok gave a silent snort, giving Adeline an uncertain expression.
Adeline's smile was a little smug and Barok raised an eyebrow as his probing gaze surveyed Adeline's face, lingering for a few seconds as it swept over Adeline's lips.
"Seems you need me to remind you, dear Persephone, that you are not free to leave the underworld?"
"Who said I was leaving?"
"The Grim Reaper isn't always in the human world! When I was in the Underworld, I followed the Grim Reaper around to see the dead souls and other scenery in the Underworld. No matter what, it would be more interesting than staying in the Elysée Palace, right?"
Adeline's voice was filled with the joy of a successful plan.
"And maybe the person I see most often when I return to the human world is the Grim Reaper? There are deaths every day, just as new births and flowers are blooming every day."
Barok lapsed into a short silence, and Adeline realised that she had been talking a lot, and the sound of the shutter being pressed.
Before he could turn his head to ask the photographer how his picture turned out, Barok had already placed his right hand under Adeline's shoulder blade, and his left hand around Adok's wrist, which was too small in comparison.
"We have our stories, Ellie."
"Then I will accompany you back to the world, Persephone."
The broad cloak shielded the eyes from the blinding sunlight, but the grey-blue eyes were clearly visible.
Being gazed at by the Grim Reaper, there was an indescribable impulse in her heart.
Without thinking twice, Adeline's body leaned forward until she was encircled by the Grim Reaper in his arms.
"…… So, fleeing from the underworld was actually a way to hide the fact that she was dating the Grim Reaper, wasn't it? Dear Goddess of Spring." Adeline couldn't help but whisper.
Adeline couldn't help but shiver as Barok's hand gently stroked the bare skin of her shoulder.
A photographer in the distance captured the final scene.
The goddess of spring, dressed in a white veil and wearing a floral crown of laurel leaves and white heather flowers, stood on the steps of the carriage, gazing at the passengers.
With a black cloak and a long sword at her waist, the unsmiling and serious-looking Shinigami encircled Persephone in his arms. His left hand affectionately touched the back of her neck, while his right hand clasped the goddess' left wrist.
His grey-blue eyes glittered with soft colours under the slanting sun, forming a magnificent scenery with the goddess in front of him.
Adeline: Hmmph, it's April already, huh? Time's really flying so fast.
Susato: I heard that there's an activity called "Easter hunting eggs" in Western Countries. I wonder what's that and have you ever doing that before, Miss Adeline?
Adeline: Oh the finding eggs one? Well, I don't really remember, but I think I'm over the year to do that anymore. Maybe you could do this in 221B?
Susato: Oww that's too bad. And I doubt I could find all the eggs in the house, you knew how messy they could be. Especially Naruhodo-sama.
Adeline: Fair points.
Lady Duffy: Adeline!! How are you my lovely lady?
Adeline: Lady Duffy! It's surprising to see you! I heard that you were in America?
Lady Duffy: Well, yeah, but I came back two weeks ago. The America trip inspired me so much that I can't wait to design new night gowns.
Adeline and Susato:
Lady Duffy: Speaking of it, why don't you two become my models? I've just made some design for Easter days.
Adeline: Well, we appreciate your invitation, but I am not sure if we could be the proper model......
Lady Duffy: Nonsense! Two pretty young ladies just what I need. Now, let's head back to my mansion, shall we?
Adeline: Pull the tips if you feel uncomfortable, Susato. Call Naruhodo and Asogi ASAP so that they'll come to the rescue. *Whisper to Susato*
Susato: Don't you want to contact them or Lord Van Zieks right now, Miss Adeline?
Adeline: Nah I thinks it's interesting, and I am really curious about the design that Lady Duffy wants to show me, it could be my new inspiration for the next book.
Adeline: But I get that if you don't want to come with me. And I don't want to force you.
Susato: ... It's a good way to learn more about other culture, and I am not alone. So yeah, let's do this!
*Looking at the outfits*
Adeline:......
Susato: Do we really ... have to wear this? This... this fabric?
Lady Duffy: Awww you're so shy aren't you, my little bunnies?
Susato: Li-little bunnies...?
Lady Duffy: I know——. You two have some suitors, and these ourfits are our weapons for those men, ladies.
Adeline: I suppose that would be some gowns but not this, this—— I can't say that.
Lady Duffy: Just something new, my dear. The British are too old for the night activities sometimes. We deserve to have some fun in our bedroom, wouldn't you agree?
Adeline: Perhaps you're not wrong but——
Lady Duffy: Excellent! Now change them for me, I can't wait to see you two adorable bunnies come out! *Shove the clothes to them and push them into the change room*
Adeline: *turns the doorknob and found it's locked* I guess we don't have choice right now.
Susato: Can we call Kazuma-sama and Naruhodo-sama right here?
Adeline: Yeah go ahead, please! And then we can leave here soon.
⟦Prosecutor's Office building⟧
Naruhodo: ...Yes, it's Naruhodo Ryunosuke.
Susato: Naruhodo-sama!!
Naruhodo: !? Ye-yes I heard you, Susato-san, what's wrong? You sound like we have an emergency.
Susato: Because it is! Miss Adeline and I came to Lady Duffy's new fashion show models, but the outfits were too hilarious and inappropriate to wear! Still, we don't think we can leave Lady Duffy's mansion alone. So......
Asogi, who listened to the whole words Susato just said: Susato, we'll come to you, don't worry about it.
Susato: Kazuma-sama, Susato...don't know how to say more to convey my appreciation.
Barok: Lady Duffy you said? The famous designer for ladies' gowns?
Susato:... Yes, Lord Van Zieks. Miss Adeline and her seem to be friends.
Barok: How is my feline friend going? She's not there, with you?
Susato: Miss Adeline took the outfit and went to change it minutes ago.
Barok: Now I know where you are, refuse if you don't want to fulfil her desire, Miss Mikotoba.
Before the phone hung up, the three gentlemen heard the doors open and another woman's voice.
Lady Duffy: Oh my lady, why are you still in your kimono? Don't you like my design? Or the colour?
*loud click sound*
Barok: Lady Duffy's mansion is on the south side of London. We'll take my carriage to get there. There's no time to waste.
Naruhodo: Better hurry, It's rare that Susato would be so anxious and ask for help. They might be in danger.
