Sweet Talk

The alarm that was thought lifted rang once more—and the threat level seemed to rise rather than fall.

Vivian’s consciousness projection stood motionless, but turmoil churned within.

“Charles lives…” This news struck her far harder than the other Demon Lords.

Not just the pressure of mission failure, but a crisis born of her unique knowledge of Charles as a “Player”!

A system-cheating Player in the opposing camp—still alive! With the assassination failed, once he recovered, he’d be on guard. Striking again would be near impossible! Retribution might even come roaring!

Vivian instantly grew anxious—though she’d seized the ring and freed Lucia, a living Player still weighed heavily.

Moreover, she still didn’t know why this world existed. Was there some hidden grand massacre? Or merely endless war?

The Demon Lords’ meeting continued with border defense coordination and intel sharing, but Vivian was distracted.

When Moggs adjourned, projections faded one by one. Vivian swiftly severed her Demon Web link.

Consciousness snapped back. She opened her eyes—the control tower window framed a sky dyed mournful orange by sunset.

Her face grim, shadowed, she returned to the tent.

“What’s wrong? Bad meeting?”

Lucia, cradling Luna, noticed immediately. Concern filled her voice. Little Luna squirmed, sensing her mothers’ shifting moods.

Vivian inhaled deeply, forcing calm. She approached, gaze complex on Lucia and the blissfully unaware daughter in her arms.

She opened her mouth—then sighed heavily.

“Nothing…”

She shook her head, taking Luna from Lucia, pressing her cheek to the child’s warm face—as if drawing comfort. “Charles isn’t dead—the one who summoned and controlled you.”

“Oh… he lives.”

Lucia merely blinked calmly.

No shock, worry, or panic—just serene, like hearing tomorrow’s weather.

“Why so calm…”

Vivian eyed her, half-irritated.

‘This woman—nerves of steel, or truly beyond caring about life and death? Charles is a massive threat to us both!’

Lucia tilted her head, almost innocently. “What else? Should I act shocked?”

She paused, still calm. “I’ve died once. Besides, he’s ‘critical,’ right? Survival uncertain. And…”

Her gaze softened on Luna. “More important things need attention. No point agonizing over what we can’t change—better protect what’s here.”

“…You say that so easily.”

Vivian pouted, tone softening despite herself.

“He can summon you—and seemingly other Heroes. Plus… maybe another faction behind him…”

She hesitated.

Should she reveal the 【Players】 to Lucia? But that meant explaining how she knew.

Meaning confessing she was an “otherworlder.”

Her greatest secret—and Players her greatest rivals.

Hesitation and caution webbed her thoughts. She chose silence.

For now, not yet.

Seeing Vivian’s faltering, furrowed brow, Lucia sensed something.

She didn’t press. Instead, she stepped closer, fingertips gently brushing a stray lock from Vivian’s forehead.

The touch was soft, soothing.

“Vivian.”

Lucia’s voice was quiet yet firm. “I don’t know what worries you, or what burdens you carry. But hear this—no matter what, whether Charles lives or dies, no matter future threats…”

She met Vivian’s startled crimson eyes, word by word: “I’m here now. Not for some vague mission—just because you and Luna are.”

The blunt sincerity caught Vivian off guard.

She stared at Lucia’s unguarded honesty, heart lightly touched.

‘When did this woman get so eloquent? Hmph, sweet talk.’

Vivian turned away uncomfortably, ears warming, mouth stubborn. “You exist on my mana. Protecting us protects you, right? You don’t want to lose consciousness and become a killing tool again.”

Lucia didn’t anger—she smiled softly.

“Say what you will. I’ll do what I can, my way.”

Then—perhaps their voices rose, or Luna sensed the shift—the dozing child in Vivian’s arms suddenly perked up.

Crystal eyes wide, she looked from Vivian to Lucia, babbling “eee-ya” and something like “mama.” Tiny hands waved, eager to join.

“See? Luna’s tired of our noise.”

Vivian sighed helplessly, gazing at her energetic daughter.

“Maybe hungry—or wants to play.”

Lucia leaned in, wiggling a glowing finger before Luna.

The baby reached excitedly, giggling “hee hee.”

Luna’s innocent smile dispersed much of Vivian’s gloom. She set the child on the soft fur carpet. Luna immediately crawled exploratively—toward Lucia.

“Tch, defecting already?”

Vivian watched her daughter beeline for Lucia, voice playfully sour.

Lucia crouched, arms open to catch the little bundle—like receiving the world’s greatest treasure. She shielded Luna from table corners while dazzling her with gentle light tricks.

Soon the tent filled with Luna’s joyful laughter and her mothers’ helpless, indulgent murmurs.

“Oh! She crawls fast!”

“Careful—don’t let her grab your hair… never mind, too late.”

“She’s fascinated by my wings…”

“No kidding—shiny. Watch it, don’t fan her.”

“I won’t! I’m careful!”

Vivian sat aside, watching Lucia fluster yet delight, Luna crawling carefree between them. A smile tugged her lips.

Perhaps… Lucia was right.

Future threats demanded worry. Charles’s fate unsettled. But here, in this small tent—they had each other, in a way.

Most importantly—a daughter they both guarded.

She inhaled deeply, shelving chaotic thoughts.

Lucia was 【seized】 to her side—at least short-term, no fear of humans fielding an unstoppable foe. Now, Vivian focused on growing her power.

Block soldiers with generals, dam water with earth.

Charles lives—battle unfinished. Evernight Demon Lord Vivian would not wait idly.

Charles, and the 【Players】 behind him… she’d eliminate them one by one.

But first—

“Lucia, don’t just play—watch her! She’s heading that way… yes, the corner with my freshly approved files!”

“Stop her!”

“Ah! Wait! Luna! You can’t eat that!”