I adjusted the new suit the arachne servants made for me, Druella insisted that I get more clothes than the ones I have since this would be my new house after I formally marry her today, it has been three busy days, not in the sense of actually doing work, but on the sense that I was dating Druella for those days, Lucas was also doing the same for Meredith, unsurprisingly she was a fanatic, very committed on fulfilling her mother’s work, an idealist at heart, she was also very romantic and held no qualms on showing her feelings to anyone, as for me there was no doubt she held a deeper love than the Marianas Trench, and that showed with her works daily, on the mornings she would always get up early and surprise me with a breakfast at the bed, insisting that she fed me, while I appreciated the gesture it was also very embarrassing.
-Honey, are you done?
-Yes, Dru, you can come in.
In came my soon to be wife Druella, it could be due to her unnatural beauty or my budding love towards her but she was always the most breathtaking woman in the way of looks, her perfectly shaped head, her black and red eyes which contrasted with the love and compassion it held, a mouth that always had a pretty smile whenever she saw me, silky, long and white hair and a perfectly shaped body that puts all women into shame. She currently had a pout that reminded me of a child
-Honestly Juan, why must you insist on me waiting out of the bedroom when you get changed? You know there is nothing there that can surprise me, I also don't mind you looking at me.
-Dru, it's called propriety, were still not married yet, don’t worry that stops after the wedding
-I hope so sweetie.
The wedding was agreed that it would be held after I had 3 days to date her, or court her, as they referred it, through said dating experience I went out of the Demon Lord’s castle and into the capital, it was a sight for sore eyes that capital, the people that said that the Encyclopedia greatly exaggerated what it told was right, all of the couples seemed perfectly normal, the so-called orgies in public space weren’t there and there was actual life in the capital, although it was certainly very different and there was an aphrodisiac like effect in the air, it had to do with the nature of the Demon Realm. But I digress, that is a story for later, I was looking at my reflection in a nearby mirror Druella had in her room, my suit was a generic black with a white shirt and a black tie, the only difference it had was that I was wearing my 5-decade rosary around my neck. Druella had the dress I asked the arachne to make, she was wearing the typical wedding dress for women, she turned to me with a smile and kissed my lips.
-I hope you are ready for tonight because you are having a child before this year ends whether you like it or not.
-I should be the one asking you that, also, just one?
She laughed at my rhetorical question, she knew of my dream and she agreed, she even told me I was aiming too low. The door opened and in came a kikimora servant.
-Lord Juan, the ceremony is starting, let me accompany you to the altar.
I kissed my fiance one last time and headed out the room, the kikimora maid kept quiet for the whole time, we eventually reached a large door, larger than an elephant, the door opened and beyond was a big chamber, it was the Demon Lord’s throne room that was turned into an altar, for the time being, there was not time to make a church, on the chairs were the different sisters of Druella and Medith that were at the castle at this moment, 13 of them have come and each had a look of genuine happiness, on the altar was Lucas, who was marrying the same time as me, there were also several figures in white robes, only me, Lucas and the Demon Lord knew who they were, God today would be the most important witness to our marriage and the one to proclaim it valid since no Church or Ministerium is available just yet, I stood next to Lucas as we stood in front of the altar, then an organ started to play and through the door came Druella and Medith clothed in their wedding dresses with the Demon Lord and what appeared to be her husband with her, it was a subtle detail but I could see tears coming through Druella and Medith. As the “priest” made the Mass Druella, Meredith, Lucas went through the rites of the Mass, until it was time to do the nuptial votes. We stood up and the “priest” asked.
-Do you, Juan Moreno, swear to love your spouse, to protect her and be faithful to her in adversity and peace, in sickness and health until death do you apart.
-I swear.
-Do you, Druella, swear to love your husband, to protect him and be faithful to him, in adversity and peace, in sickness and health until death do you apart.
-I swear.
Then he moved to Lucas and Meredith, he asked them the same vows and they confirmed it wholeheartedly.
-Then by the power vested to me by the Lord Jesus Christ, I declare all of you husband and wife. You men may kiss your brides.
And so we did, Druella put all of her soul to the kiss, we parted lips and she told me.
-Now it's official sweetie, I'm not leaving you until you die, and even then it will be together.
-I wouldn’t have it any other way, Dru.
It wasn't an overly long or special mass, but I was the happiest man now, not only did I marry a wonderful woman like Druella but it has been recognized by the Highest Himself, I shed a tear I didn’t realize I was holding until now, I was finally one step away from achieving my dream and having the family I yearned for.
As the mass came to an end we went over to the dining hall, in there was a veritable feast for everyone. We were the only men besides the father of Druella. He looked like a man in his mid-thirties, a short well-groomed brown beard covered his face.
-I don't believe we had time to properly introduce ourselves. I am Freed Velzen, Lilith’s husband and King of the Monsters, a pleasure to meet the husbands of two of my daughters
Lucas spoke up while shaking the hand he offered.
-The pleasure is mine, Your Highness, I am Lucas Fiestas, colonel, or should I say former coronel of the Spanish Army.
-And I am Juan Moreno, also a former colonel of the Spanish Army.
I shook his hand while we got seated, I sat down next to Druella and her mother while Lucas sat next to Meredith and Freed. Lilith took the time to get everyone's attention.
-I would like to take the time to congratulate Druella and Meredith in her engagement, may you have a great and long marriage my dears.
All the lilims clapped as she finished her little speech, then the feast began in earnest, Lilith then got closer and said.
-I’m serious too, I'm happy that she got you as her husband, you’re a very lucky man.
-Indeed I am Lilith, it is a privilege that only now do I start to appreciate.
-Fufufu, always the sweet talker are you?
-It was a necessity in my career, you had to be able to speak softly too, the hard and stern voice only comes with the troops and your subordinates.
Freed also intervened in the conversation
-I have to ask Juan, what were you and Lucas doing before being summoned?
I was confused, I thought he knew of our positions.
-Didn’t I tell you already Sir Freed?
-Please drop the “Sir”, you are officially Lilith and my son, and no I meant what you were doing the day before coming here.
Oh, he meant that. Lucas was the one to answer that.
-I’ll spare the details and just say that we were in the middle of a rebellion against our nation.
And so we told him of our reasons for participating in the coup and also how it was done. Druella, when Lucas mentioned that I did most of the planning for the Granada coup, put an arm over my shoulders.
-My, my sweetie, I never knew you were that smart, that is some serious brainpower, I might have to put you in charge of most of my girls.
-You’re thinking far too small Druella if it was up to me I would have your husband manage a realm for himself.- replied Lilith.
As they argued about what position I deserve Freed interrupted by saying.
-Oh yes, I almost forgot, since you married my daughter that makes you a prince.
I completely forgot the other ramifications of my marriage to Druella, however, it did not surprise me that I would get a title attached to it, it will make my adventure both harder and easier. Easier because I would have authority over the monsters, harder because now I have a target on my back that the Order will try to snipe.
-Would that make me the co-ruler of Lescatie?
I got a peck on the cheek by Druella as she answered.
-Yes it does sweetie, isn't it great?
-W-well, it is certainly a good surprise but that comes with another set of problems.
-Oh, we will cross that bridge when we get there, for now, let us enjoy our day. Oh, and we are leaving for Lescatie this afternoon.
-I will be looking forward to it
The feast continued, as I got reintroduced to many of my wife’s sisters, I reflected on what happened, it is true I was transported into another world away from my works and my men, but in exchange, the Lord gave me something more valuable, a wife, the opportunity to fulfill my dream and a greater purpose that will benefit this world and the previous one I lived in, and I was looking forward to Druella’s embrace this night, and, as she put it, ‘fulfill my responsibilities as husband of a lilim’. When the feast ended everyone went into their respective room. Druella and Medithfor the whole time had smiles on their faces, I assume Meredith had the same idea as Druella, as we entered Druella’s room she spoke with a honeyed voice that oozes affection
-After it is done you will not think of any woman but me, after this night you will see the full extent of my love.
And so she started to undress slowly.
-Honey, come here, it's rude not to help a lady undress.
And so I helped her undress, it was only then I noticed her alluring smell, her purplish skin was revealed for me to see.
-Now let us enjoy each other.
She kissed me with great passion and pushed me towards the bed.
I stared at the ceiling with a smile on my face, Druella was hugging me while caressing my hair.
-That was incredible sweetie.
-Was it really? It was my first time.
-Yes really, and I'm glad I got to be your first.
-So am I.
I could have just lied there in the embrace of my now wife, and forget about the problems of the world and just focus on my wife, but unfortunately, I have a mission in this world, and I can’t squander the gifts the Lord has given me. I stood up and turned to Druella.
-Dru, when are we going to Lescatie?
She widened her eyes and rapidly stood up.
-Oh goodness sweetie, I completely forgot, we are supposed to be ready shortly.
-Well, let us get dressed and prepared. Meredith and Lucas must be waiting for us.
I started to get dressed in my colonel uniform and checking my weapon and the books and letter I still have in my bag, I still have not read them but will do so during the ride to Lescatie. I got dressed rather quickly and grabbed my bag, Druella was also ready by that point, dressed in a slender set of battle armor that left her neck and head uncovered.
-Ready Juan?
-Yes.
-Good, now, let’s go.
We exited the room and went to the exit of the castle at a fast pace. When we reached the exit I could see Meredith and Lucas beside it.
-About time you came, we almost thought we would have to come over.
-Indeed, was he that good Dru?
Druella smiled at her sister
-Yes he was
A kikimora maid interrupted us before anything could be said further.
-Mistress Meredith, Mistress Druella, the carriage is here.
Outside the exit door was a carriage, it was black with gold ornamentation, the decorations were often of dragons and the windows somehow were tinted black, as we got inside and settled down in the red couches the carriage started to move. I took my bag and settled it down the table, in it, I pulled the letter and one of the old books I found inside. The letter goes as it reads
Dear child of mine
I apologize for sending you and your friend away in such circumstances, hopefully, my mother has explained why it needed to happen. But even so, I will not send you without something that, if used well, will guarantee not only your survival but also your success. Your blessings are:
-A powerful spouse that will satiate your dreams and help you shoulder the burden you will now carry.
-A power once used by the Holy Pair.
The power is not one that is easy to use, but should you learn or even master it you will gain the power necessary to dethrone the Apostate and return this world to righteous rule. May your victory be swift and your life full of blessings.
I left the letter to the side and opened one of the books, as I opened it I noticed it was written in Latin, a language I was always fond of and learned through my military career due to wanting to read the Vulgate, that was not the surprising part, however, the surprising part was that this book was a teaching manual for a power once used by Adam and Eve when God made the Holy Pair in his image, it was in more things than one, both of them with the sanction of God were allowed to use His power to conquer the Earth, it was only after they fell that they were not able to use it any longer. Lucas noticed that I was reading a rather odd book.
-What are you reading Juan?
I showed him the book, and he was perplexed.
-I can tell this is not your Vulgate, but then what is it? Only you know how to read, write and speak Latin.
Druella also took notice.
-Sweetie, what is that queer book you have?
I smiled, eagerly wanting to tell them the new edge Lucas and I have now.
-Lucas, we might have an edge on this task of ours. Remember when the Virgin was in the room.
-Yes, what about it?
-He didn’t send us without an edge, a weapon.
-As in magic?
-Not quite, it's principles are different, but you can make spells.
The eyes of everyone in the carriage widened. I felt a pair for arms wrap around my right arm.
-Sweetie, you didn’t tell me you were a mage, our plans just got easier.
-It's not magic, at least not in the way we think of it in the Earth.
-It's joyous news regardless, sweetie. What does it say?
I told them about what I read so far, which was not much, only the introduction as the matter of fact, but for Lucas, it was a huge revelation.
-Juan, if it's true then that means that at one point in time Adam and Eve not only exist but had powers to bend reality to their will. Does it say how to use it?
-It does but I haven’t gotten to it yet.
-Good, I want to study it with you, when we get to Lescatie that's the first thing we will do.
-Agreed, what do you think Dru?
-Oh don’t worry about me, I can handle my affairs while you study what that book contains.
She gave me a quick but wet kiss on the cheek.
-But be sure to come for dinner okay.
I put the book away for later use as I turned to Druella.
-So Druella, how long has it been since you took Lescatie.
-You don’t know sweetie?
-The Encyclopedia never mentions Lescatie again once you take it.
-Well it's only been one summer, the hero and Willmarina for the first days went at it like rabbits, I think they stopped once she made up for the lost spirit energy. They must be managing the territory in my stead.
-Oh, that great.
A kind smile appeared on her face.
-Indeed, those two are now a happily married couple, I heard they even have a kid on the way.
-That's going to be us soon hopefully.
She giggled after that sentence, I looked towards the window after that was said, the outside world was beautiful in its own way, due to the nature of the Demon Realm it was always dark, but the dark grass, the moonlight, the purple clouds and the general atmosphere of tranquility rendered itself a great image that the great artists of the past would surely want to capture in a painting, maybe it was because it wasn’t in a car and thus it gave someone time to appreciate the landscape but I found it extremely beautiful. Several hours must have passed and the sky changed from purple to orange, ‘we must have passed the magic of the Demon Realm’ I thought.
-Aww, it's dusk already? No matter, at least I can share some campfire stories with my sweetie, right sweetie?.-Druella suddenly spoke
-I'm used to camping already, what bothers me is that Lucas has never done camping innawoods before.
Lucas got annoyed as I reminded him of one of the things I am better at and looked at me with a frown
-Hey, just because you are good at sleeping below the stars doesn't mean I can’t do it too.
I lifted an eyebrow.
-Really now? So I have to pretend that you nearly burning yourself in a small campfire never happened?
Lucas's cheeks went red from embarrassment while Meredith suppressed a small laugh.
-That was only one time and it was because my coat caught fire.
-And why did you have a flammable coat, to begin with?
Meredith intervened before I embarrassed my friend even further.
-Now, now dear, it's not nice to embarrass my darling like that, only I'm allowed to do that.
-With all due respect Missus Meredith, a banter between friends is something only friends can have. He has done the same to me.
With that said we stepped down from the carriage, while that happened I took time to see where exactly we were. We were in a plain of verdant green grass being illuminated by the orange setting sun, there was a forest behind us in the southeast, a small river to our east and mountains further behind it, to our north were plains with hills dotting the landscape and a lake to the northeast. For me, because I have been on many trips to the wilderness I found it a very beautiful place. Now that I think about it, I never saw who was pulling the carriage, maybe it was pulled by magic, I soon found out it was just being pulled by two centaurs in black armor, unlike other centaurs I saw the fur, instead of being brown it was much darker, there was also a dark mage holding the reins, she also stepped down from the front, when she saw me she bowed down as did the centaurs, to my surprise.
-Milord, I hope the journey so far was to your comfort.
I still was not used to being treated like the royalty I currently am.
-Y-yes it was. I wanted to ask how we are going to set up a camp with no equipment.
The mage smiled
-That is easy milord, it's just a simple spell for me.
She pointed her staff to the ground and a pink magic circle appeared in the ground, and from it, a campsite was established, it has the usual, a small campfire, 4 tents around it and a cooking pot next to the fire. I could only stand there unsurprised, of course, she would use magic, I forgot that magic here is a thing, it was far more developed here than what the Encyclopedia says, apparently good mages could do more than just change the weather, they could bring about a nuke using an extremely advanced fire spell, like a certain 14-year-old LARPer in a witch’s outfit. I went back inside the carriage to look for my bag which I still left inside, but I couldn't find it.
-Shit, how did it get lost!
I began to frantically look for it when a laugh came from behind me. I turned around and saw Lucas laughing like a smug faggot.
-That's what you get for making fun of me.
I looked at him with angry eyes as I took my bag, grumbling while doing so. I sat next to Druella and began taking a random book, which was the Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe. Druella must have noticed me sitting next to her because she poked her head to my line of vision with a smile on her face.
-Hello honey
-Hello Dru
I kept on reading, sucked in my own world, Dru wanted none of that so she shifted her position
-Hey honey, I'm here, look at me honey, please look at me
She was putting herself in front of the book every time I went another way, eventually, I relented and asked
-What’s the big idea Dru.
-Nothing I just like it when you give me attention.
She says with a big smile, clearly pleased that she has my attention.
-Have you done this before sweetie?
-Reading or going innawoods?
She chuckled at my attempt at a joke, I always liked those moments where I can make her laugh, her laugh is music to my ears.
-Fufufu, I mean going to the wilderness Juan.
-Yes, many times, despite me preferring to be indoors, ironically I also love the times I can go to the mountains and just stay there for days.
I looked at the fire, remembering the days I passed in the mountains of Granada ever since I was out of my parent’s house, the reason I liked going camping it's because of its inherent tranquility, it was only you and whoever went with you, I also gave me the respite I needed to stay away from the city and all the problems of life, even as a colonel your life can be very monotonous and you have to find distractions, of course, that doesn’t take out the fact that it was still a rather monotonous and soul-sucking life, I underestimated just how much of my life was spent working. I spaced out for a moment when Druella snapped me out of my world by flicking her fingers in my ear
-Sweetie, are you still with us?
-Oh, sorry Dru, I spaced out for a moment, what were you saying?
-I said that we have to do that ourselves sometimes, just the two of us, a fire in the middle, a tent and nothing else.
I smiled, going camping is something I would like to share with her, but I never thought she would like it.
-You would probably have to sleep knowing bugs can get into the bedroll or not being able to shower regularly
She widened her eyes at that thought, camping for prolonged periods is not for the people used to comfort.
-Maybe I would have to get used in small ways.
I smiled and chuckled
-Maybe, but now it's a good time.-
I turned around to the Dark Mage who was sitting on the opposite end of the fire, she was chanting something and a magic circle appeared next to her. It turned out it was the food for the night.
-I was about to ask where was the dinner, but you already thought of that.
-Of course milord, I am always ready for such situations, I also have put in hexes and wards to defend the camp while we sleep.
I saw some meat being put in the cooking pot while vegetables were being served and passed around in plates, the meat was cooked surprisingly fast, faster than a what a modern oven could, out came the meat being served as a stew. It was a very well made meal if I say so myself, Lucas started to eat but I stopped him.
-You know the rules, Lucas.
He thought for a moment and his eyes widened in realization as if he forgot about the table manners we had when we ate together.
-Damn, you’re right, I haven’t blessed the dinner.
He set the plate on the ground as everyone stopped what they were doing looking at us curiously. I and Lucas started to recite.
-"Bless us, O Lord, and these, Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen."
The Sign of the Cross we did after the Grace was said and we started to eat. Druella, Meredith and the rest of the group looked at us with questioning looks.
-Darling, what was that strange ritual you and Juan did?
-Do you mean the Grace? It's a short prayer said before and after lunch and dinner, it's a custom Christian families have, since God is the beginning of everything, it is good manners to thank him for the food because he is the beginning of the food.
Although the answer is an accurate one, they still did not get it, it's understandable given their conception of what constitutes God, but I digress, as we were eating I couldn’t help but go back to the memories I had during times like these where I would go to the mountains, with or without Lucas and just spend the weekend there. This was a tradition I held since I was an adolescent and did it during the weekend, I would only go back to go to church and then I would go back and spend the day in the camp I made, near the site I did it in Murcia there was a river nearby that ended in a big lake, I would go over there and fish for hours, it was absolute tranquility those times, just me and the sound of birds, the rattling of the leaves and the song of the winds, it reminded me of what we could lose, of how majestic nature was and how people of all nations must take care of such a great creation, that's no reason to cripple your nations of course, but I digress. as I was lost in my thoughts I didn’t notice that Lucas was talking about our childhood.
-So then I told him “keep on fucking with my friend you faggot see what happens”
-And what did you do darling?
Lucas turned to me with a smirk and said.
-Juan could you tell everyone what happened the first time we got into a fight.
I snapped out of my thoughts and turned to him.
-Sorry, I was in my world, what were you saying?
-Tell them what happened the day we got into our first fight.
-Ooohh that one? Long story short some punks were bullying one of Luca’s brothers, we happened to be nearby, we told the guy to stop, he insulted me, Lucas got angry and right hooked the lead guy.
-Yeah, it was a 3 against one, you got the worst treatment.
Druella looked at me with a worried look
-Sweetie, what does your friend mean by “worst treatment”
-He means I got ganged up by two of the guys while Lucas was having a 1v1 with the lead asshole, he won but in the end, I was with 3 teeth less, a broken nose and a broken rib.
Druella widened her eyes at that, my late adolescence was marked with fights like those, especially since my part of town became “multicultural”, I’m glad I had Lucas to back me up in those fights.
-W-were you okay sweetie, nothing happened right?- she screamed.
-Yeah, the broken rib was the only real problem, I was sent to hospital immediately thanks to the quick thinking of Lucas.
Meredith smiled at Lucas while ruffling his hair.
-My, my, darling seems to be a reliable and kind friend.
-Would you believe me if I told you that at the start we hated each other?
There was an awkward silence after that, Druella and Meredith had a surprised expression on their faces.
-Eeeeeeeehh?
-You and darling hated each other?
Lucas howled in laughter while clutching his sides.
-Ha, eheheheheh, when we first met we hated our fucking guts, why you may ask? Because when I first saw him I saw him as an introvert twink who lets everyone walk all over him.
-And I saw Lucas as a hotheaded faggot with the IQ of a Somali.
Druella still had a very confused look on her face.
-But then how did you become actual friends?
Lucas answered that question
-Well, that is a very long story, it has to do with several things:
-First was that our parents were friends with each other since birth basically
-The second was a gym we both went to
-And third, was actually knowing Juan.
-Yes, there is one specific day that did it, see Lucas had several brothers younger than him, I saw one of them getting jumped up by boys his age, I shooed them away and took the buddy for a walk to the infirmary of the school, Lucas saw me and he was livid, he was about to do jump on me but his little brother intervened, he did not do anything to me for the whole day. After that day he went to my house and told me “Hey uh, maybe I misjudged you for the whole time, my bro talked with me, maybe we could hang out one day, in my house our yours” and since then we only got closer, surprisingly there were many things we both liked, we are just polar opposites when it comes to character.
Lucas once again smiled towards as he continued with his little story.
-Anyways, the fight we had was our first but not the fiercest. There was a particular one that was especially brutal. But that is a story for another time, Imma go for my tent, good night everyone
It was already night when he started talking, we all went to our respective tents, Druella went in first, the tent was bigger on the inside, enough to fit a bedroll for two people, she got to the bedroll first, but I didn’t get in immediately as I had to say my prayer.
-He that dwelleth in the aid of the Most High, shall
abide under the protection of the God of Jacob.
He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector, and my refuge: my God, in him will I trust.
For he hath delivered me from the snare of the hunters: and from the sharp word.
He will overshadow thee with his shoulders: and under his wings, thou shalt trust.
His truth shall compass thee with a shield: thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night.
Of the arrow that flieth in the day, of the business that walketh about in the dark: of invasion,
or of the noonday devil.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand: but it shall not come
nigh thee.
But thou shalt consider with thy eyes: and shalt see the reward of the unpious.
Because thou, O Lord, art my hope: thou hast made the most High thy refuge.
There shall no evil come to thee: nor shall the scourge come near thy dwelling.
For he hath given his angels charge over thee; to keep thee in all thy ways.
In their hands, they shall bear thee up: lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk: and thou shalt trample underfoot the lion
and the dragon.
Because he hoped in me I will deliver him: I will protect him because he hath known my
name.
He shall cry to me, and I will hear him: I am with him in tribulation, I will deliver him,
and I will glorify him.
I will fill him with the length of days, and I will shew him my salvation.
Amen
I went into the bedroll, as I got inside Druella kissed my cheek and pointed to hers.
-You forgot something sweetie.
I kissed her pearl white cheek as I prepared myself to get to sleep
-You have to show me those queer prayers you do, most of them sound so beautiful.
Beautiful? That would certainly describe the Psalms, but someone who’s species also comprises of basilisks and dragons? It does sound surreal.
-I'll show you once we get to your domain tomorrow.
-Our domain, sweetie, you are a lord now after all.
We went to sleep quickly listening to the sounds of the night.
