Chapter 7

"Can I live here?" Han's innocent request caught Celestia off guard, her mind reeling at the prospect of having her friend reside in her home.

Already regretting her decision to bring Han to her mansion, Celestia hesitated, uncertainty clouding her features as she weighed the implications of his request. The two had been assigned a project requiring them to give a presentation about a historical figure, and while Han had suggested working on it at his apartment, Celestia had declined, citing concerns about her strict caretaker, Ms. Astonia.

As Han marveled at the grandeur of the mansion before them, Celestia couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance at his obliviousness to her predicament.

"Why would I want to let you live here? I already have to deal with you in school," she grumbled, her irritation evident as she pushed through the wooden double doors and left Han standing outside.

"That hurts me, Celestia," Han retorted playfully, placing a hand over his heart in a dramatic gesture before hurrying to catch up with his friend.

As they entered the mansion, they were greeted by a chorus of voices exclaiming, "Welcome, Madam Celestia!" Han jumped back in surprise, startled by the unexpected reception. However, the line of maids who had welcomed them appeared equally baffled, their expressions betraying confusion as they exchanged puzzled glances with one another.

Celestia had brought a friend home.

As they entered the grand foyer of her mansion, Han's curiosity got the better of him.

"Does this happen every time you come home?" he leaned towards Celestia, his voice hushed in an attempt at secrecy.

However, the vast emptiness of the room only served to amplify his words, echoing them back to them.

Nudging Han to stay quiet, Celestia shot him a warning glance before gesturing for him to follow her.

With hesitant steps, he fell into line behind her, his eyes wandering around the opulent surroundings in awe as they ascended the sweeping staircase.

As they stepped into Celestia's room, Han's footsteps slowed to a halt, his gaze sweeping across the elegant furnishings and intricate decorations adorning the space. The room exuded an air of sophistication, a stark contrast to the chaos of their usual school environment.

Han's curiosity was piqued by the subtle nuances of Celestia's room, and he couldn't help but pause in wonder, his eyebrows lifting in a silent question. Sensing his intrigue, Celestia turned to face him, her expression calm but inwardly fraught with apprehension.

"Have demons been in your room before? I can sense a faint energy of one that has been in here," he remarked, his voice barely above a whisper as if he feared disturbing the delicate equilibrium of the room.

Celestia's heart skipped a beat at his observation, her composure momentarily faltering in the face of his keen perception. Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, she forced herself to appear unruffled as she formulated a response.

"I am a weapon contractor, so demons tend to find my presence easily since it is quite big. I haven't learned how to hide it," she explained, her voice steady despite the undercurrent of tension that lingered between them.

Han nodded thoughtfully, absorbing her words with a contemplative expression. "That is true," he mumbled in agreement, before moving over to sit by her desk. With practiced efficiency, he began to unpack his books from his bag, the mundane task serving as a brief distraction from the weight of their conversation.

Celestia imitated his movements, her focus fixed on the textbook that contained information about the historical figure they would present to their class. The room was filled with a comfortable silence, punctuated only by Han's occasional inquiries when he encountered a point he didn't understand.

"That event was quite odd the other day…" Han broached the topic, referring to the incident where the demons had already been slain by an unknown force before they arrived at the other side of the forest.

"I told you to drop it. It hasn't happened since that day so it shouldn't be a big issue," Celestia replied, her tone firm as she attempted to brush off the matter. Yet, despite her outward dismissal, she couldn't deny the gnawing curiosity that lingered within her.

The truth was, the mysterious occurrence had left Celestia unsettled.

Was it possible that Zerro was behind it?

She couldn't shake off the nagging suspicion that there was more to the incident than met the eye. If Zerro was indeed responsible, it could mean that he was growing stronger, posing an even greater threat than before.

The thought of facing Zerro's formidable power filled Celestia with a mix of fear and determination.

She knew she had to uncover the truth, even if it meant risking everything. For if she was to stand any chance against the despicable demon, she needed to understand the extent of his power.

If it turned out that Zerro was not responsible, then perhaps there was still hope. But deep down, she couldn't shake off the feeling that the truth would reveal something far more sinister.

"But still…that demon who killed the others, it was really strong," Han remarked, breaking the silence once more.

Placing her pen down, Celestia couldn't help but recall the chilling memory of that encounter, feeling a shiver run down her spine at the mere thought.

"True," she murmured in agreement, her mind drifting back to the terrifying power she had sensed emanating from the unknown entity.

"But, we could take it down since we have each other!" Han's words snapped Celestia out of her reverie, and she met his confident gaze with a mixture of uncertainty and determination.

His unwavering faith in their partnership stirred an odd stir in her heart, a feeling she couldn't quite place.

"Celestia? Hello!" Han waved his hand in front of her face, breaking her out of her daze.

Blinking rapidly, she refocused her attention on him, a hint of wonder glistening in her brown orbs.

"You okay?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Celestia quickly nodded in response, forcing a reassuring smile before returning her attention to her book, though her thoughts continued to linger on the unsettling events of the past.

The silence that had settled between them earlier returned to the atmosphere as they continued to study. However, the tranquility was shattered by the unmistakable growl of Han's stomach. Celestia glanced up from her textbook, catching the faint blush that colored Han's cheeks as he sent her a sheepish smile.

"I'll get some snacks. Stay here while I go get them," she informed him, to which he nodded in agreement. Han watched as she straightened up to her full height and left the room, her footsteps echoing faintly as she descended the stairs and made her way towards the kitchen.

Alone in the room, Han hummed to himself, idly glancing around at his surroundings. His attention was drawn elsewhere, however, when he heard a faint sound emanating from the corner of the room. Curiosity piqued, he turned his head towards the source of the noise, wondering what could have caused it.

"What was that?" Han mumbled to himself, his curiosity piqued. He got up from his seat and peeked out the door as soon as he reached it.

A cat entered his line of vision, and he beamed, crouching down to pet its head. The feline purred contentedly, reveling in the affection. However, Han paused when he noticed a pair of feet stop by the cat.

"Excuse me?" Glancing up, Han blinked in surprise at the beautiful woman who crossed her arms, her expression questioning.

Straightening up, the woman had to tilt her head back slightly due to Han's taller stature, but she didn't appear intimidated.

"Who are you and what are you doing in my daughter's room?" she inquired, her tone firm and authoritative, catching Han off guard with her directness.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Han quickly composed himself.

"You're Celestia's mother? Nice to meet you!" Han continued, his smile widening.

"I'm Han, a friend of your daughter's," he explained, extending his hand to shake hers enthusiastically.

The woman's eyes widened even further at his revelation, clearly taken aback by the unexpected encounter.

"She made a friend? This had to be a lie." The thought raced through Celestia's mother's mind, disbelief evident in her expression. After all, her daughter hadn't made a single friend in the last ten years. She could understand why—Zerro, the demon, was always sticking to Celestia, turning every event she went through into a miserable ordeal.

"Han," Celestia's voice interrupted the tense silence, drawing the attention of both her mother and Han. Han blinked in confusion, sensing the tension in the air.

Taking hold of Han's hand, Celestia intended to guide him back into her room. However, she paused when her mother spoke, her words cutting through the uneasy atmosphere.

"How much did you give him to become your friend?" Her mother's question was direct, her tone accusatory, as she scrutinized Han with a skeptical gaze.

"Excuse me?" Han couldn't help but utter in disbelief as he heard Rosella's question. The implication behind her words caught him off guard.

Celestia ignored her mother's question and pulled Han inside the room, her expression betraying a hint of annoyance. Han was surprised by the sudden change in atmosphere.

"Believe it or not, he is a true friend," Celestia whispered harshly before swiftly turning on her heels and closing the door in Rosella's face.

Rosella's eyebrows knitted together in irritation as she muttered a curse towards her daughter. She stepped away, retreating to her own room where she could finally relax, relieved to have a respite from her busy schedule.

"You're mother and you…" Han trailed off awkwardly, unsure how to address the tension between Celestia and her mother.

"It's always been like that. I don't know why, but it seems my mother cares about her work more than me, since she has a high status among other actresses," Celestia revealed, her tone tinged with bitterness as she shared a glimpse into her strained relationship with her mother.

Han nodded in understanding, deciding to focus on his book to diffuse the tension.

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As Celestia prepared to sneak out of her home, the atmosphere outside was shrouded in darkness, broken only by the occasional flicker of distant streetlights. She moved with practiced stealth, her movements deliberate and precise, ensuring that not even the faintest sound betrayed her presence.

Her decision to leave through the window was a calculated one, born out of necessity. The alternative—exiting through the front door—was simply not feasible, given the risk of drawing unwanted attention from her household staff. Their concern for her safety was understandable, but it was a hindrance she couldn't afford to entertain tonight.

With each careful step, Celestia's determination grew stronger. She had a purpose, a mission to fulfill, and nothing would stand in her way. The cool night air brushed against her skin as she zipped up her hoodie, the fabric providing a comforting shield against the chill.

Finally, as she reached the window, Celestia paused, her senses on high alert. Every nerve in her body seemed attuned to the task at hand, ensuring that she executed her escape flawlessly. With a steady hand, she pushed open the window, relieved when it moved without so much as a whisper of protest.

As she prepared to make her descent, Celestia braced herself, her heart pounding in anticipation. With a silent prayer to the darkness above, she launched herself into the night, her boots finding purchase on the window frame before she gracefully landed on the ground below.

Despite the twinge of pain that shot through her legs upon impact, Celestia ignored it, her focus squarely on the mission ahead. She was determined to confirm her assumptions, no matter the cost.

Before she could complete her thought, Celestia's senses sharpened, detecting a subtle shift in the surrounding atmosphere. Instinctively, she froze, her ears straining to catch any sign of movement nearby.

The forest loomed ahead, its dense canopy casting eerie shadows that danced in the moonlight. Celestia's determination wavered for a moment as she gazed into the depths of the woods, knowing that within its tangled undergrowth lay both mystery and danger.

But she couldn't afford to hesitate. With a silent resolve, she pressed forward, her steps quick and purposeful. Each rustle of leaves underfoot seemed to echo in the stillness of the night, a reminder of the secrecy of her mission.

As she approached the forest's edge, Celestia cast a final glance back at the imposing wall that encircled her home. It stood as a symbol of protection and confinement, a barrier between her and the outside world. Yet, tonight, she was determined to transcend its confines in pursuit of the truth.

With a swift movement, Celestia crouched low, her muscles coiled like springs ready to release their tension. Gathering her strength, she propelled herself upward, vaulting effortlessly over the imposing barrier. The sensation of freedom washed over her as she landed on the other side, her feet sinking into the soft grass with barely a sound.

Her resolve hardened as she turned toward the waiting embrace of the forest, its ancient trees beckoning her forward. Whatever dangers lay ahead, Celestia was prepared to face them head-on. For the sake of those she cared about, she would see her mission through to the end, no matter the cost.

"I need to get rid of him-" She spoke her thoughts out loud.

"Do you really think that would happen?" Another voice replied back.

Celestia found herself pinned against the rough bark of a tree and her breath caught itself in her throat, a suffocating pressure constricting her windpipe.

Panic surged through her veins as she futilely struggled against the invisible force that held her captive, her desperate attempts to claw free proving fruitless.

"I'm so disappointed in you, Celestia. After all I've done for you in these past ten years...all it took was a stupid angel to make you switch sides."

The voice that pierced the darkness sent shivers down her spine, its tone laced with disappointment and menace.

As Zerro emerged from the shadows, his once-familiar features twisted into a grotesque visage, Celestia's heart sank.

The transformation in his appearance paled in comparison to the malevolent aura that surrounded him, suffusing the air with a palpable sense of dread.

"This is a warning, Celestia. Tell that angel to back off otherwise I will make sure to end his life right in front of you."

Her body trembled involuntarily as his chilling words echoed in her ears, each syllable laden with a sinister promise of violence. The threat hung in the air like a tangible specter, leaving Celestia reeling with a mixture of fear and helplessness.

And just like that,

He was gone.

In the solitude of the forest, Celestia allowed herself a moment of vulnerability, her tears flowing freely as she grappled with the unfairness of her circumstances.

"It's not fair..."

The anguish in her voice echoed through the stillness of the night, a haunting lament for a life marred by suffering and sorrow.

"Why do I have to suffer?"