►Misunderstanding ◄

'See? I told you. No need to worry.' Ike grinned. 'Yeah' Shoto agreed and smiled. Vox, who waited in the door frame with a bucket of water in one hand, took that as his clue to bring Ike the bucket. He put it down beside Shu's chair and went to Shoto's side to ruffle his hair while grinning. Shoto blushed as he was embarrassed, but didn't say anything since he didn't want to ruin the moment and it felt kind of nice.

'By the way, Shu' Ike said. 'Where are the others? Didn't you come back together?'

Shu chuckled slightly, 'Well, Mysta had to stay a little longer, since he upset his stomach.' Ike facepalmed. 'Did he cook again? He never learns, does he?'

Shoto was visibly confused and turned to Vox with a questioning look. Vox started chuckling which soon errupted into laughter. 'Let's just say, he can't cook. Haha... And if he does cook...' Shoto finished his sentence, 'He ruins his stomach?' Vox replied, 'Yes. So be careful when he offers you food.' 'It sounds like he is cursed or something. Wait, cursed...?' Shoto said as if realizing something. His eyes widened before looking in Shu's direction. Ike and Vox followed his gaze and looked at Shu. The one in question knew what was happening and raised his arms in defense. 'Nope. It wasn't me. And if he was cursed, I would have already lifted it. I wouldn't just watch on the sidelines.' Everyone started laughing and Ike added, 'That's true. You are always the first to help others. That's the reason for your nickname.' 'Nickname?' Shoto asked. Ike answered, 'It's Shupport.'

When Shoto looked back at Shu, he saw him hiding his face in embarrassment and heard him say a muffled 'Please...' Ike comforted him with his hand on his back. 'Come on Shu. There's no need to feel embarrassed. It just shows that everyone appreciates you.

Shu showed his face again and they could see a small frown. Soon after, he recovered and continued explaining. 'Anyway. Luca stayed with him and I went on ahead I hope they won't get ambushed, too...' He worried. 'Don't worry. They will be fine.' Vox assured.

'Speaking of food. How about I'll make us something?' Vox suggested. 'That's a wonderful idea. I bet everyone's starving already.' Ike said. Shu and Shoto nodded in unison. 'I'll help.' Shoto offered. So Vox and Shoto went to the kitchen while Ike took care of Shu's wounds.

On their way to the kitchen Shoto asked. 'What are we cooking?' Vox replied, 'How about we cook some fried potatoes, with salad and some meat? Maybe we should make enough for six poeple. The others will definitely be here soon.' Shoto nodded, 'That's a good idea. I hope your friend can already eat again. His name was Mysta, right?' Vox chuckled, 'Yes. And don't worry. He recovers quickly.' He winked. He then pointed towards a door at the end of the hallway. 'The kitchen is over there. I'm gonna go to the garden to get the salad and on my way back I'll get the meat out of the cellar. Can you start preparing the potatoes? They are in the most right shelve, at the bottom, next to the door. The knife should be on the shelve, next to the sink.' Shoto agreed. 'No problem. See you in a bit.' And they parted ways.

The kitchen was very spacious. There was enough space for cooking and a table which could at least fit eight people. Everything was mostly made out of wood and it looked as good as new. From the ceiling hang a big chandelier and there was a picture with some fruit painted on it on the wall. A typical painting. Looks comfy. Shoto thought before he went to the shelve and got the potatoes out. He quickly found the knife and washed everything in the sink. He took the water from a bucket that was standing next to it, assuming it was meant for washing since it seemed clean. Then, he placed everything on the table and sat down before starting to peel and cut the potatoes.

When he was done with about half of the potatoes, he heard some footsteps from the hallway. Those weren't Vox's footsteps and Ike couldn't be done with Shu yet, so he was tensing a little. Since he didn't close the door he could hear them very well. Soon, he heard someone talking. 'What if he's not alright? I'm worried, Luca.' That must be Mysta. Shoto thought. 'There weren't any blood stains on the way here, so I don't think he would be in danger. And one of the enemies was killed by a blade, not by magic. So he must have gotten help.' I assume, that's Luca. Maybe I should talk to them and explain the situation. He contemplated, before stepping out of the kitchen.

'Excuse me?' He cautioned. Both of them jumped and turned around. The one in fox clothing exclaimed, 'Woah. That surprised me. Who are you and why are you in our castle?' He asked with mistrust. 'I'm Shoto. You must be Mysta and Luca, right? Nice to -'He got interrupted by Mysta, 'Wait. Shoto? I know who you are.' Oh no. I know where this is going again. Shoto thought, so he tried to explain right away. 'Yes. I am ... was the demon slayer. Listen, it's not what you think. I'm-' Mysta interrupted him again, 'Where is Vox and what did you do to him?' Luca tried calming Mysta down, 'Wait Mysta. Let him talk first. I'm sure he can explain.' Mysta wouldn't have it. 'What is there to explain? He is a demon slayer. He is in our castle. Vox is a demon, and he lives here, and he is nowhere to be seen. Isn't that suspicious enough?'

'What is happening here?' Ike stepped up from behind Mysta and Luca, with Shu following right after. They must have heard the commotion and rushed there, since Shu was still shirtless. 'Ike, thank goodness, you are alright. Wha-' Mysta saw Shu covered in bandages and plasters. He looked back at Shoto and snapped, 'So, demons aren't enough anymore? You also went and hurt Shu?' Shoto's eyes widened as he knew, this was getting out of hand. He tried talking to him, but took a step back at the same time. 'No. I didn't do anything. Please listen.' Just, when it seemed like Mysta would jump at him, Vox's voice echoed across the hallway. 'Don't just come to conclusions like that. Do you think, I'm that weak?' As he came closer to the group, he scolded him. 'You should listen more to others, before jumping on someone's throat.' He stepped next to Shoto, putting one hand on his shoulder and continued in a calmer voice. 'I know, you were just worried, but you almost jumped at this innocent boy.' Mysta was now visibly confused as he looked from Vox to Shoto and back repeatedly, until he finally realized what was going on. Then he stuttered, 'I-I-I'm so sorry. I was just so worried. Could you please tell me, what's going on?' Vox, now smiling, said, 'Sure, but let's go to the kitchen. We were in the middle of making lunch. Well, considering how late it is now, I would rather say, dinner.' Everyone nodded, except Shu. 'I'll go get my shirt. It's a little chilly with only a few bandages. I'll be right back.'