Understanding

-----Yui's POV

Looking over Ilfa, I can already tell that she's definitely not human. For one, she's not wearing any clothes and instead has some black, leather looking pieces of skin covering certain parts of her body, making her look even more alluring. And that scent as well, it's the same smell mom and I noticed on Fabian yesterday. I know I should just trust my brother's judgement, but I can't ignore these warning signs. Something about her makes me feel like we should stay away, kind of like how poisonous frogs tend to be bright and colorful.

We end up moving to the lounge as Fabian and Ilfa take their seats next to one another, while mom and I take the couch opposite of them with a table separating us. Alice and Natalie remained standing to our sides whilst Kaede and Mell remained off to the side. Neri, wanting no part of this went into the kitchen to prepare something.

Everyone: "..."

However, everyone remained silent, choosing to only communicate with our eyes.

Fabian: "...So! Again, this here is Ilfa."

Seems like Fabian was the first to crack, although we've already exchanged greetings. I don't blame him though as this does feel quite uncomfortable. I should try and help him.

Yui: "So you're the demon queen?"

Ilfa: "Yes. Although that title wasn't something I ever wanted."

Yui: You saying you never wanted that power?"

Ilfa: "No, but I didn't want the responsibilities that came with it. All I wanted was a change of pace in my life. One thing led to another, and here I am."

Interesting. So she didn't become a demon queen due to her own will, but more so that she was chosen? Seeing her like this, I can tell that she holds herself to a high regard. Quite confident.

Iris: "And you're now enjoying life at my son's side?"

Ilfa: "Mhmm! He's shown me quite a lot of new things. I value him quite highly."

Her words make Fabian's face visibly flushed for a moment, diverting his eyes away from us before looking back. But it's interesting she says that.

Yui: "Didn't you imprison him though? Even leading to what happened to his ankles?"

Fabian: "Sis-"

Ilfa: "True, I did do that to him, and I'm ashamed that I hurt him like that, I wish I could go back and undo all of that. But that's exactly why I'm doing my best to support him as I am now, to make up for my wrong doing in the past."

Looks like I'm not the only one who's pleased with that quick response as mom has also beginning to show a hint of a smile.

Iris: "May I ask what you do for him?"

Fabian: "M-mom!"

Ilfa: "If he's struggling at climbing stairs, I'll carry him. If he's hungry, I'll cook for him. It's why I'm having Kaede teach me."

Wait... I knew that Kaede took Alenia's place in exchange for Alenia to help us, but I didn't know that the deal was for Kaede teaching Ilfa on how to cook! I end up looking over towards Kaede who has noticed my gaze.

Kaede: "Hehe. It's true."

Yui: "For real?!"

Kaede: "I wouldn't think I'd be cooking again, but yes."

I'm so jealous right now! I know that Kaede has issues with taste, but even still, I'd love to have her cooking sometime!

Kaede: "Alright. I'll make you something sometime."

Yui: "Thank you!~"

She read my mind. Ah~ Now my spirits have risen! I wonder what it is she'll be making?

Ilfa: "I see you two are quite close."

Yui: "Hmm?"

Ilfa: "You and Kaede."

I know that most people know about mine and Kaede's past life, but Fabian and Ilfa has no idea as well as Mell and Neri. I don't think I feel comfortable talking about it right now.

But just as I was in my thoughts, Kaede suddenly moved over, sitting next to me as I'm now in the middle between Kaede and mom. I feel my shoulder being grabbed as I'm then pulled in as my shoulder collides with Kaede's.

Kaede: "Mhmm! We're super close."

And before I could voice anything, Kaede speaks out with such confidence that ends up leaving me speechless.

Ilfa: "Fascinating. And you're aware that Kaede is indeed a vampire?"

Yui: "O-of course! And that doesn't bother me one bit."

I take the chance to follow Kaede as I reach around her, grabbing her by her shoulder as we're now pulling each other tighter into one another. And for some reason, Ilfa seems to be stunned at what she's witnessing. I don't think we're doing anything strange, but seeing her reaction makes me feel a bit more embarrassed than I would like.

Iris: "Well. I'm glad to see that my son is in good hands. Although I can't believe I'm saying that to a demon."

Ilfa: "Fufu, it's okay, I understand. I never expected to be like this with him either."

And as if this is some sort of competition, Ilfa brings Fabian into a hug, pulling him straight into her chest with a wide smile on her face. I watch as Fabian panics only for him to slowly accept defeat by Ilfa's embrace.

Iris: "Fabian looks to be happy, so I have no complaints. So long as you're not tricking him with some sort of magic."

Ilfa: "I wouldn't dare to do such a thing."

Mai: "I can confirm."

Suddenly, Mai reveals herself behind the couch that Fabian and Ilfa are sitting on.

Mai: "There doesn't seem to be any malicious magic attached to Fabian. Just one illusion magic."

I was relived to hear that Fabian wasn't in any harm, but to hear that there is some sort of magic placed on him, it does make me curious.

Iris: "And what would that be?"

Ilfa: "Ah. That's for me to be able to sense if Fabian is in any danger."

Mai: "I guess... But it also allows the two of you to share senses.

Fabian/Ilfa: "What?!"

Shared senses? That doesn't seem that bad.

Mai: "It's as I said."

Ilfa: "But that shouldn't... No. Now that does make sense."

Fabian: "Was that the magic that you casted on me before your fight with Kaede happened?"

Ilfa: "Yes. I thought I was casting something else, but I might've slipped up now that I think about it. Hold on, I'll remove it-"

Fabian: "No! I don't mind it."

Ilfa: "Oh?"

I can already imagine what's going through his mind. "Ah~ This just means I'm even more connected to her!" Or something like that. But I wonder to what extent that magic would go? Shared senses... I find myself looking in the corner of my eye to see Kaede who seemed to have also been looking at me as our eyes lock on with one another before we both quickly avert our eyes. Wait, were we just now thinking of the same thing?!

Iris: "I never knew magic like that existed."

Ilfa: "Well, I'm skilled with illusion magic as it is a part of who I am. Much like how humans are skilled in offensive magic."

Is she talking about elemental magic? I was curious on how and why spatial magic and illusion magic existed, but maybe different races have different biases like Mai talked about in the past. Like how people born next to a lake would have a bias towards water magic. But according to what Ilfa just said, humans have an inherent bias for elemental magic as a whole? I guess Mai can go into that with us later. So then, what would Ilfa be?

Iris: "Then what race are you?"

Ilfa: "We go by a many names, like dream demons, but the most used term to describe us would be the name, succubus."

Makes sense. Ilfa does have quite a high sexual appeal to her, but it still came as a shock to hear that. Oh god... Now I'm imagining my brother engaging in 'that" act with Ilfa. Thanks brain...

But right on time, Neri returns, carrying with her some sandwiches. I hurriedly go to grab one and take a bite, trying to forget that image. Mom also takes one, followed by Natalie, Alice and eventually Fabian after Ilfa finally freed him from her grasp.

...

Eventually, the meeting with Ilfa came to an end. It started off quite awkward but after talking to Ilfa I can understand why Kaede didn't decide to kill her and instead try and go down this route. Mom also seemed to be pleased, even giving her blessing to their relationship which left Fabian ecstatic.

Ilfa: "Oh! Right. Where is Rina and Alenia? They were brought here, right?"

Yui: "Ah, yeah. They're out at the cabin right now."

Kaede: "We were thinking of going there soon."

Ilfa: "Then could I come along? I am curious to see how they're doing."

I take a moment to look at Kaede. This is her mother we're talking about. Sure Ilfa seems friendly right now, but I'm not about to accept this idea if Kaede isn't up for it.

Kaede: "...Sure. But please do not interrupt them."

Ilfa: "Of course. I'm not about to break our agreement."

Kaede: "Then you can tag along."

Fabian: "W-w-wait!"

Iris: "Then I may as well join in as well. Our first proper family outing~" 

Ignoring Fabian's cries, mom shuts him down as she begins to stand up from the couch. I know that Fabian doesn't want to see Rina given how he's acting, but now even I'm curious. Seeing him panic like this makes me wonder what will come next.