[70.5] Homework is a Punishment

[****Disclaimer: This chapter includes mention of indecent exposure and abusive punishment that some viewers may find uncomfortable. Reader discretion is advised.]

When I opened my eyes, I was standing in a room from another time.

Whoa…

Did I just die?

"Reika… Is that really you?"

"Cyrus?"

I turned to face the voice and saw Cyrus sitting down in front of me, staring up in disbelief. His entire body was covered in a blinding white light. He jumped up quickly, reaching his hands out to touch me. His fingers gently passed over the tips of my ears, "I can't believe it…. I must be imagining this…"

I nuzzled into his hand. It had been so long, just the touch of his hand made my skin feel like it was on fire.

I took a deep breath, calmed by his familiar scent.

"Reika… You're so beautiful."

I felt my cheeks flush and my ear tingle where he touched it.

He went to brush back my hair, his hands lingering on my cheek…

Then moved to my forehead…

Then my chin…

Then my nose…

Then my eyes-

I slapped away his hands, "Stop feeling up my face!"

Lene pulled back in surprise, "Mother isn't dead!?"

It was only then that I realized I was no longer in that place with Cyrus, but instead sitting on the ground in front of four young demons.

"Um…" I blinked in confusion, staring at all of their tearful expressions, "Wha-What happened?"

Lovi burst out into tears, hugging me around the neck, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!!"

Asmonious was also beside me with panic reflected in his orange eyes, "Master!! Are you okay?!

"I'm fine. I'm fine… But why is everyone acting like I died or something?"

His expression darkened, "It's because Master seemed as if she was about to disappear."

"Eh? Disappear?"

Atta motioned with her hands as if trying to ask something.

I rubbed my aching side, "What is she trying to say?"

Asmonious watched her, his orange eyes turning more vibrant, "I think she's confused as to why we are acting this way."

Lene threw a rock at her but missed due to her lack of sight, "Because you tried to kill Mother!"

Attal tilted her head in confusion.

Lovi burst out into wails, grabbing at me desperately, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! It's all my fault!!!"

I sucked in a pained breath as she held the sensitive area, "Lovi… Relax. I'm fine."

Lene shouted at Atta, "Bad! Bad demon!!"

Atta didn't hesitate and suddenly started taking off her shirt. We all panicked as we quickly tried to stop her from undressing. Asmonius was so shocked he whipped around, covering his eyes in embarrassment.

I cried out as I tried to stop her, "What are you doing!? This is indecent-"

My words caught in my throat as I saw the massive long scars covering her back. Atta turned back to me with bright eyes as if waiting for a punishment she would usually receive. I swallowed down my disgust and carefully had her put back on my clothes, "I'm not going to hurt you."

Instead of a look of relief, she stared back at me as if confused.

"Instead of physical punishment, you'll just have to miss out on dessert tonight." I gave her a helpless smile, "In the future, I don't want anyone punching each other like that again… It really hurt."

Lovi sucked in her sobs, "I'm… I'm sorry… It's my fault… I won't… I won't do it ever again… Even if it means giving up on my revenge!"

Hearing this, I turned my attention to Lovi who looked so miserable as she clutched her dress. I let out a sigh and then lowered myself to her. I took her hands into mine as I stared into her one visible eye, "Lovi. In this world, there are three ways to get revenge. Either through magic, fighting, or a third option… Do you know what the third one is?"

She shook her head.

I tapped my forehead with a devious grin, "Through intelligence. So make sure you study hard."

Her expression stiffened, "...You just want me to do my homework, don't you."

I snickered as I rubbed her head, "It's all the same thing."