4⟩ In which the demon found a treasure...

On the way back to the city Izora took a dip in the river with her clothes on. Her reasoning; it was easier to explain the wetness from the river but it would look suspicious if only a single spot remained marked.

Lucian laughed at her little skit but didn't say anything. He was having the time of his life among these people and he would very much like for it to continue.

During the way, Izora had asked him about his Adventures license, but he conveyed his ignorance the brunette had admonished him and promised him that she would help him get one.

Although it mattered little to the Lord of Hell he considered it a worthwhile investment to save himself from the nuisance of identity later on.

"Then see you later, Mr. Sex Fiend." Seeing her bite her lips like that made Lucian reconsider his choice. He almost wanted to take her to the back alley and rail her against the wall. All in due time, the demon believed in patience.

A bit of charm with a middle-aged woman who owned the inn was enough for him to land a room free of cost and Lucian spent the night thinking back on his life.

Hell hadn't been easy for the young adventurer back in the day but he had survived and emerged as a top dog. During that time Lucian had a lot of lovers and he wondered where they were currently, and what became of them after he was banished. He wondered about Paimon and other Lords of Hell.

The day came earlier than he expected and Lucian left after a free hearty meal and found the party of four standing there. This time little Loli Witch Serene was with them.

"Lucian, hope you had a good night's sleep." Izora waved at him the moment she laid her eyes on him.

"Yeah, I had a good night's rest, what about you, hope you slept well."

Serene looked at the two alternatively and asked, "What is going on? You two seem awfully closer than yesterday."

"Well, we kind of got to know each a bit better after yesterday."

Even as Serene maintained Lucian had an easy smile on his face. He had seen a lot of her kind in his life and they always amused the Demon Lord.

"We need to move now, let's go." At the prompt from the team leader Ruggard the group of six left the city and went to the forest.

Ruggard started his lessons once again. "To be an adventurer one must be prepared to face any situation. You need to learn how to forage for food, collect firewood to set up a spit, or keep warm. You must also learn how to hunt efficiently, how to catch a fish, and where to sleep at night."

Honestly one had to give it to this guy for being so diligent, he was truly a kind and honest man. Too bad he met a demon like him.

"So how was night?" As Lucian whispered Izora snickered. "It wasn't bad."

"Wasn't bad, did you feel lonely," Lucian smiled at her, "I am always ready to keep you warm, you know."

Izora looked into his eyes and licked her lips, "Don't tempt me."

"I am not."

"Are you asking to sleep with me in such a roundabout way?"

"I am offering you the choice to keep you warm."

"Then I will see you tonight." Saying that she let out a giggle.

"Alright, what is going on?!" Serene stood with her hands on her hips, her eyes threatening.

"Stop being a brat kid, move out of the way." Herbert gestured at her but the little witch remained rooted in her and stopped.

"Something is going on between these, can't you see?" She pointed at Lucian and Izora.

Herbert sighed, "Look kid, they are a young man and a woman, they spend a bit of time together yesterday and now they are close, do you really need to know what is going on, they are fucking is what's going on."

Serene stood wide-mouthed at his blatant reply, not knowing what to say.

Herbert seemed to not care and moved past her. Lucian and others followed behind. Serene took some before she too followed thereafter, her face impassive.

The group found a clearing with a running stream not too far from there and Ruggard started to give Lucian lessons on where to put his feet, how to stay firm on slippery surfaces, and how to catch a fish.

Right after he was tasked with collecting firewood and Lucian chuckled. He was ready to do his next trick.

With a bit of magic, a sprinkle of senses, and a whole lot of experience later Lucian found a tall old tree and berried his hand inside. When he pulled it out he was holding a glowing blue orb in his hand.

He collected some firewood and walked back.

"I am finished, and I found something in a tree. I don't know what it is though." As Lucian announced the party clustered around him like ducks around weed and fished out the glowing blue stone.

"Omg, is that a mana orb!" A gasp left Izora's mouth and Ruggard leaned closer, "No, it's not a mana orb."

"It isn't." In an instant, the excitement died down but then he spoke again, "I think it's a spirit orb."

"Holy mother of gods!" This time the reaction was exaggerated as they stared at the orb with glittering eyes.

"Is it really that impressive?" As Lucian asked with innocent eyes, the people around him wore difficult expressions, as if they wanted to do something but were hesitating.

"You don't know?" He shook his head at Herbert's question, the latter narrowing his eyes. "It's a super expensive treasure, can be sold for ten thousand Royal Platinum coins!"

Lucian had to fake a shocked expression at that as he didn't know what that exactly meant.

"Where did you find it," Izora asked excitedly and Lucian answered.

"Forget it, it's unlikely we will find one," Ruggard shook his head in dismay, but then said, "However, just to be sure why don't we look around a bit."

Even though Lucian knew that there were none around here, he didn't want to dissuade them, so he kept quiet toll the night and the party walked back home.

From time to time Ruggard would give him sneaky glances, and Lucian wondered if the Greed had corrupted the bulky man. Then he would have to kill him, and his wife would become a widow and his daughter an orphan. Whatever would happen to them at that point? Then as a gentleman, he would have to take care of them. Ahhh, what a chore. But what can he do, he was such a kind demon.