Adeline stared at her with confusion. It was only normal for people to understand each other when they spoke. Was this a case of different nguages, like back on Earth?

  “Yes, I can”

  “What is she saying, master?”

  The girl shot up from her position and took a defensive stance.

  “Is your snake hissing at me?”

  “It looks like only I can understand you.”

  “How is that possible?”

  “I don’t know. Do I look like a wizard to you? What is your name, anyways?”

  Adeline quickly dismissed her. She was not interested enough to investigate this odd phenomenon; as long as they could communicate, she was fine with it.

  “My name is Melora, daughter of the Grand Duke Lucius Stormville.”

  “You must be super important, then.”

  Adeline was then interrupted by an orc who stumbled into their camp. He looked injured, as green blood was oozing from his arm and small wounds all over his body.

  “I am sorry for interrupting, but we are being attacked.”

  “Attacked? By what exactly?”

  “An orc expedition that was sent out has returned and deemed us traitors.”

  “Master, I can deal with them!”

  Fang shot up and offered, but this was something Adeline had to deal with.

  “No need. They just need to be taught manners. Make sure nothing happens to our prisoner.”

  Melora only understood parts of the conversation. What she did understand was that her safety depended on the demon dy in front of her, so she followed her.

  “Where are you going?”

  “I am following you. I don’t trust them.”

  “Fang will take care of you.”

  “With all due respect, I won’t trust my safety to a monster I can barely communicate with. They will just throw me down the dungeon like st time.”

  “Fine, but don’t get in my way or make any sounds.”

  With a sigh, they all went towards the commotion. A group of rger orcs stood in front of them, carrying different weapons.

  “Are you the one who killed Kuso? I will make sure you die today.”

  “Kuso said the same thing; now his head hangs on a pole.”

  “How dare you!”

  The orc rushed towards her with his weapon. He swung the axe with intent, but Adeline was able to dodge. She then plunged her hand through the orc’s chest. He let out a small gasp before colpsing. Adeline grabbed the dead orc by the hair and dragged it towards the remaining group, who looked mortified.

  “I want everyone here to understand one simple thing. I am your new master now; my words are my will. Anyone who disobeys will be killed on the spot. I hope this is clear enough.”

  The surrounding orcs quickly bowed towards her. Melora was completely stunned by how things unfolded; this was not how monsters usually acted.

  “Do you see that human over there? She is my prisoner. Anyone who touches or even looks at her the wrong way will be killed.”

  “Yes, master!”

  The entire group answered in unison as she let go of the dead orc and returned to Melora.

  “Do you want us to collect the magic cores?”

  “Yes, collect them all, and also hunt three deer.”

  “Yes, master.”

  Fang answered enthusiastically as he grabbed a group of orcs and set off to work.

  “Can anyone build a proper house?”

  Adeline asked as she stared at the group of orcs and goblins. One of the goblins stepped forward, raising his hand.

  “Well, get to it then. I don’t want to sleep outside tonight.”

  The group quickly moved. Adeline looked at the busy group of monsters with great satisfaction. Everyone was busy; that meant it was time for her to take a bath and rest.

  “You want to take a bath? I think you need it.”

  “You would allow me to do that?”

  “I don’t see the issue. Let’s go.”

  The trio maneuvered through the dense forest until they found a beautiful pond surrounded by beautiful wildflowers. Adeline quickly stripped, then jumped into the water with Scales. Melora covered her eyes at the scene.

  “Don’t tell me you’re shy. Come on, the water is perfect. Even Scales is rexing.”

  “I am a noblewoman; I have decorum!”

  “Suit yourself. If you want to smell all day, that’s fine by me.”

  Melora took a look at the state of her body and could not allow herself to be in such a state. It had been weeks since she took a proper bath, and it was one of the few things she dreamt about when she attained freedom.

  “Okay, but don’t look.”

  “I won’t make any promises.”

  Melora started to cautiously strip while making sure Adeline did not peek, but she was busy floating on the water with Scales. Once she was done, she stepped inside and felt the water rush through her body, a feeling she had forgotten.

  “This is the life. I never introduced myself. I am Adeline.”

  “It is very rare for monsters, especially a demon, to have a name.”

  “Well, I gave it to myself since I had no parents.”

  “Why are you treating me like this? You’re very odd.”

  “You don’t seem threatening. Aren’t you scared of me?”

  “Not really, I have a good feeling about you.”

  Adeline then swam closer and stared down at her. The two locked eyes, both determined and unwavering. A small smile crept on both their faces as Adeline returned to floating.

  “I like you.”

  “You’re the first person to tell me that. Normally, nobles shake in their boots when they meet me.”

  “Are they afraid because of your position or because of your strength?”

  “I used to be a Sword Master, the elite of the elite, but those bastards betrayed me. They poisoned me, then the orcs came, and we were left defenseless. Many men died to keep me alive; I need to repay them.”

  “Only cowards use poison. So, you got an antidote or something?”

  “I will have to rebuild my core from scratch, sadly. I spent all my life training; now it’s all undone.”

  “Then it should be easier this time around. No need to be all gloomy.”

  That was when an orc appeared, interrupting her conversation and, most importantly, her bath.

  “You have five seconds to leave this area before I kill you.”

  “I am sorry I intruded.”

  “Scales, go kill him for me.”

  “Yes, master!”

  Scales slithered across the pond, then turned to her true form and consumed the orc in one gulp, then returned back to the pond.

  “These monsters don’t know any manners; they just don’t understand. I think I should just kill them all.”

  “They are part of your army, aren’t they? Why kill them?”

  “Why do I need an army to begin with? I am fine with Scales and Fang.”

  “What if you ran into an opponent stronger than you?”

  “I don’t deal with ‘what ifs,’ just the present.”

  They spent most of the day chatting and bathing. When they made their way back to the camp, the goblins had already created a decent enough camp. Fang had already made all the necessary preparations for dinner. Four rge deer could be seen hanging next to a firewood pile, Fang wore a delighted smile. As usual, Adeline prepared the meat, but this time she had the help of Melora. The group sat around the campfire, watching the meat cook intently. Once it was done, everyone got their portions and started to eat.

  “So, tell me in detail how did you end up here.”

  “Well, it all started at….”