The footsteps drew ever closer. At the end of the stairs, he could vaguely make out the metallic gleam of a crown. Samael held his breath, his heart pounding wildly.
"Miss Diana, I-I need to use the bathroom."
The call from downstairs made the figure on the stairs stop.
"The restroom is at the very end. Just go straight."
"It's too dark. I'm a little scared. Can you come with me?"
Diana glanced at the second floor, which had once again fallen silent in the darkness, then looked back at the pink-haired girl behind her, who was staring at her pitifully. A smile appeared on her gallant face, and she nodded slightly.
As the footsteps gradually faded away, Samael finally recovered from the fright and let out a relieved sigh.
Thank goodness. His lifelong reputation had been saved.
However, before he could even catch his breath, his face stiffened. He grabbed a fair arm that had somehow slipped down to his groin.
The brown mermaid resolutely parted her cherry lips, lowered her head, and attempted a clumsy experiment.
Clearly, she had misunderstood his act of pulling her under the covers to conceal the evidence.
Seeing that glittering row of white teeth that did not know to hold back, the Ancient Serpent's face immediately turned green. He hurriedly pulled Fanatic Child up, pinned her firmly against his chest, swallowed hard, and spoke hoarsely into the girl's ear.
"Don't move..."
Once the command was given, the girl with unwavering faith immediately carried it out as though it were a divine oracle. She obediently lay curled in the Angel of Death's embrace, completely still.
After taking several deep breaths and barely suppressing the blazing fire in his chest, the Ancient Serpent forced a stiff smile and let his gaze wander.
"It's still early.