210
That morning, Florent said goodbye to his passionate lover and returned home mentally refreshed and physically ready for sleep. The butler opened the door for him, and well-trained servants attended to him, removing his coat and bringing his house clothes. After changing into softer, looser clothing, he stretched luxuriously and yawned, feeling thoroughly at ease.
He passed through the corridor into the main hall and saw his normally lively little sister sunk into the sofa, solemnly holding a thick, boring-looking book and reading with intense concentration.
"What are you doing?" Florent walked around behind Adela and saw yellowed pages covered in strange symbols. The writing was not Intisian, but Ancient Hermes. He immediately grew wary. "Adela, what are you planning? Don't tell me it's another strange ritual?"
"I warned you. Research is one thing, but you mustn't-or at least mustn't secretly play with ritual magic at home!"
Adela lowered the large book that had covered her entire face, revealing two enormous dark circles and a haggard, bewildered face battered by knowledge.
"I think rituals aren't completely useless..."
She defended herself feebly. "Look, Brother, when bad people kidnapped me at nine, I saw a powerful, beautiful Devil. After I came back, I spent five years researching Devil-Summoning Rituals, and now that Devil really has appeared around me."
"That wasn't a summoning at all, was it?"
"But the lines of His exoskeleton are so beautiful. Every twisted curve is just right. His bloodstained claws and scales captured my heart at first sight. His curved horns feel like bone, but their edges gleam coldly like blades. Every part of Him is a work of art. His black eyes are like the legendary Abyss. When He looks at me, I feel as though my breathing and heartbeat will stop together. I absolutely love