"ONCE upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, there lived a child named Cinderella," Rath was reading a book to lull Asha to sleep, but it was the third book, and the child was still full of energy. Rath had been assigned to reading bedtime stories lately since Gayin, who was initially assigned to care for the child, had been busy with other things. Rath didn't mind the task since it was ordered by the lord, but sometimes they wonder if the human child even knows what sleep is since she seems to be like a demon who doesn't know the concept of sleep.

"Cinderella... I like her name. Is she like me?"Asha's eyes widened with curiosity as she snuggled under her blanket while looking at the picture book of a young girl.

Books are typically scarce in the underworld, as demons generally do not engage in reading activities. However, exceptions exist, especially in domains like Caius's castle, where such provisions might be made available at the discretion of the demon lord. In this case, Gayin introduced books, although limited in scope and only his as a reference, it still helped the demon to learn about basic human behaviours, childcare, and children's stories. These materials were likely intended to aid in Asha's upbringing and understanding of human customs and interactions.

Rath found great value in the books provided by Gayin since it allowed them to gain more knowledge about the outside world. Rath and the other servants eagerly embraced the opportunity to learn and expand their understanding. Like their lord, Caius, the servants were motivated to enhance their usefulness and efficiency in serving their master. They welcomed new information and experiences, always mindful to adhere to the laws of their realm and maintain their bond with their lord intact.

However, there are still things that even Rath found difficult to explain. They had noticed that Asha had been asking the same question lately. She displayed a growing awareness of her surroundings, particularly her own appearance. Living in the castle among beings vastly different from herself, it was only natural that she question why she looked different from everyone else.

Gayin once advised Rath on the importance of simplicity when communicating with young minds, emphasizing the need to present information in a way that the child could easily understand. However, Rath struggled to determine the balance between simplicity and complexity, especially when faced with Asha's curious inquiries. Unable to use Gayin as a reference due to his unique appearance and magical abilities, Rath understood why Asha might not perceive Gayin as human, despite his underlying humanity. With Gayin's youthful appearance maintained by magic, devil marks, and heterochromia eyes, Gayin appeared unconventional compared to typical humans, further complicating Rath's attempts to explain the world to Asha.

"Yeah, she's just like you," Rath answered honestly before continuing to read the story. He painted vivid images of Cinderella's struggles and eventual triumph, emphasizing the word love, kindness, and resilience as instructed by Gayin. Although Rath didn't fully understand the nuances of these emotions, their lord had trusted in Gayin's guidance and the wisdom, so they have to go by what's asked.

"That took longer that last time," Caius commented upon seeing Rath coming out from the child's room.

Caius had intended to visit the child, but as he made his way to her room, he realized that it was already bedtime. However, he didn't think Rath would just be finishing up their task.

"My lord," Rath bowed. "How may I help you?"

"None as of now. Go ahead and do your other task."

Rath bowed once more and left as ordered, while Caius headed outside to take a stroll. He had had just finish reading the report about the war in the other region of his territory and it looks like his best knight had been injured hence, the others had been asking for back up.

Caius typically would have eagerly sprung into action at the mention of the battlefield, but today was different. An unusual sense of disinterest clouded his thoughts and dampening the excitement he used to feel about partaking in the war. He found himself pondering this unexpected change and questioning whether he had grown complacent in times of peace. "Have I really become complacent of peace?" he mused aloud, puzzled by the shift in his attitude towards conflict.

Demons, including Caius, were notorious for their short attention spans and penchant for spontaneity. However, in recent time, Caius found himself slipping into a semblance of routine, much like that of the necromancer. Despite his inherent inclination towards unpredictability, Caius couldn't help but notice the subtle emergence of a familiar monotony in his daily activities. "But how? What change?"

As Caius lost himself in thought, he nearly failed to notice the faint pitter-patter of small footsteps trailing behind him. "What brings you here, little human?" he murmured, his gaze fixed ahead even as he addressed the child who had halted in their tracks at the sound of his voice.

"Why are you not sleepy?" she asked, her innocent curiosity cutting through the stillness of the night.

"I should be the one asking that, child," he replied, facing the child still in pajama.

"No one in the room. I want to pee," Asha explained.

"I am sure the place you are looking for is not here," Caius replie,d looking at the garden where they are now.

"But it's so pretty here," Asha remarked, her attention momentarily diverted by the glowing lights emanating from the garden. Much like a demon's, a child's attention span was fleeting, easily captured by the allure of colorful lights and intriguing sights. "Can I stay with you?" she asked.

"Do what you like." Caius barely stop Asha from doing what she wanted, especially now that the child had started to develop speech. It has become a bit easier to understand.

Asha followed Caius, her small steps struggling to keep pace with his longer strides. Seeing her lagging behind, Caius slowed down, feeling a twinge of pity for the little child trying to match his pace.

When Asha noticed him slowing down, she happily reached out and held his hand, delighted to always be with Caius. "When will be the next shower of stars?" the child asked.

Caius held the tiny hand of the child, mindful of her small size and the need to guide her to prevent any mishaps. Despite the passage of time, the child still required Caius's assistance to navigate safely. It makes Caius sometimes wonder why the necromancer hadn't taken the initiative to teach her to walk faster. Nevertheless, he found solace in the leisurely pace, realizing that walking slowly with the child wasn't all that bad at times.

"Maybe in the next hundred nyx," Caius replied to the child.

The 'shower of stars' is a celestial event symbolizing the reincarnation day in the underworld. During this phenomenon, the souls deemed ready for reincarnation gather and cover the sky, preparing to depart the underworld and journey to the realm of the angels. There, they will meet with Fate, who will guide them to their destined lives in the mortal realm.

"Hm, Caiu, do you think I'll be one of the stars someday?"

Caius was taken aback by Asha's question. He hadn't anticipated such a profound inquiry from a child her age. He was certain that concepts like life and death were beyond her understanding at this stage of her development. Yet, despite his expectations, Caius couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Asha's question than met the eye.

"Maybe..." He responded tentatively, unsure of how to address her curiosity.

The child smiled, content at the demon lord's answer. "If I'm gonna be a star, I'm going to be taller than you, Caiu. You have to look up to me then." the child proudly said.

The demon lord smiled at the innocence of the child. "Sure, maybe then, if you can reach that hight."

"I do!"

"Gayi told me he's going to make me wings like you and Rath. Then we will go see Ra and pet Cereberus like his story."

Caius twitched at her story. He knew Gayin would sometimes fabricate tales to entertain the child, resorting to such tactics when neither of them felt like reading a book. Gayin's penchant for storytelling often served as a clever diversion to coax the child into cooperation.

However, Caius found the necromancer's manipulation tactics excessive and irritating. Unfortunately, he couldn't deny the child's fascination with these imaginative stories that she prefers to hear them over the harsh realities of his own violent nature and Gayin's mastery over the undead.

"Asha, don't put too much trust in the smooth words of the necromancer," Caius cautioned, expressing his skepticism towards Gayin's influence on the child's development.

"Why?"

"He's a fraud."

"What's a fraud?"

"Someone like the necromancer."

Asha frowned, stoped walking and tilting her head. "I don't get it."

"Too bad, then. I guess the tiny brain of yours still couldn't keep up."

Asha pouted. "No! I know. Gayi is a fraud. A know that." she insisted. Caius smirk, before continue walking. "We're going now ,Caiu?"

"The breeze is getting stronger, you might get blown away, you should head back now."

"No, I walk with you. You might get lost."

"Child, I was not born yesterday. I can find my way."

"Neither was I," Asha insisted, not wanting to go elsewehere. "I go where Caiu go."

Caius sighed, resigned to the fact that the child wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. Holding her hand, they continued to stroll through the garden, with Asha peppering him with questions about the sights they encountered and sharing random stories from her day. Caius listened attentively, finding comfort in the melodic cadence of her voice, akin to a soothing lullaby.

The night went on as well as their conversation, until Asha suddenly stopped in her tracks, prompting Caius to halt as well.

"What's wrong, child?" he asked

"Foot hurts," Asha replied, her tone tinged with discomfort.

Realizing they had been wandering for quite some time, Caius concluded that fatigue had caught up to the child-a human condition so foreign to demons.

"I see. Perhaps you should return to your room then," he suggested gently.

"No!" Asha protested adamantly. She dislikes sleep because she believes it limits her ability to do things more things she wants to do. When she learned that Rath and the other servants didn't require sleep, she had resolved to follow suit. However, there were occasions when exhaustion would overcome her, forcing her to succumb to slumber despite her resistance.

"Then I'll leave you here." Caius doesn't want to waste time. He wanted to continue his stroll but doesn't want to drag the child with him. He'd rather have the child go back and rest rather than continue walking when she couldn't.

"No..." Asha's eyes start to water. She doesn't like being left alone, the thought of solitude brought a sense of unease to her young heart.

When Caius noticed the watery eyes of the child, he sighed softly. He understood how sensitive humans could be, especially children, who were more prone to emotional reactions. Not wanting to deal with a crying child, he bent down and gently scooped Asha up into his arms.

"Will this suffice?" he asked, meeting the child's gaze.

Asha nodded eagerly, her small arms wrapping tightly around Caius as if seeking reassurance. "Caiu, I have a secret," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Caius leaned in, noticing the signs of fatigue as the child yawned and struggled to open her eyes. "Oh? What is it?" he replied softly, playing along with the child's desire to share while he continued to walk to the garden.

With a hint of excitement, Asha drew closer to Caius before divulging her secret hushedly. "You know, I like the garden," she confessed, her eyes sparkling with genuine fondness.

"You do?" Caius replied, feigning surprise.

Asha nodded emphatically. "Yes, and I like Rath, the servant, and Gayi too," she continued, listing off her affections with childish enthusiasm.

"Mmm," Caius acknowledged, already aware of the child's fondness for his servants. Whenever she talked about them, she always exuded an aura of contentment and joy, and always beaming with positive energy rarely seen in the underworld.

"But you know," Asha added, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper due to sleepiness, "I love Caiu the most."

Asha's declaration caused Caius to pause in his tracks. The child had now fallen asleep, breathing evenly with a smile on her face. However, her words had stirred a curious sensation within Caius.

"Innocent child... Would you still whisper such kind words if you knew the monster that I am?"

Demons has no concept of emotions like love or affection. They lived solely for their desires and pursuits or hobby. Yet, as he looked into the innocent eyes of the child, he couldn't deny the peculiar warmth that blossomed within him, a feeling he struggled to comprehend.