Chapter 250: Progress With The Angel (Bonus)

Later that night

While Bella was asleep in his room, Ethan was in his backyard.

Then, with a quiet breath, he raised his hand.

Two magic circles formed beside him, and from the circles, two figures appeared.

Arael materialized and inclined her head politely. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Albedo appeared beside her, though her entrance was far less dignified. Her shoulders were slouched, her eyes half-lidded, and she let out a long, drawn-out groan the moment she fully formed.

"Ugh... you summoned me at one of the worst time, again" she muttered, rubbing at her face with one hand. "You know I hate that."

Ethan ignored her, especially knowing that his demon summon was always going to complain, whether it was the right time or not.

His attention tonight was fixed on the Angel.

"Arael," he began. "Ready yourself. I want to attempt fusion again."

Araeal straightened immediately, and with an unchanging expression, she nodded. "Understood."

Her form began to dissolve into purple light, flowing toward Ethan whose body had took on the purplish glow as well.

The fusion began.

Ink-like markings spread across Ethan’s arms, and legs. They moved with a life of their own, shifting and settling into place.

And then, as always, the memories came.

Fragments of Arael’s past brushed against his mind. But this time, they were clearer, longer and more coherent.

[Fusion can only be maintained for 00:00:59]

He saw glimpses of a world or plane he didn’t fully recognize. A small room, dimly lit. A child’s laughter, followed by that of an old man.

The memories were mostly peaceful ones, hinting at her growth. Although they faded almost as quickly as they had come, leaving only a warm lingering sensation.

[The Summon has gained some level stability]

Ethan’s eyes opened, to the markings still glowing on his skin. He could feel Arael’s presence within him, and it was calm and steady.

A minute had passed in silence, and admittedly, this was significant progress compared to the 10 seconds from last time

When the fusion ended, the markings dissolved, and Arael reappeared beside him, her form solidifying once more.

Ethan looked at her for a moment, then smiled. "Looks like we’re making progress."

Araeal inclined her head.

From the side, Albedo yawned loudly, stretching her arms with exaggerated dramatics. "Wow. Riveting....can I go now?"

Ethan glanced at Albedo, with that smile on his face. "Keeping you around her worked out pretty fine."

Albedo raised a brow, her lips curving into a smirk. "Oh of course, who wouldn’t love my charming personality?"

Arael spoke then, with a little smile on her lips. "She’s been... helpful."

Albedo snorted, folding her arms. "That’s a polite way to put it."

Arael continued. "But I will lay a complaint, if you do not mind, summoner"

Ethan nodded.

And Arael continued, "Albedo subjects me to very unethical things."

The demon summon grinned.

"She had once convinced me to attend a tavern of sorts, and insisted that I dance to the music. Thereby forcing me entertain Ludicrous men."

Albedo’s grin turned smug as she turned towards Ethan, "Speaking of which, her dancing is awful.. she stepped on three people’s feet."

"I did not—" Arael paused. "...It was only two"

Then her voice went lower now, almost childish. "I was... unfamiliar with the steps."

Ethan let out a chuckle, shaking his head slightly as he watched the two of them go back and forth.

Suddenly, Arael stopped for a second as her expression softened. Then, without warning, she lifted her hand and made ink flow away from her arm and towards Albedo.

The ink formed into a circular platform beneath the demon’s feet who reacted with widened eyes. "Wait—"

Without waiting, the platform pulled her forward, dragging her across to Arael who wrapped her arms around the demon in a sudden, firm embrace.

Albedo entire body going rigid. "...Huh?"

For a moment, she didn’t react. Her arms were hanging awkwardly, completely caught off guard.

Then, stiffly, she lifted one hand and patted Arael’s back. "Okay... yeah... this is—this is happening," she muttered. "Cool. Fine."

A second passed, followed by another awkward pat before Albedo finally reached her limits "...Alright, that’s enough. Get off me."

Araeal stepped back slowly with a genuine smile on her face as she released her hold on the demon.

Albedo huffed, folding her arms tightly, though there was no real annoyance behind it. If anything, she looked flustered.

Ethan watched them both, with a smile still lingering on his face. He was the one why Arael suddenly went on to hug albedo.

Through the bond they had formed during fusion, one that still lingered even after they separated, Ethan could feel Arael intent to show gratitude... to return the warmth Albedo had given her over the past few days.

Arael had wanted to hug her, but she wouldn’t have acted on it which is why Ethan gave a mental command to her to fulfill her desire.

—

The next morning...

Ethan was already dressed, adjusting the collar of his coat as he prepared to head out of the living room.

However, Bella caught his arm gently, forcing him to a halt as he turned to face her.

She rose onto her toes and pressed a soft kiss on his lips while resting her hand on his chest. "You forgot this"

He smiled faintly, lingering for just a second before pulling away.

Right then, Edwardo approached from the hallway with a sealed envelope in one hand.

"Master Ethan" he said, stopping a respectful distance away. "This arrived yesterday. From House Desdemona. I thought it best to present it to you this morning."

Ethan’s brow furrowed slightly. He reached out and took the envelope. "Desdemona?" he muttered, already breaking the seal open. "What’s it about?"

Edwardo stood silently as Ethan unfolded the letter and began to read.

Inside was a formal invitation, written in elegant script.

"You are cordially invited to an evening gathering hosted by Lady Audrey of House Desdemona."

Ethan’s eyes scanned the rest of it quickly.

"You and any companions you choose to bring are welcome to attend. The gathering will be held at the Desdemona estate on the evening of..."

He lowered the letter and turned towards Eduardo. "...An evening at House Desdemona."

For a moment, he said nothing. Then he let out a scoff. "So what is this supposed to be? An apology for her grandson?"

Edwardo shook his head almost immediately. "I highly doubt it, Master Ethan."

Ethan’s gaze returned to the letter, narrowing his eyes slightly as he read it again.

"...No," he murmured. "This is not for an apology."

His expression hardened just a fraction.

"She’s most likely calling in important people... just to remind them who she is."

Edwardo gave a nod. "She’s trying to reasserting influence."

Ethan folded the letter."...I see."